Opening Ceremonies
On October 10, 2000 the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture (AFGLC)
inaugurated its Center of Greece at the Zappeion Megaron in a celebratory atmosphere
and with the participation of hundreds of dignitaries and other Greeks. The leadership
of the AFGLC was represented by Dr. Chris P. Tsokos, President, Dr. John U. Balis, Vice-President,
and Dr. Demetrios G. Halkias, Treasurer, all of whom traveled to Greece especially for this event.
The following addresses are a testimony to the interest and enthusiasm with which the opening of the
Center as well as the mission of the AFGLC were met in Greece. The addresses appear according to the
order of their presentation at the ceremonies.
Address of
Dr. N. K. Artemiadis
President of the Academy of Athens
Mr. Minister,
Members of the Academy of Athens,
Mr. Mayor,
Mr. President
of the AFGLC, First of all, I would like to thank the President of the AFGLC as
well as his colleagues for their invitation to me to address this audience during
the inauguration ceremonies of the Center of Greece/Athens. My joy was great when
on January 23, 2000 the President of the Foundation, Dr. Chris P. Tsokos, on behalf
of the Executive Committee, invited me to the opening ceremonies of the Interdisciplinary
Center for Hellenic Studies at the University of South Florida. Unfortunately,
for technical reasons it was impossible for me to join them. When I learned about
the creation of the AFGLC I was overjoyed, and from this place here I would like
to extend warm congratulations to all individuals involved for their initiative
and generous efforts towards the realization of their plans. I am willing --and
at this point I am sure that I am expressing the view of all members of the Academy
of Athens-- to help the AFGLC in its efforts as much I can. I totally agree with
the motto of the Foundation, "history will not forgive us if we do not succeed
in the rejuvenation and preservation of Hellenism in the Americas" for one additional
reason: I lived and taught in various Universities of the United States of America
for twenty years, and I am confident that the seeds sown by the Foundation will
bear fruit because times are ripe. Concerning the aims of the Foundation, I would
also like to add the following: I do not think that the crisis in education is
strictly a Greek phenomenon. In my opinion, a major factor contributing to this
crisis is the fact that classical education has been marginalized. Classical education,
very much a Greek kind of education, has as its purpose to shape the soul and
mind of the young generation through understanding of the classical works of antiquity,
to teach man to "know thyself", to make him reach the kernel of his being. "Technological
education" brings the spirit outwards and calls it to take control of material
things and natural forces. But it is self-evident that man, in order to control
his environment without becoming arrogant and hybristic, (and he is in danger
of becoming these today) must first of all master himself, and this can be achieved
through classical education. Technological education without some courses in classics
can transform man into a computer-like mechanism. As a historic people, we have
the obligation to develop in depth the meaning of classical education, which we
invented. The problem therefore is how to combine these two kinds of education,
technological and classical, both of which are necessary: the idealism through
which Hellenism created the ideas about the life of man, and the realism through
which man ought never lose his connection with reality. I am certain that the
Foundation can offer great services in this direction, using simply the virtues
of our nation. I am optimistic that the AFGLC is ready to accomplish a positive
task. From the bottom of my heart I wish you good luck.
Address of
Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos
Mayor of Athens
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure I have come to the opening ceremonies of the AFGLC-Center
of Greece/Athens. I am confident that the Center comes to accomplish an important
national mission. From the earliest time in their history the Greeks have been
a migratory people. Perhaps this is so because their thought has always been ecumenical.
A fundamental factor in the shaping of our thought, just as it is with every culture,
is our language. It is a fact that frequently the third generation of immigrants,
no matter how strongly it remains Greek in its heart, due to a variety of reasons
has lost the divine Greek language. And this loss is regrettable because it is
the language which can express the Greek experience in its totality. I know from
personal experience that the Greek communities of the Diaspora try hard to maintain
our language and traditions, often under difficult circumstances, while they cope
with everyday realities. Their heart is always in Greece, but this should not
be understood as if they do not love the country in which they prosper. They need
help and support, however, and these come primarily from the Church and, unfortunately,
only in an auxiliary manner from the State. The initiative of individuals plays
a fundamental role; this initiative starts with the family, this most important
social cell, and reaches up to the levels of non-governmental organizations, like
the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture. Your aim to put the Greek
language in the curricula of Institutions of Higher Learning in the United States
of America is well thought of because it targets the highest levels of education,
which produce those who eventually will be in power. Taking into account the leading
role of the United States in the world today, we can understand the significance
of your task. The City of Athens is very sensitive towards culture and the traditions
of Hellenism and, through its cultural branches, has taken important initiatives
for the support of the Greek language in South Italy, the European Union, and
elsewhere. We will support you in any possible way, and I am confident that your
efforts will be crowned with success.
Address of
Dr. Angeliki Laiou
Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs with portfolio for the Greeks
of the Diaspora and cultural policy abroad, I would like to extend cordial greetings.
I am sorry that, due to my absence from Greece, I am not present at the opening
ceremonies of the Center of Greece/Athens. Today we are inaugurating the Center
of Greece/Athens and with it its mission: the preservation and rejuvenation of
the Greek language and culture in the United States of America. We live in a world
which is being transformed at a fast pace. The rapid developments in global communications
offer new opportunities, but also present new challenges. In order for them to
become useful, they must be based upon strong foundations of humanistic and cultural
values, which place man on the highest pedestal. Greece is a country with a glorious
past, the cradle of western civilization, but also a modern state, a dynamic society
with great achievements in our days, the will and ability to participate in the
creation of a future characterized by peace, social justice, economic development
and reinforcement of our cultural identity. The recent great success of our athletes
in the Olympics underlines this Greece of optimism and progress. The preservation
of our Greek conscience and identity as well as the cultivation of our language
should be the concern of all of us, so that it becomes a carrier of our culture
in the countries in which the Greeks of the Diaspora live and prosper. But together
with the preservation of our cultural heritage let us not forget modern Greece,
modern Greek language, modern art and culture, which can offer as much as our
tradition. It is important that people who live outside our borders know about
modern Greece, its life and activities, and also the challenges and opportunities
we have ahead of us in the European Union. I am extremely happy I find myself
among people from the Arts and Letters as well as from the business world of Greece
and the United States, new homeland to thousands of Greeks. The Greeks of the
Diaspora are a valuable part of Greece. We are proud of all of you who are so
far away and, at the same time, so close to our hearts and thoughts. I hope that
today’s opening ceremonies are the beginning of even more intense activity, which
eventually will spread all over the world. I wish you good luck.
Address of
Mr. Kostas Karamanlis
President of N. D.
Mr. President,
The activities of the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture, with its Interdisciplinary
Centers for Hellenic Studies, come at a crucial moment in which some major issues
are at stake regarding our language and cultural identity. The globalization of
the economy, communications, transportation of people and ideas creates cultural
phenomena. Thousands of languages are expected to disappear in the forthcoming
years, while the assimilating tendencies which develop undermine the substance
and meaning of a multi-cultural society. We the Greeks speak a language which
has a strong cultural background. In its long journey it has evolved into an instrument
rich in content and possibilities, even by the standards of techno-communications.
This language is an element and expression of our cultural uniqueness. Use of
the same language satisfies a strong precondition for the connection between the
Diaspora and the motherland, Greece, and contributes to the preservation of our
cultural and national identity. The spread of the Greek language requires coordinated
efforts by the state, foundations, and organizations. It requires, above all,
that Greece reclaim its historic role as a center for education and culture in
the wider geographical area, overcoming the socialist stiffness; the goal is the
creation of a new generation of Greeks "who partake in our education." In this
and other ways our homeland can offer its vision and contribute to today’s world,
which is in a state of perplexity and confusion concerning culture and everlasting
values. We all are called, therefore, to activate our refractive sense of ecumenism.
I congratulate you on your initiative and wish you every success in your work,
which is useful in many ways.
Address of
Chris P. Tsokos PhD
AFGLC President
Your Honor,
the Mayor of Athens,
Mr. Ambassador of the United States of America,
distinguished President of the Academy of Athens,
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening -- kalespera sas. On behalf of the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture
(AFGLC), I wish to express our sincere thanks to the Greek people for their enthusiastic
and supportive reception that we have received in establishing a center of our
educational foundation here in Greece. We would especially like to thank the new
administrative committee of our center in Greece for their outstanding effort
for these activities. The fundamental mission of the American Foundation for Greek
Language and Culture is to assist in the preservation and enhancement of our rich
Greek culture and language in the United States. To achieve this noble mission,
we have developed a dynamic plan, which is academically outstanding and economically
feasible. This plan is establishing Interdisciplinary Centers for Hellenic Studies
at public and private academic institutions throughout the United States. This
educational concept can do justice to the complex and beautiful meaning of Hellenism.
This intellectual process carries all the essential elements to develop a strong
nation. When the founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia, they were well aware
of the fact that cultural and ethnic diversity would be an asset for the newly
created United States. But they also realized that the new State needed some reliable
and trustworthy foundations, and therefore they turned their attention to the
most respected fountain of wisdom: the ancient Greek political theory. It is a
well known fact, for example, that Thomas Jefferson could read ancient Greek and
also that his personal library contained more than 800 volumes in Greek. All this
Greek knowledge found its way into the most fundamental documents of the American
State. The Hellenic contribution to the development of America has been exponentially
decaying over the years and we strongly believe that it is our responsibility
to educate the Americans, never to forget, who the Greeks are and what we have
contributed. We must educate the leaders of tomorrow about the significant importance
of Hellenism as they proceed with their mission to structure policies that affect
the world in which we live. I have often been asked the question, "Why establish
a center of the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture in Greece?"
My friends and patriots, the noble mission of this public educational foundation
is the RESPONSIBILITY of not only us immigrants and our friends that live in America,
but all Greeks around the globe. The Greek government, the business community,
both private and public, academic institutions and various philanthropic organizations
should join in this responsibility. The returns and benefits of this effort are
astronomical. Our task is difficult and challenging; however, it is essential.
We believe and we are very optimistic that if we all work together we shall overcome.
We have an outstanding beginning and we see a bright light in the depth of the
tunnel. My friends, being a "Greek" is a very rich, beautiful and unique identification.
But it also carries with it a certain responsibility to tell the world who we
are and the importance of Hellenism. The American people are good people. They
are understanding and hard working, but we must educate them as to who we Greeks
are and the significant contribution we have made in the structuring of the United
States and thus WE ARE ALL GREEKS. My friends and fellow Greeks, "if we do not
succeed in the rejuvenation and enhancement of Hellenism in the Americas, history
will not forgive us." That is why we must cooperate in a well-orchestrated effort:
from both sides of the Atlantic and with a deep sense of our heritage and our
contributions to humanity we will work together to put Greece in its rightful
place of honor. Bringing Greece to prominence not only will make our children
and us even more proud to be Greeks, but also will result in a better understanding
of our institutions and our world in general. Together we will succeed. Thank
you, sas euxaristo.
Address of
Dr. John U. Balis
Vice-President of AFGLC
Your Grace,
Mr. Member of the Cabinet,
Mr. American Ambassador to Greece,
Mr. Mayor of Athens,
Mr. President of Academy of Athens,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Mission of AFGLC is to assist in the preservation and enhancement of Greek culture and language through the
American Universities. The guiding concept is based on the fact that the roots
of the American democracy and civilization need in perpetuity communication with
the constituents of Greek culture. The Aims and Objectives of AFGLC will be accomplished
with a multifaceted plan, which has as a basic approach the establishment of Interdisciplinary
Centers of Hellenic Studies (ICHS) in strategically selected American Universities.
The first ICHS has been recently established by the AFGLC at the USF (University
of South Florida). This pioneer Center consists of five endowed professorships,
which cover the most important areas of Greek Studies including Language and Literature,
History, Philosophy, Culture and Orthodox Religion. The Board of Directors of
USF-ICHS consists of the Center's Director, three members of the AFGLC Executive
Committee and the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Therefore, the presence and contribution
of the AFGLC for the function and direction of the Center is essential, and has
been ratified in perpetuity by the University. We anticipate that the future ICHS
in other universities will function in a similar manner and with the same organization.
The programs, accomplishments and future plans of the ICHS are presented at the
annual Educational Forum of AFGLC, which takes place early in March at the USF.
This annual forum has contributed significantly in spreading the central idea
of AFGLC that the establishment of ICHS in American Universities is a goal of
great importance, because it represents the key to open the rich fountains of
Greek culture for the American people and enhance the identity of the Greek community
in this country. We believe that this ambitious endeavor can and should be accomplished
with a plan that incorporates the following premises:
(1) Close collaboration between the AFGLC and ICHS with the academic and administrative leadership of
the selected American Universities.
(2) Creative interaction between AFGLC and ICHS with Greek institutions of higher learning, and
(3) Close collaboration between AFGLC and its Center in Greece with the Business Community in Greece and United
States, as well as with the Greek and American Media, and Greek, Greek-American
and Philhellenic Communities.
The opening of the AFGLC-Center of Greece is a historical
first step in our long Journey to foster transatlantic collaboration with focus
on the promotion of Greek letters in American Universities and the enhancement
of Greek identity in America. Thank you.
Address of
Dr. Demetrios G. Halkias
Treasurer of AFGLC
Mr. Secretary of Education,
Mr. Mayor of Athens,
Mr. U.S. Ambassador Mr. President of the Academy of Athens,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am very happy that I am with you today after 50 years
of residing in the United States of America to talk to you about the AFGLC. A
few Greek academicians at the University of South Florida recognizing the importance
in maintaining the Greek Language and the return of the classics at centers of
higher learning in USA we started working with the goal to develop a center of
excellence with sponsored professorships that will help in the realization of
our goals. As many of you know, this interdisciplinary center of excellence became
reality on March 2000 after a number of years of diligent and concentrated efforts
by the members of AFGLC. The success of the development of the interdisciplinary
center is due to the following: Voluntary service and financial assistance by
the organizers of AFGLC. [The organizers have no personal interests.] Development
of a detailed constitution and by-laws to meet the requirements of the State of
Florida Keeping all Greek communities in Florida informed about the goals and
objectives of the Foundation by personal presentations Developing a membership
base by all who believe in the goals and objectives of the foundation [AFGLC]
Recognition of those who sponsored a professorship or made major contribution
Developing the necessary documents for obtaining a tax free status from the Internal
Revenue Service Developing annual academic forums to exchange views and to promote
the goals and objectives of AFGLC and having an annual Gala Continuous communication
and collaboration with the University of South Florida The AFGLC has developed
such an interdisciplinary center which is economical and is very unique because
it includes all professorships we considered important and it is the first such
center which includes a sponsored professorship for the teaching of Orthodox religion
and Byzantine history. Since the AFGLC has been recognized by centers of higher
education as unique, we have informed all the Greek organizations in USA about
the goals and objectives of AFGLC, we have made available the constitution and
by-laws of AFGLC, our expertise and our voluntary assistance in the event they
are interested in financing the development of centers such as the interdisciplinary
center of AFGLC in various universities in the USA. As of now we are focusing
in the development of such centers in St. Louis, Mo, Pittsburgh, Pa, Southern
New England, etc. I am very delighted that today we are celebrating the opening
of the AFGLC center of Greece in Athens. I believe that the administration of
the center is in capable hands and the president Mr. Evangelos Soroggas is surrounded
by dedicated young men and women who believe in the goals and objectives of AFGLC
and I am certain that with their enthusiasm and their voluntary work the center
will succeed. I also believe that all of us should be proud that we have such
young men and women who are ready to follow our footsteps. In addition, I would
like to believe that many of you who are interested in the maintenance and promotion
of the Greek Language and culture will join and become active members of AFGLC
because only with the help of many we will succeed. We can promise that all of
us at the Headquarters of AFGLC will keep close communication and cooperation
with the AFGLC Center of Greece in Athens and that we will participate every year
in their cultural and social events. In closing allow me to thank and to congratulate
the president Mr. Evangelos Soroggas and his team members together with the responsible
for international cooperation Mrs. Fotini Priniotakis for their untiring efforts
and diligent work for the presentation of this beautiful evening. Thank you.