ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ
Peter Vlitas, who for the last 6-7 years has invested untold amounts of time and effort, and is in charge of the Evzones, stole the show!! Overwhelmed as he was by Lou Katsos’s supreme egotism and lack of consideration for even the simplest things, he expressed his wish that Yiannis Stroumbakis be the Parade Chairman next year!! I think he voiced the opinion of the overwhelming majority!! Enough with Katsos’ self-servishness and oversized ego!! (We will return with more soon.)
By Nick Stamatakis
A festive atmosphere marked the final Greek-American community gathering (Panomogeneiaki) last night, ahead of the upcoming Greek Independence Day parade in New York City this Sunday at 1 pm. The event, as usual, took place at the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria and was organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.
The highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the Presidential Guard’s Evzones, who will march in the parade on Fifth Avenue. Each Evzone introduced himself and his hometown in Greece, receiving warm applause.
PHOTO: The Evzones – they made us proud one more time…
Prominent attendees included Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Consul Petros Dorizas, Grand Marshal Dr. Nikolaos Tsakos, and several Greek political and regional leaders. Their presence underscored the event’s importance to both Greece and the Greek diaspora.
Speakers praised the volunteers and emphasized the significance of this year’s commemorations, which connect:
- 205 years since the Greek War of Independence.
- 250 years since the American Declaration of Independence.
- 250 years of the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias.
- 200 years since the Exodus of Messolonghi.
Officials and organizers expressed optimism for a successful parade and highlighted themes of unity, heritage, and shared democratic values. Several speakers also stressed the symbolic importance of New York and the Statue of Liberty.
PHOTO: I counted more priests than any other time at Stathakeion!! Somebody has to tell them, every time they participate in the Greek Independence Celebration, to ask for forgiveness for their very late and partial participation in the Revolution and for the various excommunications they imposed on the heroes who offered their lives… Yes, there are many exceptions – which always verify the rule…
The event concluded with renewed calls for unity within the Greek-American community, along with optimism that recent internal divisions will soon be resolved.
While the five-year rift within the Federation appears to be nearing its end, a new source of tension has emerged—one many attribute to the leadership style of Parade Chairman Lou Katsos. Numerous concerns have been raised about what critics describe as an overly self-focused and dismissive approach.
PHOTO: Peter Vlitas… AXIOS!
Frustrations came to a head during the event, where Peter Vlitas—who, over the past six to seven years, has devoted significant time and effort and oversees the Evzones—drew widespread recognition for his contributions. Reportedly disheartened by what he perceived as a lack of consideration and collaboration by Lou Katsos, Vlitas expressed support for Yiannis Stroumbakis to serve as Parade Chairman next year—a sentiment that appears to resonate with many in attendance, including Helleniscope. Katsos proved a supreme egotist, and in the next few days, we will explain the many ways he has failed the Federation and the Parade…
The moment underscored the community’s broader desire for more inclusive leadership and a shift away from personalities toward collective purpose.
April 24, 2026, n.stamatakis@aol.com www.helleniscope.com
DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.
TO SUPPORT HELLENISCOPE OR BECOME A SUBSCRIBER, LINK HERE!!
==================
