FEDERATION OF CYPRIOT AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΩΝ ΟΡΓΑΝΩΣΕΩΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ
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NEWSLETTER
October - December 2019
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CYPRIOT AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENSUS
You are invited to participate in the Cypriot American Community Census conducted by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO). The purpose of the Census is to compile and record basic information on first, second, and third-generation Cypriot Americans and their spouses (whether of Cypriot descent or not). The Census will serve as an informational tool and as a means of compiling useful/pertinent data that will benefit future generations of Cypriot Americans and will be used for the implementation of programs and projects striving to advance the Cypriot American community. Registered individuals will be kept informed of valuable programs, cultural events, and projects implemented by the FCAO and aiming to preserve the Greek identity and promote the interests of Cyprus and Hellenism at large. This initiative undertaken by FCAO is supported by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Participation in the Census is entirely voluntary and will only take a few minutes to complete the application.
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Eleftheria - Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams Christmas Party and Scholarship Awards
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New York -
On December 14th, the "Petros G. Patrides" Cultural Center at St. Demetrios School in Astoria was flooded with the younger generation of soccer players, their parents, and coaches for the annual Christmas party of the Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams. The event was attended by many dignitaries, including the Consul General of Cyprus, Alexis Phedonos, the President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) Kyriacos Papastylianou, City Councilman Costa Constantinides and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas.
During the event, the FCAO awarded six merit scholarships to Eleftheria players who were accepted into universities. The scholarship recipients were Milton Sonakides, Stefanos Manaridis, Nikolas Stroumbakis, Panagiotis Tsouros, Pantelis Sideras, and Alex Kavazis.
The President of FCAO, Kyriacos Papastylianou, and Consul General of Cyprus, Alexis Phedonos, awarded the scholarships to the players. During his remarks, Kyriacos Papastylianou thanked the President of the Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams, Nicos Tziazas, the coaches, and volunteers for their outstanding contribution to the community and the excellent work they are doing with the youth. He reminded the players to honor the Eleftheria Pancyprian jersey and never forget Pancyprian.
The President of the Eleftheria Nicos Tziazas, during his remarks, thanked FCAO for the scholarships and continuous support. He spoke about the acquiring of the new soccer field that will provide the opportunity for more children to participate in the soccer teams and expressed his gratitude to Councilman Costa Constantinides for making the field a priority and for securing funding for the construction of the stadium.
Stefanos Manaridis spoke on behalf of the scholarship recipients and expressed gratitude to the FCAO and Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams for the scholarship awards. He thanked the coaches and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the club and for allowing him to participate in the Cyprus Winter Tour. The trip was a lifelong experience that provided him the opportunity to learn so much more about the Cypriot culture and history.
City Councilman Costas Constantinidis and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas greeted the guests and awarded citations to the scholarship recipients.
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Another successful Christmas concert
by the Pancyprian Choir
New York -
On December 13th, the Pancyprian Choir impressed the community with another fantastic Christmas concert at St. Catherine's church in Astoria. The evening was dedicated to the memory of philanthropist Nikos Mougiaris, long-time supporter of the Pancyprian Choir. During his remarks Philip Christopher, President of the Pancyprian Association, reminded everyone of the efforts of the Pancyprian Association, which is nothing more than a struggle for the liberation of Cyprus. H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Consul General of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos and other dignitaries attended the Christmas concert.
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Astoria -
On December 15th, the United Cyprians of America organized their annual Christmas Party at their club in Astoria. The President of the FCAO, Kyriacos Papastylianou, and the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Alexis Phedonos, attended the event with many other members of the Association and guests. The President of the United Cyprians, Andreas Evangelou, and his Board Members greeted the guests making sure everyone was having a good time and enjoying the Cypriot food and wines. Santa Claus surprised the children with gifts.
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New York
- On December 20th, the Pancyprian Freedoms held its annual Christmas celebration at The Cove Restaurant in Roslyn. The President of the FCAO Kyriacos Papastylianou, EVP Nicos Paphitis, VP of Public Relations Martinos Kyprianou, the President of the Pancyprian Association Philip Christopher, players and members of the Pancyprian Association attended the successful event and celebrated in a warm atmosphere the teams' 2019 Achievements.
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Association of Asgata "Cyprus"
celebrates 85th Anniversary
New York
- On November 16th, the Association of Asgata Cyprus held it's annual Dinner Dance to celebrate its 85th anniversary and to honor the Mayor of Asgata Yiannakis Papaioannou and the 2019 University/College Graduates. Following the tradition of previous years, the established scholarships are awarded to university graduates with roots from the village of Asgata. The Association of Cyprus, established in 1934, is one of the oldest associations formed by Cypriot immigrants from the village of Asgata. The President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) Kyriacos Papastylianou and Board Members attended the successful event.
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Friends of Cyprus in Atlanta
"Celebrate Cyprus" event
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Atlanta
- On November 3rd, Friends of Cyprus in Atlanta organized a successful annual "Celebrate Cyprus" event at the Cathedral's Hellenic Center. During the event, the guests had the opportunity to taste authentic Cypriot and Greek food and wines.
The event was well attended and well received and featured Cypriot performer Harry Antoniou.
The VP of Culture of FCAO Despina Axiotakis represented the Federation at the event.
On the photo from left to right: Despina Axiotakis, FCAO VP of Culture, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos and Maria Ioannou Alberts, President, Friends of Cyprus, Atlanta.
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Pancyprian Association excites audience with
Michalis Violaris concert
New York
– On October 13th, the Pancyprian Association of America presented the legendary singer Michalis Violaris, in a successful concert at the Queens Theater. The legendary singer was accompanied by vocalist Andriana Kollia and the Pancyprian Choir under the direction of Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis. The emotional concert featured a retrospective of Violaris’ over 50 years in music as he performed hits from throughout his career. The concert also showcased the talents of vocalist Kollia and the musicians George Salvanos on piano, George Politis on bass guitar, Michalis and Maria Giatrakis, (father and daughter) both on bouzouki and Ellie Tsachtani on flute.
The President of the Pancyprian Association, Philip Christopher, thanked everyone present for their support, and he especially thanked Michalis Violaris for his music and longstanding career and efforts for Cyprus. The Cypriot singer is known for popularizing the Cypriot dialect in popular Greek music while bringing attention to the struggle for justice for Cyprus, Philip Christopher said.
The President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), Kyriacos Papastylianou, in his remarks, thanked Michalis Violaris for his efforts, that promote the Greek Cypriot music and culture.
New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, the first Greek-Cypriot elected official in New York, also thanked Violaris for his contributions to music and culture and presented him with a proclamation from the City of New York. A representative from New York State Senator Michael Gianaris’ office presented proclamations from the State Senate and the Assembly also honoring Violaris. The Consul General of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos was also among the speakers called up to offer congratulations, and thanks for the successful concert.
The President of the Pancyprian Cultural Division, Ms. Ismini Michaels, presented Michalis Violaris with the Pancyprian Award for all his efforts for Cyprus and his contribution to music and culture.
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Hempstead
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On October 12th, the Long Island American Cypriot Association (LIACA), organized another successful "CYPRUS TAVERNA NIGHT" with more than 200 guests participating. The event took place at St. Paul's Cathedral in Hempstead. The President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), Kyriacos Papastylianou, EVP Nicos Paphitis, and other Executive Committee members attended the event. Also present at the event was the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Alexis Phedonos, and the clergy from the Cathedral of St. Paul, Fr. Christopher Constantinides and Presvytera Angie, Fr. Constantin Ursache and Deacon Matthew and Dcns. Betsy Khakis.
The menu served taverna style included Cypriot dishes such as koupes, loukanika, sheftalia, and souvla. Zivania was passed around by a server in an authentic Cypriot costume. Cypriot pastries, including daktyla and bourekia, completed the menu. Entertainment was provided by the Geminis, who had most people up on the dance floor dancing and singing along to the music.
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The NJ Cypriot Association Salamis and Nepomak USA organize successful "Halloumi Day" event!
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New Jersey
- On October 5th, the Cypriot Association of NJ Salamis, and Nepomak USA, the youth organization of the FCAO, organized "Halloumi Day" event. During the successful event, the guests had the opportunity not only to taste fresh halloumi and anari but also learn how to make the traditional cheese of Cyprus. The guests also enjoyed traditional Cypriot dishes such as lamb kleftiko and souvla prepared by the members of Salamis and Nepomak USA.
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Michalis Violaris delights audience
at Philadelphia concert
Philadelphia
- On October 4th, the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia presented the legendary Cypriot singer Michalis Violaris in concert with Greek singer Andriana Kollia and the Pancyprian Choir of New York under the direction of Phyto Stratis at the Suzanne Roberts Theater. The concert included classic songs from the renowned singer's impressive repertoire. The evening began with a reception where fans had the opportunity to meet the renowned Cypriot singer famous for his hit songs sung in the Cypriot dialect. Accompanying Michalis Violaris and Andriana Kollia were the talented musicians George Salvanos on piano, Michalis Giatrakis, and daughter Maria Giatrakis, both on bouzouki. The Pancyprian Choir, along with Ellie Tsachtani on flute, joined Violaris onstage for the second part of the concert.
During the reception, the dance group of the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia performed traditional dances and impressed everyone. President Georghia Kurnellas gave the opening remarks at the concert thanking all those present for their continuing support, noting that it was a real honor to have Michaelis Violaris, his musicians, and Kollia, who all traveled from Greece to perform in the concert.
During his remarks, the Pancyprian Choir Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis thanked the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia and Michalis Violaris for inviting the Choir to perform in Philadelphia. He especially thanked PSEKA President Philip Christopher for his continued support.
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2020 FCAO CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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anuary 12 (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. –
Asgata Annual Vasilopita Party at St. Demetrios Church, 2421 Hewlett Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Santa Claus and gifts for kids. Food and drinks. For more information, please call Peter Louca (516) 679-2205.
January 25 (Saturday
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09:00 a.m.
St. Petersburg College in cooperation with the Pancyprian Association of Florida, the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) and the Panhellenic Federation of Florida presents the panel discussion "Justice and Peace in the Eastern Mediterranean" at St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs, Florida.
February 7 (Friday)
7:30 p.m.
- Greek Cypriots of New Jersey will hold a "Greek Cyprus Night."at The Graycliff,
122 Moonachie Ave, Moonachie, NJ 07074.
For information, please contact Despina Axiotakis, 201-981-5764.
February 23 - 5:00 p.m. (Sunday) –
FCAO Philanthropic Casino Night in cooperation with Lampousa, Salamis, and Nepomak USA to benefit FCAO Philanthropic. The event will take place at The Graycliff,
122 Moonachie Ave, Moonachie, NJ 07074.
For more information, please contact info@fcaousa.org or call (516) 399-2295.
March 6 (Friday) –
Pancyprian WIN Annual Gala honoring Tasoula Hadjitofi, author of The Icon Hunter and founder of the not for profit organization Walk of Truth, with the 2020 Woman of the Year Award at the New York Hilton.
March 28 (Saturday)
– Greek Independence Gala, Sheraton Hotel.
March 29 (Sunday)
– Greek Independence Day Parade on 5th Avenue.
April 26 (Sunday) & May 1 (Friday)
-The New York Cultural group "Our Cyprus," will present a Cypriot comedy directed by Petros Petrides, at Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria.
May 1 (Friday)
- Cyprus-US Chamber Annual Gala. For more information, please call Despina Axiotakis 201-981-5764.
May 2 (Saturday)
- Lampousa "Taste of Cyprus" event at St. John the Theologian Church in Tenafly New Jersey.
May 15 (Friday) 8:30 p.m.
– AKTINA Productions and CYPRECO present Greek singing sensation Kostas Makedonas in Greek Music Journey 2020. Accompanied by his band and singer Eleni Andreou, Makedonas will highlight his everlasting hits from his discography as well as classics by great Greek composers. The concert given to benefit public service media, AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV is presented at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in Manhattan. For tickets, call 718-545-1151 or buy online
www.aktinafm.com
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About Nepomak USA
NEPOMAK USA is the official youth organization of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO). Nepomak USA strives to bring together young Cypriots who live in the US and strengthen the ties to our Cypriot heritage through cultural, educational, professional, and social events.
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Nepomak NDCP program
NDCP, short for “NEPOMAK Discover Cyprus Program” is a unique three-week experience that gives participants a crash course in Cypriot culture and heritage. Participants take Greek language classes, visit historical sites, and sample the very best Cypriot nightlife.
The cost of accommodation, excursions, course fees and partial flight fares are covered by NEPOMAK with support from the Government of Cyprus and the Youth Board of Cyprus.
Program dates
29 June 2020 – 21 July 2020
Application deadline: Sunday 16 February 2020
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Nepomak NCCT program
NCCT, short for “NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour,” gives young Cypriots an unforgettable experience in Cyprus where they can learn about their heritage and culture, and explore Cyprus through professionally guided tours and authentic interactive experiences.
It is a gateway for participants to get more involved in NEPOMAK and receive training to become future leaders in the diaspora.
All accommodation, transport and tour costs are subsidized by NEPOMAK with the support of the Government of Cyprus and Youth Board of Cyprus.
Program dates
22 July – 2 August 2020
Application deadline: Sunday 19 January 2020
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AT THE FOOTSTEPS OF APHRODITE
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It was around 1200 BC when Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty, emerged from the foam at Petra tou Romiou. The name Aphrodite means "foam born." Aphrodite was the most ancient Goddess in the Olympian pantheon.
As you travel around Cyprus, you will see how the island is touched by the spirit of the Goddess of love and beauty. An awestruck Paris, son of King Priam of Troy, once gave Aphrodite a golden apple in recognition of supreme beauty, unmatched by the other goddesses. In the 8th century BC, Homer mentions Aphrodite as 'Kypris' and 'Golden Aphrodite.' At the same time, there are many myths connected to Aphrodite that possibly originated on the island, including those concerning Aphrodite and Hephaistos, Aphrodite and Ares, and Aphrodite and Adonis.
It was the Italian poet Ariosto who named "Fontana Amorosa," the natural spring on the Akamas Peninsula from which Aphrodite used to drink. Take a sip from it, and even today, love may materialize. Cyprus has always been considered the 'Island of Aphrodite,' and no other place in the world can boast of being the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Discover the archaeological sites dedicated to her ancient cult as you wander through layers of history, culture, and mythology.
With a historically accurate program of cultural routes - centered on the search for the traces that Aphrodite on the island - you will embark on a journey through the sites of Palaipafos (Kouklia) in the Pafos region, the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus in the Lemesos region, and Kition, in the Larnaca region. Each site is linked to other sites and museums, where artifacts related to the Goddess endure to this day.
Palaipafos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the most profound connection with the Goddess as it played a significant role in the genesis (birth) of Kyprida Aphrodite. There are also many related museums, nature sites, and trails in the region. The ancient city-kingdom of Amathus in Lemesos - was probably founded by Greek Mycenaean settlers in the 12th to the 11th centuries BC and was one of the most important kingdoms where Kyprida Aphrodite was worshiped. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite can be seen at the leading archaeological site of Amathus. At the same time, the District Museum of Lemesos complements the visit with in-depth information about the celebrated Goddess.
Larnaka and the Agia Napa area offer a combination of sites relating to Aphrodite. The leading archaeological site is Kition – Kathari in Larnaka, where visitors can explore the links of the ancient city of Kition with the Goddess Kyprida Aphrodite, along with the area's ties to the sea, culminating at the Kyprida Aphrodite Nature Trail at Cape Greko in Protaras.
Nowhere else will you find legend, history, and romance so intricately intertwined, with each discovery a beautiful reminder of the island's unique and special bond with Aphrodite.
For information about visiting Cyprus, please visit the website of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism
Visit Cyprus
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FEDERATION OF CYPRIOT AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) is a non-profit entity representing 28 Greek Cypriot American associations located throughout the United States. Its mission is to, develop good relations and solidarity amongst its chapters, to promote their goals, and represent their interests and the coordination of their social, educational, philanthropic, and cultural activities. The FCAO undertakes and promotes charitable activities primarily within the Cypriot and Greek-American communities; preserving and promoting the Greek language, as well as, the Greek and Cypriot history and cultural heritage in the United States. It also supports the leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church in the establishment and preservation of the Greek American identity and the Greek Orthodox faith in the United States.
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Executive Committee
Kyriacos Papastylianou
President
Nicos Paphitis
Executive Vice President
Despina Axiotakis
Vice President of Culture
Christos Karamanos
Vice President of Philanthropy
Martinos Kyprianou
Vice President of Public Relations
Margarita Eracleous-Likas
Vice President of Education and Religion
Elisavet Miltiadou
General Secretary
Loukas Georgiou
Treasurer
Board Members
Maria Botsios
Peter Louca
Chris Odysseos
George Sophocleous
Argyris Eleftheriou
Nicos Tziazas
Tasos Zambas
Executive Assistant
Tasoula Manaridis
FEDERATION OF CYPRIOT AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
333 Glen Head Rd, Suite 250
Glen Head, New York 11545
Tel: (516) 399-2295, Fax: (516) 723-9177
E-mail: info@fcaousa.org
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