EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). At a defining moment for the Hellenic-American community, Helleniscope is honored to publish the following heartfelt “Call for Unity” By HANC President (and former “Enosis” President) Bill Mataragas, a message that speaks not only to an upcoming celebration, but to the enduring soul of Hellenism in the United States.
This call rises above the level of a customary announcement. It is a powerful appeal to unity, dignity, and collective remembrance, echoing the sacrifices that gave birth to a free Greece and the responsibility carried by every generation that followed. At a time when other communities can too easily become fragmented – and here in New York, we are in the fifth (and hopefully the last) year of nonsensical internal struggles – this message serves as a timely and necessary reminder of what binds us together: our faith, our heritage, and our shared identity as Hellenes.
In Chicago, the upcoming Greek Independence Day Parade marks the end of the (unnecessarily long) 7-year tenure of Consul Mr. Koumbarakis, whose role in the community was quite divisive and destructive: he replicated in Chicago the corrupt Mitsotakis network that has brought our beloved Greece to its knees. In cooperation with known self-serving characters such as Kostas Haniotakis, consul Koumbarakis tried to bring to America the one aspect of Greece all of us hate with passion: party politics. This was very clear in the recent effort of the Mitsotakis government to introduce an expat voting law that reflects this disgusting idea: participation in the corrupt political parties of Greece.
Bill Mataragas has been steadfast in supporting real unity, not only among the Hellenes of the Diaspora but among all Hellenes. More specifically, he is the type of person who will put aside personal differences and support a renewed spirit of collaboration to promote the reemergence of “Enosis” of Illinois.
May it serve as a catalyst for unity and as a reminder that Hellenism endures strongest when we stand together and avoid party politics.
LINK HERE TO SEE THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY BILL MATARAGAS, BILL MATARAGAS UNITY CALL
BELOW IS THE TEXT
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HELLENIC AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL – UNITED STATES 4/16/2026
Office of the Former President
Federation of Hellenic Societies of Illinois
OFFICIAL CALL FOR UNITY, PRIDE, AND NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE
Greek Independence Day Parade – Chicago | April 19, 2026
To:
All Member Organizations, Community Leaders, and Esteemed Members of the Greek-American Community of Illinois
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
As we approach the sacred celebration of Greek Independence Day, we are called not only to remember, but to honor—with unity, dignity, and deep respect—the sacrifices of those who came before us.
Our ancestors did not offer words.
They offered their lives for the freedom of our Nation, for Faith, and for Hellenism.
The upcoming Greek Independence Day Parade in Chicago, on April 19, 2026, is not simply an event. It is a living tribute to their sacrifice, a continuation of their legacy, and a declaration that Hellenism lives on—strong, united, and proud—here in the United States of America.
For this reason, I wish to express, clearly and wholeheartedly:
This Parade must unite us all.
It belongs to every Greek-American, to every family, to every organization, and to every generation that carries forward the spirit of our ancestors.
The anticipated presence of the Presidential Guard of Greece—the Evzones—elevates this moment to one of profound national honor. Their presence symbolizes the continuity of our history, the strength of our identity, and the sacred duty we share to preserve what was entrusted to us.
At this defining moment, I call upon all of you:
Let us stand together—as one community.
Let us honor our history—with one voice.
Let us support this Parade—with unity, dignity, and pride.
Let us set aside any differences, and remember that above all else, we are bound by something far greater—our Faith, our heritage, and the sacrifice of those who secured our freedom.
Let this Parade be a reflection of who we truly are:
A united people, rooted in history, guided by faith, and committed to the future.
With respect, honor, and brotherly love,
I am very happy that Enosis is coming back to unite the Hellenic Community of Illinois
Bill Mataragas
Former President of Enosis
Federation of Hellenic-American Organization of Illinois
