Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Scene cut from Athens museum film after protests

AP – A general view of the new Acropolis Museum as the ancient Parthenon temple is seen in the background, …
Slideshow:Acropolis Museum
By DEMETRIS NELLAS, Associated Press Writer Demetris Nellas, Associated Press Writer – Sat Jul 25, 6:07 pm ET
ATHENS, Greece – A scene from an animated film shown to visitors at the new Acropolis Museum that depicts Christian priests destroying parts of the Parthenon has been deleted following protests by the Greek Orthodox Church.
The creator of the segment, Greek-born French filmmaker Constantin Costa-Gavras, has demanded that his name be taken off the film credits in protest.
"The priests used to destroy ancient temples. Now they want to remove scenes from a film," Costa-Gavras told Greece's Mega TV channel. "This is the kind (of censorship) that used to happen in the former Soviet Union."
Costa-Gavras, known mainly for French-language films with political themes, such as "Z" and "State of Siege", shared an Academy Award in 1983 for best screenplay adaptation for the English-language film "Missing," starring Jack Lemmon, a film Costa-Gavras also directed.
Costa-Gavras' 1-minute, 40-second segment depicting the damage done to Parthenon over the centuries — from marauding Germanic warriors in 267 A.D. to the removal of a large part of the frieze by British diplomat Lord Elgin in early 19th century — was part of a larger piece produced for the 2004 Athens Olympics and had been incorporated into a 13-minute film shown to museum visitors, narrating the history of the Parthenon from its inception to the present day.
The animated segment showed figures clad in black climbing up ladders and destroying part of the Parthenon frieze; the scene referred to well-documented episodes of destruction that took place in the early Byzantine period (5th-8th centuries A.D.), when Christians often demolished monuments and temples belonging to the old pagan era. Many parts from those temples were used to build churches. The Parthenon itself suffered some damage but was spared a worse fate by being converted into a church.
Church officials contended the film misrepresented the attitude of the Greek Orthodox Church toward Greece's ancient heritage.
Greek media reported the segment was excised after the intervention of Culture Minister Antonis Samaras.
A Church of Greece spokesman denied there was any "formal or informal" protest lodged with the Culture ministry but said that the church's Holy Synod took up the matter at its latest meeting on July 21.
"The issue was discussed at the meeting, but no protest was made, either in writing or orally," said press officer Haris Konidaris.
The Holy Synod's press release mentions that the church will "finance the research and writing of a study on the Church's contribution to preserving the Ancient Greek heritage (monuments, texts)."
Museum director Dimitris Pantermalis acknowledged the Greek Church's displeasure and, while he tried to minimize the importance of the episode, appeared irritated at those who objected.
"The segment that was cut was no more than 12 seconds long and the accompanying narration has been left intact," he told the Associated Press. "The film depicted a historical fact — that some early Christians destroyed, or tried to destroy, ancient monuments, and this fact remains. ... I cannot understand those who said that (in) showing figures clad in black robes, we depicted priests. That's what people were wearing in the Byzantine period, not trousers," he said.
Pantermalis later released a statement defending the cuts in the film as "an effort to eliminate misunderstanding and not censorship at all."
The Acropolis Museum, which opened on June 20, now receives an average of 11,000 visitors daily, Pantermalis said.

July 20, 2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops. The American Hellenic Council was originally founded to protest the injustice that started taking place in Cyprus on that day and has continued up to this day.

During the last thirty-five years, we have seen bloodshed, refugees, the creation of the Green Line separating people who once used to live in peace together and a myriad of failed diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the problem. Despite the de-facto division of the island into the UN-recognized Cyprus in the south and the puppet state run by the Turkish military in the northern one-third of the island, Cyprus was admitted into the European Union in 2004 through a series of diplomatic arrangements that kept the status quo in place.

But why has the status quo been kept intact after all this time?

The roots of the Cyprus problem can be traced to an era very different from the one we live in at the moment. One can argue that the crisis that culminated to the Turkish military invasion had many causes. Yet, it can only be seen through the lens of the Cold War.

In 1974 the European Union did not exist and Western Europe was depended on the US nuclear umbrella to deter a “potential sweep” from the Red Army. Makarios, who at the time was president of the Republic of Cyprus, was very popular domestically. In the 1968 re-election, he received 96% of the popular vote, beating Takis Evdokas who ran on a reunification with Greece platform. Makarios, history shows, was a leader accountable to his costituents, whether they spoke Greek or Turkish.

Back in Washington, The Nixon White House was determined not to allow another Cuban Missile Crisis or another Vietnam from occuring and Henry Kissinger’s Realpolitik was dominating foreign policy making. Realpolitik is a term used to describe foreign policy based solely on practical (or Machiavellian) considerations and ignoring ideological or human-rights concerns. In the eyes of Kissinger, Makarios was too independent a leader. In many ways, Makarios, just like Ho Chi Minh or Fidel Castro, sought the independence of his people from the remnants of colonial rule. Fearing a replay of history, the US National Security Advisor & Secretary of State (he held both roles in 1974!), was determined to prevent at all costs another potentially Communist state in the strategic Eastern Mediterranean.

In the meantime, in Greece, the military junta had assumed power in 1967. The junta (some argue with the encouragement of the Dept. of State and the CIA) was secretly seeking unification between Greece & Cyprus. The Junta, unpopular at home after years of repressive rule, needed a boost to its stature and secretly sought unification between Greece & Cyprus. Relations between the generals and Makarios started to deteriorate culminating in the crisis of July 1974. The Greek generals, maladvised from the State Department and without having theirs nor their Cypriot’s brethen interests in mind, deposed Makarios. As a result, Turkey invaded as a guarrantor power under the pretext of “protecting” its nationals.

A few days after the invasion, the military regime in Athens collapsed and five months later, Makarios returned to Cyprus as its President until his death in 1977. Yet, the Turkish military remains an occupying force in the northern third of the island until today…

Today, ALL the reasons that led to the invasion of Cyprus by the Turkish military do not exist. Greece has a democratically elected government that has not sought, nor is seeking reunification with Cyprus. Nor does Greece present a military or demographic threat to either Cyprus or Turkey. The Soviet Union has seized to exist. The European Union is setting an example of uniting people with the power of the free markets by moving eastward. Cyprus has a thriving economy that can benefit and accommodate all its citizens, whether of Greek or Turkish nationality. Therefore, all citizens of the island stand to benefit from withdrawal of the Turkish military.

So, why has reunification and expulsion of the Turkish occupying force has still not happened ten years after Gorbachev decided not to send in the troops to East Germany? The reasons are many and interrelated. A few possible ones that come to mind:

1.Mainland Turkey’s government is trying to create a new demographic status quo in the northern occupying part of the island by resettling it with people from anatolia. Such strategy benefits with the passage of time and the ultimate goal could be seeking a permanent division based on new population claims.
2.Lack of “real” Turkish Cypriot representation in the negotiations. The Turkish military is who controls the northern part of the island and they are the ones who call the shots. In return, the Turkish military is accountable to the mainland Turkish people and does not care about the interests of the Turkish Cypriots. They have no real incentive to negotiate in good faith because any reunification option would damage their own interests.
3.Inertia and/or unwillingness in the US political landscape to press the Turkish generals to compromise. This is caused by State’s and Defense’s need for Turkey as a strategic ally in the area coupled with lack of knowledge of the issue by Congress or US costituents.
4.Limited role of the European Union in Eastern Mediterranean strategic and security matters. Especially after the accension of Cyprus into the EU (a great missed opportunity for reunification), the EU has only one opportunity left to press for resolution of the problem and that will be when Turkey applies for membership.
5.Limited trust between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leadership on the island due to years of division and therefore inability to establish a united front vis-à-vis the occupying power.
As can be seen, the problems that brought about the de-facto division of Cyprus do not exist any more. The new reasons that maintain the division and prevent the withdrawal of the occupying foreign force from the northern part of the island are much easier to overcome than Cold-War considerations if only the United States governement had the will to right a wrong. Thirty-five years later, there are people who lost their lives, people who lost loved ones, people who lost property. Thirty-five years later, the Cypriot people, whether Turkish or Greek are still been done injustice for no good reason. It's never too late to right a wrong, even thirty-five years later...

Ohi Day
Celebrated throughout Greece, Cyprus and the Greek communities around the world on October 28 each year, Ohi Day (also spelled Ochi Day, Greek: Επέτειος του «'Οχι», Anniversary of the "No") commemorates Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas's (in power from August 4, 1936 until January 29, 1941) rejection of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Mussolini on October 28, 1940.
The Italian ultimatum
This ultimatum, which was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador in Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, on October 28, 1940, at dawn (04:00 AM), after a party in the German embassy in Athens, demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified "strategic locations" or otherwise face war. It was allegedly answered with a single laconic word: όχι or no. Most scholars dismiss the use of the word 'Ohi' as an urban legend, claiming that the actual reply was the French phrase "Alors, c'est la guerre" ("Then it is war"). In response to Metaxas's refusal, Italian troops stationed in Albania, then an Italian protectorate, attacked the Greek border at 05:30 AM. Metaxas's reply marked the beginning of Greece's participation in World War II (see Greco-Italian War and Battle of Greece).

On the morning of October 28 the Greek population took to the streets, irrespective of political affiliation, shouting 'ohi'. From 1942, it was celebrated as Ohi Day.


The Greek island of Poros decorated in recognition of Ohi Day
[edit] Anniversary
During the war, October 28 was commemorated yearly by Greek communities around the world and in Greece, and after WWII it became a public holiday in Greece. The events of 1940 are commemorated every year with military and student parades. On every anniversary, most public buildings and residences are decorated with Greek flags.

The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.

The Ideals of Ancient Greece Important to All
AHEPA members are proud of the contributions the ancient Greeks gifted to Western Civilization. As Americans, we share many of the values put forth by them: civic responsibility, philanthropy, education, family and individual excellence, and the ideals of democracy. This is the essence of our heritage. This is the core of our mission.

Moreover, throughout the span of its history, AHEPA has served as a vital vehicle for the progressive development and emergence of American citizens of Greek heritage into every facet of society: government, business, education, and the arts. This fulfillment illustrates the promise of the American Dream and symbolizes the hard work ethic of our immigrant forbearers who labored to achieve that dream with the principles of Hellenism rooted deep in their hearts.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia.

AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society.

Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community.

Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Greek descent, application for membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization.

AHEPA Chapter 243-General information

ORDER OF AHEPA SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
Established October 17, 1929
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
“Keeping the Spirit Alive”
http://www.ahepa20.org/~ chapter243/
Or www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)
** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
*If each brings in one new member-that will be fine in 2009*

General mailing address: Ahepa Chapter #243, c/o Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 1205 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.
(805) 683-4492, Fax (805) 964-2774 http://www.saintbarbara.net/ (please note our e-mail address above).

2008-2009 officers:
Pres. James P. Brown, D.C.
Vice. Pres. Alex Chuchas,
Treasurers- Steve & Chris Compogiannis,
Sec’y & immediate Past President James Arger,
Past District Governor- Costandinos Frangos.
Meetings held on the third Monday of the month (12) @ Harry's Plaza Cafe' in the Lorretto Plaza at the corner of State St. and Las Positas Rd,
6:30-6:45 start time.
We have a wide range of vision and activity. We welcome your visitation.

ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
www.ahepa20,org/chapters
ahepa243@gmail.com

The members of this chapter are looking forward to the year ahead with anticipation and energy. We have a full four months of activities ahead of us. Much has already been done for our Chapter Birthday Celebration-October 17th, Glendi-November 14th, and Christmas Party with emphasis to make them all special and fun. We are welcoming students, hosting a fund-raising BBQ for the Sunday school, assisting in parish events, and considering Ahepa Senior Housing, participating in a December marathon, and sponsorship of service personnel of Greek heritage. PLEASE SAVE THE DATES ABOVE. We have many events planned and we ask for your support of these endeavors.
Until July 29, 2009 you can still make reservations for the District 20 Mid-Winter Conference cruise to Ensenada at a reduced rate. Call Jessica Goldman at travel world, 963-6521. See the home page of www.ahepa20.org for this event and also the blog from students in Greece with the Journey to Greece project and to register for the El Camino. Visit our web site for National, Local and Chapter news of interest. Contact us at our e-mail address above.
See you at the St. Barbara Festival,
The members of Chapter #243

AHEPA, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Reaffirm Cooperation
Newly-elected President's First Meeting Is with Archbishop Demetrios
NEW YORK - Newly-elected Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas made his first official visit as supreme president to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to meet with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on Wednesday, July 8, 2009.

The meeting, which lasted nearly over an hour, covered wide range of topics from the Unity Forum held at the AHEPA Supreme Convention to the upcoming visit to the United States this fall of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to AHEPA's series of regional banquets across the United States with the first one scheduled to take place in New York on November 21, 2009.

"It's always an honor and a privilege to meet with Archbishop Demetrios and discuss all the issues that are important to both the Greek Orthodox Church and to the Greek American community," said Supreme President Karacostas following the meeting. "I had a wonderful opportunity to tell His Eminence about our programs this year and we will be visiting more often, since I live in New York. I look forward to keeping in close communication with regard to AHEPA?s programs and support of the Greek Orthodox Church."

"We exchanged views on the educational, housing and environmental programs of AHEPA," Archbishop Demetrios told Greek News in a post-meeting interview. "There is a will to promote a cooperation between the Archdiocese and the AHEPA on these and other programs with a sense of unity amongst all the organizations within the Greek American Community, in order to be more productive."

Subject: [Ahepa20.org] Journey to Greece 2009 Blog


http://journeytogreece2009.wordpress.com/

Journey to Greece 2009 Session one underway and you can follow the students daily acivities with the above blog link.
The pictures are fantastic and you really get a sence of being with the students. Please pass this on everyoneyou know around the
country so that others will learn about the AHEPA JTG program.

3rd annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival announces Orpheus Award winners

Presenters Included Nia Vardalos, Jim Gianopulos, Marilu Henner, Mimi Denisi, Keith Morris, Alexis Georgoulis and Stratton Leopold with Host Patricia Kara. Penelope Spheeris and Deputy Ambassador to UN Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras Received Honorary Orpheus Awards.
LOS ANGELES, CA, June 30, 2009 -The 3rd annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) announced its award winners with GUINNESS directed by Alexis Kardaras as the winner of the Orpheus Award for Best Feature. Dimitris Athiridis' T FOR TROUBLE AND THE SELF ADMIRATION SOCIETY was selected as Best Documentary And Nikias Chryssos' THE GRANDFATHER as Best Short Film. Special Jury Commendations were given to Constantina Voulgaris' VALSE SENTIMENTALE in the feature category, Adam Schmedes' CHAMELEON BEACH in the documentary category and Stefan Georgiou's WE CALL HER DAISY in the short film category. The Audience Award went to James Chressanthis' NO SUBTITLES NECESSARY: LASZLO & VILMOS


Patricia Kara of Deal or No Deal presided at the Closing Night Ceremony. Alexis Kardaras' GUINNESS closed this year's film festival. A young gambler, who is searching for a case of gold, comes upon an isolated tavern in the Greek mountains. The owner's unhappy wife complicates his plan and perpetuates his spell of misfortune. Keith Morris of the Circle Jerks presented an Honorary Orpheus Award to Penelope Spheeris. Greece's popular stage actress and playwright Mimi Denisi presented an Honorary Award to Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras accepted by his wife Margarita Mavromichali. Nia Vardalos, Jim Gianopulos, Marilu Henner, Alexis Georgoulis and Stratton Leopold also presented awards.


The opening remarks from Co-Founders and Directors Angeliki Giannakopoulos and Ersi Danou, and Greek Festival Representative Avra Georgiou kicked off the evening's festivities. The third year festival enjoyed enthusiastic audience attendance and full theatres throughout its four-day run, with screenings held at the Egyptian Theatre.
LAGFF showcases new films from Greece, Cyprus, and filmmakers of Greek descent worldwide. Eight feature films, seven documentaries, eight shorts, and 15 films enjoying their US premieres were played within the four-day Festival. I HATE VALENTINE'S DAY, Nia Vardalos' directorial debut, had its world premiere on Saturday June 27. LAGFF promotes and nurtures Greek Cinema while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. The Festival also offers screenings of film masterworks, seminars on important contemporary film issues, and tributes to significant filmmakers and performers. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories.