Left to Right Father Andrew George,Father George Economou,Loula Eliopoulos,Koula Rougas, Eleni Trikoulis, Dr John Grossomanides, Myrna George, Governor Lincoln Chafee, Consul General of Greece Ilias Fotopoulos, Father Philip Zymaris, Leonidas Raptakis, Father Gregory Houlakis,Eleni Vedallis,Panayiota Vastis and the children of the Annunciation, Assumption and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Churches.
RAPTAKIS AND MYRNA GEORGE HOST NINETEENTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF 190th ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AT RI STATE HOUSE
Newly Appointed Greek Consul General Fotopoulos, joins local Greek leaders, elected officials in celebration of Greek heritage
Left to Right Ahepa Supreme Vice President Dr. John Grossomanides, former R.I. State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, R.I Governor Lincoln Chafee, Consul General of Greece ( Boston) Ilias Fotopoulos, former R.I. State Representative Myrna George and Federation Hellenic Societies of New England President Eleni Vιdalis.
Former State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis and former State Represenatative Myrna C.George hosted a celebration of Greek Independence Day at the Rhode Island State House, bringing together state leaders and members of the Hellenic community to recognize the 190th anniversary of Greece’s independence. This is the nineteenth consecutive such celebration of the event, which featured newly appointed Greek Consul General Ilias Fotopoulos being introduced in the Rhode Island Senate, where he gave brief remarks in the Governor’s State Room and the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
Rhode Island’s new Governor, Lincoln Chafee took part in his first ceremony, and welcoming the many guests who came to the State House to enjoy an event featuring Greek poems celebrating Hellenic history and the nation’s commitment to democracy and freedom.
“This event is a wonderful expression of our strong Greek community in Rhode Island and the strong connection between this state known for its commitment to independence and the nation which was the birthplace of democracy,” said Raptakis. George added, “We are grateful to the Governor, the Senate President and House Speaker Gordon Fox who have once again come together in the State House for this special celebration.”
As part of the main program in the Governor’s State Room, Father Philip Zymaris Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Pawtucket delivered both the invocation and the benediction and the audience joined together to sing the American and Greek national anthems. Anastasia Psilos read the poem “The Victory”, Dimitri Vourvachakis and Nicholas Simijis read “I am a Brave Greek”, Vasiliki Platsidakis read “The Drama and the Glory of Mesologi”, Athanasios Dafulas and Lily Carlson read “The Turkish Officer and the Greek Girl”, and Christos Johnston read “Forty Lads”. The children of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cranston performed “The Melody of Three Songs”.
Father Andrew George of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston gave the invocation in the Rhode Island House of Representatives chamber while Father Philip Zymaris of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket gave the invocation in the Senate chambers. Fathers George Economou of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Newport and Father Gregory Houlakis also took part in the celebration.
Both the House and Senate passed resolutions commemorating the Feast day of the Annunciation, the 190th Anniversary of Greece’s independence and highlighting the continuing bonds between both the United States and Greece. The resolutions also stressed the refusal of the government of Turkey to recognize the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The President of the Federation Hellenic Societies of New England, Eleni Vidalis and the Supreme Vice President of AHEPA Dr. John Grossomanides gave remarks in the Governors State Room and also at the reception that followed at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Also attending the reception at the Assumption Church was Rhode Island’s newly elected Attorney General Peter Kilmartin who praised the accomplishments of Rhode Island’s Greek American community.
Both the House and Senate passed resolutions commemorating the Feast day of the Annunciation, the 190th Anniversary of Greece’s independence and highlighting the continuing bonds between both the United States and Greece. The resolutions also stressed the refusal of the government of Turkey to recognize the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The President of the Federation Hellenic Societies of New England, Eleni Vidalis and the Supreme Vice President of AHEPA Dr. John Grossomanides gave remarks in the Governors State Room and also at the reception that followed at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Also attending the reception at the Assumption Church was Rhode Island’s newly elected Attorney General Peter Kilmartin who praised the accomplishments of Rhode Island’s Greek American community.
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