FEDERATION OF CYPRIOT AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΩΝ ΟΡΓΑΝΩΣΕΩΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ
NEWSLETTER
October - December 2022
FCAO honors the 62nd Anniversary
of the Cyprus Ιndependence
New York, NY – The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) honored the 62nd anniversary of the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, on October 2, 2022, at St. Nicholas Church in Flushing.

The anniversary was celebrated in the presence of the Cyprus Minister of Interior, Mr. Nikos Nouris, the Deputy Government Representative Niovi Parisinou, the Ambassador of Greece at the UN, Maria Theofili, the Ambassador of Cyprus at the UN, Andreas Hatzichrysanthou, the Consuls General of Greece and Cyprus, Konstantinos Konstantinou and Michalis Firillas, the President of the FCAO Kyriacos Papastylianou, the President of PSEKA Mr. Philip Christopher, the President of the Cyprus - US Chamber of Commerce, Maria Pappas and many community members. Τhe Divine Liturgy and the Doxology were presided over by the Protopresbyter Elias Villis and assisted by Rev. Protopresbyter Paul C. Palesty.

Fr. Ilias Villis welcomed the minister with his inspiring speech in the Greek language. 

The keynote speaker Minister Nikos Nouris addressed the community of Agios Nikolaos. There are distinct moments in the history of nations that mark their course through time. Moments that determine the fate of a place and a people on the world's political and historical map. On this day, 62 years ago, an independent Republic was born. October 1, 1960, marks the anniversary of the declaration of the Independence of Cyprus. More than six decades have passed since the Cypriot people, after hard and long struggles and sacrifices, against the colonial power, won the sovereign right of independence and self-determination, said the Minister of Interior.
The contribution of overseas Cypriots and the Greek Diaspora in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem is more than necessary, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said in his remarks after the church service.
Eleftheria - Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams Annual Christmas celebration
Astoria, NY - The end of a year full of successes on the soccer fields was celebrated by the "Eleftheria - Pancyprian" Youth Soccer Teams with their annual Christmas party. The event was held on Sunday, December 18, at the Petros Patrides Community Center of St. Demetrios Astoria.

It was the first Christmas celebration after a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than three hundred young soccer players, coaches, and parents attended the Christmas party to celebrate the holiday season. Among the guests were the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Michalis Firillas, the President of the Pancyprian Association, Philip Christopher, the Executive Vice President of the Federation of American Cypriot Organizations (FCAO) Nicos Pafitis, the former city councilman of Astoria Costa Constantinides and the co-founder of the Eleftheria Soccer Teams Mike Leandrou.
In his opening remarks, Nicos Tziazas, the President of the Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Teams, referred to the mission and achievements of the children's teams. Mr. Tziazas made an extensive reference to the contributions to the club of the late Antonia Vavatsoulis, George (Kokos) Andreou, and Nikos Ermogenous and together with the Consul General of Cyprus in NY Michalis Firillas, the President of Pancyprian Philip Christopher, the Executive Vice President of the FCAO, Nicos Pafitis and the founder of the youth soccer teams Mike Leandrou presented the plaques to their families.
Pancyprian Choir of NY Annual
Christmas Concert
Astoria, NY – On December 18, 2022, the Pancyprian Choir of the Pancyprian Association Cultural Division presented their successful annual Christmas Concert, “Kalanta,” with Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis at St. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria. The highly anticipated concert featured a delightful program of festive songs, traditional Christmas carols, and hymns, bringing joy to the audience. 

In his welcoming remarks, Phytos Stratis, celebrating his 7th season with the Choir, thanked all those present for attending and for their ongoing support. He noted the absence of choir member Andreas Modenos, who passed away on December 3, and announced that the Spring Concert would be held in his memory. 

During his remarks Philip Christopher, President of the Pancyprian Association, greeted the audience, saying that the Cultural Division, led by President Ismini Michaels, highlights through its concerts the continuous struggle for justice for Cyprus.

The Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Michalis Firillas, congratulated the Choir and its director and wished everyone the best for Christmas and the New Year.
"Missing Persons of Cyprus" Christmas Tree
decorated in New York
New York, NY - On December 9, 2022, members of Nepomak USA decorated the Missing Persons Christmas Tree at the Cyprus Consulate in New York City. The "Missing Persons Christmas Tree" is an initiative of the Cyprus Presidential Commissioner's office. The decorated tree is dedicated to the 1974 Missing Persons of Cyprus and expresses support, solidarity, and commitment to their families.
Cyprus - US Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Celebration
Astoria, NY - On December 8, 2022, the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas party in Astoria. The festive event brought together the organization’s members, family, and friends to welcome the holiday season with warm wishes and cheer.
The Association of Asgata "Cyprus"
celebrates it's 88th Anniversary
New York, NY - On November 5th, 2022, the Association of Asgata "Cyprus" held its 88th Anniversary annual Dinner Dance honoring posthumously Apostolos Papaioannou long-term member of the Association. The successful event was attended by dignitaries, including the Consul of Greece in New York, Dimitris Papageorgiou, the President of the FCAO, Kyriacos Papastylianou, the President of the Pancyprian Association, Philip Christopher, and community members.

Each year at this well-established event, the Association awards scholarships to promising young people with roots from the village of Asgata. 

During his remarks, the President of Asgata, Peter Louca, said, "We need to see many young people at the dinner dance. We are trying to get the youth involved with our Association. Besides, this is the only way for the Association to continue its course. Apart from the charitable and cultural efforts, the national issue of Cyprus and the efforts for a viable solution are vital to all Asgatans. Together with PSEKA, the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, and the government, we are trying to do our best for our island and contribute to this cause," concluded Mr. Peter Louca.
Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia "Makarios III" organizes successful Casino Night Fundraiser
New Jersey - On November 25, 2022, the Cyprus Society of Greater held a successful Casino Night Fundraiser at Lucien's Manor in Berlin, NJ. Many association members and community members from New Jersey and New York attended the event.

The Cyprus Society is the first Cypriot organization in the Greater Philadelphia area, established in 1956
Astoria, NY - On November 18, 2022, the Cypriot American Community welcomed the new Consul General of Greece in New York, Konstantinos Konstantinou, with a warm reception in Astoria. The reception was organized by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), PSEKA, and the Cyprus – US Chamber of Commerce and was attended by many members of the Cypriot American community and dignitaries.

"The Community here is a big family. We all work together with common goals, but we also focus on the Cyprus national issue, as stated in the welcome remarks by the President of the FCAO, Kyriacos Papastylianou. He concluded by saying, "we will have excellent cooperation with the Consul General, such as with his predecessors."

During his remarks, Mr. Constantinou thanked all the speakers for their warm words. "Cyprus holds a special place in my heart," emphasized Mr. Constantinou, saying that he has thoroughly dealt with the national issue of Cyprus during the two years 2011-2013. "This," he added, "is the main pillar of our foreign policy, and that is what we are all fighting for, while he underlined the need for unity and greater and more active involvement of the youth. "I believe that the youth are the ones who should be involved. Let's give them the baton because they are the generation that should continue the fight", concluded Mr. Konstantinou, promising that he would be next to the Cypriot American community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2023
  • February 11 (Saturday) 7:00 p.m. – Pancyprian Aphrodite of Staten Island Taverna Night. Music entertainment and mezedes. All Proceeds are to be donated to the Pancyprian Association of Parents & Friends of the Pediatric Oncology Unit. For tickets and information, please get in touch with Penny Phytides (917) 915-1806 or George Gregoriou (347) 216-1086. Tickets are $65 per person.
  • February 17-20 - Nepomak USA Ski Trip.
  • March 3 (Friday) - "Greek Cypriots of New Jersey Cyprus Glenti" at Graycliff, NJ.
  • April 1 (Saturday) 6:00 p.m. – FCAO cultural event commemorating the 68th Anniversary of the 1955-1959 EOKA struggle against British colonial rule at St. Nicholas Church, Sarantakos Hall.
  • April 29 (Saturday) – FCAO National Convention at Terrace on the Park.
  • April 30 (Sunday) – Greek Independence Day Parade.
  • May 6 (Saturday) - Lampousa's "Taste of Cyprus" event at St. John the Theologian Church in Tenafly, NJ.
  • May 9-11 - PSEKA Conference in Washington, DC, at the Willard Hotel.
  • June 25 (Sunday) – Association of Asgata "Cyprus" Memorial Service for July 20
  • 1974, at the Transfiguration Church, Mattituck, Long Island, followed by Artoklasia in celebration of the Name Day for Apostles Petros and Pavlos, a traditional breakfast with Cypriot delicacies. Picnic with Cypriot food and games to follow.
  • July 16 (Sunday) – SAVE THE DATE – FCAO memorial service honoring those that lost their lives during the July 20, 1974, Turkish Invasion of Cyprus.
  • September 22 or 29 (Friday) – SAVE THE DATE – FCAO Annual Testimonial Dinner at Terrace on the Park.
CYPRIOT AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY
Together we can make a difference to shape the future of our community
You are invited to participate in the Cypriot American Community Survey conducted by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO). Your responses will enable us to establish a database of all Cypriot Americans in the United States. The information collected will allow the FCAO to make informed decisions in creating various activities and events that will serve the community’s needs and bring together all Cypriot Americans.

Together we can make a difference and establish a solid foundation that will benefit future generations.

Please support your community by participating in the Cypriot American Survey.
Explore the Wine Route of Krasochoria
The Lemesos (Limassol) winemaking villages are renowned for their deep-rooted history of viticulture, as well as their excellent local wines and the stunning scenery of the area that produces them.

Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, nowhere else in Cyprus can such a great presence of wineries be found! Collectively, the villages are known as ‘Krasochoria’, which is comprised of the two Greek words for ‘wine’ and ‘villages’ - a name that tells the story of its rich winemaking history in itself.

The route is outstanding; a dry climate combined with a unique geology results in first-rate wines, made mostly from the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red), as well as some imported varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah among a total of 23 different varieties.

A total of 20 charming, unspoilt villages comprise this route with 16 wineries between them. The villages are well worth visiting, not only for their wineries, but also their traditional architecture, cobblestoned narrow passages and delightful surroundings. They are also home to some of the best-known tavernas on the island.

This scenic route passes through: Lemesos, Kolossi, Erimi (Cyprus Wine Museum), Kantou, Souni-Zanakia, Pano Kivides, Agios Amvrosios, Lofou, Vouni, Koilani, Pera Pedi, Mandria, Kato Platres, Omodos, Vasa, Malia, Arsos, Pachna, Anogyra and Avdimou.

For more information, please visit www.visitcyprus.com
Love Cyprus
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.

For more information on how to get involved, please e-mail [email protected] or visit https://nepomak.org/us/.


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.

Executive Committee

Kyriacos Papastylianou
President 

Nicos Paphitis
Executive Vice President
 
Ellpetha Tsivicos
Vice President of Culture

Christos Nicolaou
Vice President of Philanthropy
 
Andreas Christou
Vice President of Public Relations

Margarita Eracleous - Likas
Vice President of Education and Religion
 
Elisavet Miltiadou
General Secretary
 
Loukas Georgiou
Treasurer 

Board Members

Despina Axiotakis
Yannis Christodoulides
Arianna Christou
Martinos Kyprianou
Andreas Lambiris
Marilena Paphitis
Nicos Tziazas

FEDERATION OF CYPRIOT AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
333 Glen Head Rd, Suite 250, Glen Head, New York 11545
Tel: (516) 399-2295, Fax: (516) 723-9177
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