By Fotis Kaliampakos – Special to Hellenic News of America
At the annual formal dinner of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey, held at the luxurious event venue “The Graycliff” in the Moonachie region of New Jersey, Metropolitan of New Jersey Apostolos and eminent cardiologist Ilias Iliadis were honored for their contributions to the Greek community. and Hellenism. They received the “Megas Alexandros” and “Hippocrates” prizes respectively.
Dr. Iliadis spoke to the Hellenic News of America about the special honor he feels and thanked the Federation and the Greek-American organizations present. The prominent cardiologist, many of whom were in attendance, also spoke about his tenure as president of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey, particularly during the difficult times of the coronavirus, as well as his illustrious professional career.
The coordination of the ceremony (MOC) was carried out by Despina Axiotis, while the greetings were also given by the co-chairman, Mr. Dimitrios Kontolios. The award presentation was made by the President of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey, Dr. Panos Stavrianidis. Dr. Stavrianidis was visibly moved and expressed a very personal tone in his remarks about the honorees. He highlighted not only Dr. Iliadis’ scientific achievements but also his contribution to issues related to the Greek community and Hellenism, highlighting his tenure as president of the federation during the difficult coronavirus years. Dr. Stavrianidis, with obvious emotion on his face, also gave a very personal touch to his mention of Metropolitan Apostolos, emphasizing his immediacy and sensitivity in responding to a personal call, disregarding formalities and his schedule charge.
Beginning his speech, New Jersey Metropolitan Apostolos thanked the federation for this honor and first addressed the issue that currently casts a shadow over the civilized world, expressing hope that wars that cost innocent lives and children will stop as soon as possible. Referring to this award, Metropolitan Apostolos also addressed the name it bears, highlighting the personality of Alexander the Great, his significant contribution to the spread of Greek culture to the ends of the then known world, and the cultural dimension of his monumental work as a military strategist. Special mention was made to his teachers, first and foremost Aristotle, who made him participate in the culture which he then disseminated. Metropolitan Apostolos emphasized the great importance of education and culture of the Greek language within the Greek community.
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Ilias Iliadis, visibly happy but also moved, thanked the committee for the award and spoke of the close collaboration he has maintained with the leaders of the federation over the years and the close relationship that has developed, particularly during the pandemic. Mr. Iliadis also highlighted the honorable Metropolitan Apostolos.
AHEPA Supreme President Savvas Tsivikos also congratulated the awardees, with whom he also shares close personal ties, and expressed hope that hostilities would cease and peace would prevail in the world. Mr. Tsivikos, however, regarding this issue and in particular the element of surprise in the terrorist attack in Israel, called on Hellenism to be vigilant, stressing that no one should have any illusions about the intentions of our neighbors or on the nature of international relations. . Complacency is unacceptable, Tsivikos stressed, and Hellenism must be united and prepared for all eventualities.
Hellenic News of America Publisher and Hermes Expo Chairman Paul Kotrotsios was present at the event and, in his institutional capacity as former President of the National Council (HANC), congratulated the winners on their honor .