Weblog
21/12: A time of need for Antonia Huntley - Antonia’s Fund
A time of need forAntonia Huntley - Antonia’s Fund
These days there seems to be so many people in need...............
On September 27, 2008, two year old Antonia was found unconscious in her home by emergency personnel who responded to a call from Fotini, Antonia’s mother. Tragically, Fotini who suffers from mental illness, attempted to drown her daughter in the bathtub. Although Antonia was stabilized by physicians, the likelihood of her recovery remains in question as it is unknown how long her brain was deprived of oxygen. We hope that with rehabilitation, the love of her family, your prayers and the Grace of God, she will again possess a joyful and blessed quality of life.
“Antonia’s Fund” has been established at her home parish, Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville in conjunction with her father Anthony, to assist with possible medical treatments and well as aspects of long term care that are not covered by insurance. If you’d like to donate, please see the column on the left for details how you can help. Any donation you can make will be a great blessing to Antonia and her family. Finally, please keep Antonia, her parents, extended family and all those who have and will continue to provide her care in your prayers.
To help ….Please make your check payable to St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church fbo Antonia Huntley or just write Antonia Huntley in the memo line. You may mail your check to St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661 or make a deposit at any Wells Fargo Bank branch into Account No. 5713116175. If you have any questions, please call Michelle Ksidakis at 916-202-8457 or Michelle Raines, Ass't Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank at 916-791-3901.
21/12: Greece During World War II Crete
Greece During World War II CreteMemories from the holocaust of Ierapetras western villages by Stefanos Gerontis
The book "The burned villages. Memories of the destruction of the western villages of Ierapetra in 1943" contains twenty narrations of villagers from Ierapetras western villages.
The project “Memories from the holocaust of Ierapetras western villages” aims at keeping alive the memory of a mass civilian extermination campaign by nazi forces in September 1943 at Viannos and Ierapetra districts, thus improving this and following generations knowledge of what took place and its consequences on the lives of people that had the luck to survive. Under the general perspective given by modern historical scientific practices that take under serious consideration and thus research oral testimonies, Lasithi Prefecture chooses in the project to take full advantage of oral testimonies of witnesses, descendants of martyrs and villagers of the site, while they are still among us. This site is a basic mean of disseminating these testimonies and aims to contribute in them reaching as much possible organizations and individuals.
The Book is compilation of personal stories, it is free. Just provide the email address. http://www.holocaust-lasithi.eu/en/index.php
17/08: Miracles Do Happen
Months ago I sent several postings to you regarding Evanthia Pappas. Evanthia was stricken with a severe form of breast cancer and was need of help financially for her medical treatment. Thousands of you responded with your kindness, love, and generosity.Evanthia wrote an open letter to the Greek community and Evanthia’s family asked me to forward it.
Evanthia’s Letter:
Miracles Do Happen
'For I know the plans I have for you declared the Lord, plans not to harm you but to give you hope and a future. For I will restore you to health and heal you of your wounds'..Jerimiah 30:17
It is often in the midst of the most amazing moments in life when we find ourselves without words... What words can posibly describe a miracle? It just is!
I was a stranger to most of you...bound only by my heritage as a Greek American and you ALL came running to my aid. Some of you I know but most were strangers. Without your generous efforts, love and prayers, I would not be alive today because I simply did not have the money for this bone marrow transplant. Perhaps most special to me are the children who prayed for me and gave me money.. as I truly believe children are a blessing from God. I carried the smiles and pictures sent to me by the children into my dreams at night in the hospital. Many a nights these smiles from the children gave me the fortitude and courage to fight the cancer so I could go back to being a special victims prosecutor to protect children. I am humbled that the very children I fight to protect and save, helped save me! I am also so grateful to the Houston Greek Orthodox parish and priests whole gave me so much support and love while I was in Houston.
I am humbled by your love, generosity, and continuing prayers. You have given me a second chance at life with God's hand guiding all of your hearts...May God bless you always. Because of you I have the great privilege of being able to return to my work at the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, part time at first and eventually full time to my trial duties. God has given me a second chance to give back. I am blessed to have a community/family of Greeks to heal me and love me. O Theos Ene Megalos!
Medical Status: No active Cancer. I will receive scans every 3 months and look forward to being able to receive reconstruction in 6-9 months.
04/08: Where have all the Greek Organizations gone to?
During the past five years I have become increasingly aware of Greek-American organizations with significantly declining memberships. It appears that many of our organizations seem to be dying off.Why?
Greeks started immigrating to the San Francisco area in greater numbers in 1890s. By 1925, Greek immigration had reached its peak. The San Francisco Examiner reported there were roughly 12,000 Greek immigrants living in the San Francisco area at that time.
As Greek immigrants settled in the area, they formed groups based on their political beliefs and the region of Greece they were from. In 1925, there were ten organizations in the Prometheus Greek-American Business Directory as being headquartered in San Francisco. By 1930, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Daughters of Penelope had been founded and local chapters were established in San Francisco.
Church communities were established outside of San Francisco and as Greek immigration declined our organizations struggled with the adjustment of life in America. The demographics of our organizations changed. The Greek immigrants that started those organizations were replaced with second and third generation Greek–Americans. Many of these second and third generation Greek-Americans did not share the same enthusiasm for Greek political organizations or Greek regional groups as their forefathers, and as a result, membership declined. We had become American citizens.
Recently Fr. Aris Metrakos at Holy Trinity suggested a book to read that discussed American culture and how American culture is not really understood. The author further goes on to say that a person has to care enough about their culture to want to preserve it. I believe that our historical societies and our organizations have to take the lead with our youth so they have the desire to preserve the culture, faith, and history of their forefathers. Many of the organizations are failing in that goal.
Several of the organizations that have significantly declined in membership (or died off) have leaders that have not done a meaningful job of bringing our youth within their organizations and giving them responsible positions so they could eventually assume leadership roles. As a result, our youth have lost interest in joining our organizations.
Our organizations have to face this century with the desire and goal to make our youth their first priority, to instill in them the desire the preserve our culture and heritage. We must also give them progressively more responsible roles and acknowledge them for their accomplishments. The alternative is to gradually watch our organizations become a part of our history.
05/07: In Memory of Fr. Anthony Kosturos
When I think of Fr. Anthony I am reminded of his speech as he reflected on his 50th anniversary in the priesthood. In this speech, among other things, he described the priesthood so eloquently.“It is duty in love, duty in understanding, duty in humility, duty in appreciation of the complex nature of human beings. It is a profound comprehension of the sublime and mysterious nature of God's working through a humble human being in his attempt as a priest to help save people from psychological confusion and spiritual death.”
Fr. Anthony’s sermons were deeply spiritual, thought-provoking, and remembered by many for decades.
Several months ago a committee was formed to determine how Fr. Anthony should be memorialized at Holy Trinity, the parish he served for almost fifty years. His passing four years ago brings back vivid memories.
When our community speaks of Fr. Anthony, you frequently hear the words, “a man of faith”, “a saint”, and “dedicated”. It’s very difficult to express a priest’s deep devotion to a parish family. While I can think of many wonderful ways to describe Fr. Anthony my first thought is that he was “a man of vision”.
Fr. Anthony was born and raised in San Francisco. He grew up in the Mission district relatively close to the center of the Greek community on Third Street. He understood our community well. After Fr. Anthony was assigned to Holy Trinity he could see that the Greek community was changing. During the 1940s the immigrants that settled in the Third Street area were moving outside of the city to the South Bay. Non-Greek owned businesses were moving to the Third Street area and San Francisco’s Greek Town was fading into history.
As our community changed Fr. Anthony had the vision to guide Holy Trinity in a direction for its long term future. It was a bold move to choose property on Brotherhood Way. Fr. Anthony ‘s faith, discernment, and action guided him so he could turn the vision into reality.
Fr. Anthony was the spiritual father of the parish for almost fifty years, not a founder or an owner or a CEO. I cannot say he was a saint (as the church has not canonized him) although many of his actions can be described as saintly. I cannot say he was the founder of Holy Trinity because I believe the term should be used for those brave immigrants who banded together to formally create the Holy Trinity community in 1904.
His devotion, dedication, and sacrifice to the duties he described above set an example for others to follow. The parish is honoring his memory by renaming the hall after him, installing a plaque honoring his years of service, and by placing his vestments in the hall as a historical display.
May his memory be eternal.
29/05: A New Film -- The Journey : The Greek American Dream
In 2006, I visited the Archdiocesan archives in New York twice for the purpose of doing historical research. On both occasions I had the pleasure of meeting Maria Iliou, a young film maker from Athens who was making a film called the Greek American Dream. I prepared a CD of historical photographs from San Francisco and Oakland for her.A web site was created for the movie she directed.
http://www.thejourneygreekamericandream.org
The film is starting to become popular and many members of our community are ordering the DVD.
I ordered a copy and you might want to consider ordering a copy as well.
27/05: The Mission of Historical Societies and Hellenic Institutions
I recently read a book where the author's thesis was that Americans do not understand their culture. The author was trying to make the point you have to know and understand your culture to care enough about it to want to preserve it. An interesting point. There are lessons here to be learned for the Greek community.For several years I have served as the chair of Holy Trinity's Historical Society. I have always loved Greek-American history. Talking to older members of the Greek community and hearing their family stories has provided a great deal of personal inspiration, especially for the book I am writing.
From 1915-1925, thousands of Greek immigrants came to the San Francisco area. As generations have passed, our culture has become more Americanized. With each generation it becomes increasingly difficult to preserve our past and our culture.
The most important role of a historical society or Hellenic Institution is to preserve our culture and history so that people will care enough about it to want to preserve it. That is the primary mission for any Hellenic Institution or Society.
While other groups struggle to build unity and support for their organization's goals, the bay area is very fortunate. Groups in San Francisco and Oakland work well together. We face challenges and we are willing to take them on, and more importantly as a group. We are dedicated. We love our language. We love our culture. We want to preserve it for future generations.
In unity, we can accomplish a lot.
02/04: Gina Pappan for State Assembly
To: Friends of GinaFrom: Gina
Re: Campaign
Things are going remarkably well in my race for the State Assembly.
The response to my candidacy has been overwhelming. My experience is appealing to voters. They are excited about my bringing to Sacramento the same leadership that I have already shown on important issues such as education, the economy, healthcare and the environment.
In order to ensure that we stay on the track to victory, we need your help. Your time is essential to our grassroots effort to GET OUT THE VOTE (“GOTV”).
She who wins on the ground, wins the race. No two ways about it.
WE NEED – YOU!
Time is short—the absentee ballots go out in 30 days and the election is on June 3rd. Do not delay. You can make a difference in helping Gina win!
We have a variety of things to accomplish. We will match you with the task that best suits your skills and interest, whether it is phone calling, getting out mailers, or dropping brochures off at the homes of targeted voters, which is great exercise. Just think you can campaign and lose weight!
SO DON’T DELAY, THE ELECTION IS ONLY 60 DAYS AWAY.
WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW.
To sign up, contact campaign manager Jennifer Root at 650-952-2272 or respond to this e-mail.
In advance, please let me thank you from the bottom of my heart. It takes the efforts of so many to run for office and win. I am honored by those of you who have already helped and those of you who will come to help me get to Sacramento and make a difference.
Thank you,
Gina
24/02: Smithsonian Resident Associate Program
February 8, 2008 Fax: 202-786-2034 email: CustomerService@ResidentAssociates.orgBarbara Tuceling
Director of Smithsonian Resident Associate Program
The Smithsonian Associates
PO Box 23293
Washington, DC 20026-3293
Dear Ms Tuceling,
On behalf of the members of the Pan-Macedonian Association, USA, one of the largest Greek-American organizations, we wish to express our profound disappointment that such a respected institutions as the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program, is ready to embrace historic inaccuracies.
It came to our attention through your advertisement that art historian and “Macedonian” native, Aneta Georgievska-Shine “...explores the multi-layered cultural heritage of this dynamic history...Home to exquisite Byzantine churches with beautifully preserved frescos and valuable icons, the Republic of Macedonia is a country or rich and complex cultural identity. Form antiquity, when Alexander the Great created an empire that reached as far away as India...”
Even though President George Bush erroneously recognized the FYROM as Republic of “Macedonia,” back in 2004, Macedonia is a province of Greece since time immemorial. The Slavs, who are Ms Shine’s ancestors, cannot be ethnically, linguistically or culturally Macedonians simply because they did not exist in this area until the 6th century AD, when they descended from Siberia and settled there.
The Hellenic name Macedonia, which had always identified the northern area of Greece, preceded the introduction of the majority Slavic population of The FYROM in the Balkans by well over 2000 years. Therefore when they arrived in the area, the Byzantine Empire was already in existence. In addition Ms Tuceling two wrongs, our President’s in 2004 and your institute’s embracing historic inaccuracies, do not make a right.
In addition Alexander the Great the Macedonian, spoke Greek, used the Hellenic alphabet, carried Homer’s works with him and spread the Hellenic language and civilization throughout the then known world. He did not speak the Bulgarian dialect that The FYROM people speak; he did not use the Cyrillic alphabet, which had not even appeared till about one thousand years after his death. Alexander the Great is our Abraham Lincoln, as he united the North and the South of the Hellenic World under Hellas.
The historians in your esteemed institute should know that during the ancient Olympic Games, only Greeks could participate. The Macedonians therefore participated for the very fact that they too were Greeks.
With this letter we formally request that you desist from engaging in promoting falsified and revised history through your institution.
We would appreciate an answer.
Sincerely,
Nina Gatzoulis Maria Hatzinakos
Supreme President Supreme Secretary
31/01: DEMONSTRATION IN MEMORY OF HRANT DINK
DEMONSTRATION IN MEMORY OF HRANT DINKSaturday, February 2nd, 9:00 AM Sharp
312 Sutter Street (between Stockton & Kearny Sts.), San Francisco, 94108
In memory of Armenian newspaper editor Hrant Dink, assassinated in Turkey on January 20, 2007, The Bay Area ANC has organized a demonstration at the site of an all-day workshop, "Portrait of Turkey," hosted by the World Affairs Council in San Francisco.
Speakers at the workshop include the Consul General of Turkey, Hakan Tekin, and the Honorary Consul General of Turkey for the Bay Area, Bonnie Joy Kaslan (a plaintiff in the 2004 lawsuit seeking removal of the Mt. Davidson Cross memorial plaque, commemorating the Armenian Genocide.)
HELP US RAISE OUR VOICES LOUDLY to workshop participants, reminding them:
Hrant Dink was silenced forever because he spoke out about the Armenian Genocide;
Many others are being criminally prosecuted for discussing the Armenian Genocide;
Armenians, Kurds, Greeks, other minorities and their cultural properties are under constant threat in Turkey;
Turkey conducts a massive campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, recently spending millions of dollars and using drastic political threats to manipulate the U.S. legislative process to defeat the Armenian Genocide resolution pending in Congress.
Transportation Options:
Parking on Sutter Street is available at the Sutter-Stockton Garage (entrance on Stockton).
It is recommended to take BART or MUNI and get off at the Montgomery Station.
MUNI Buses are also available: Bus lines 38/38L Geary, 30/45 Stockton, and the 2/3/4 Sutter bus lines.
Visit 511.org for schedule and fares.
---
Armenian National Committee
San Francisco - Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: (415) 387-3433
Fax: (415) 751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org