New York City Hall – City Council Members Costa Constantinides, Vincent Gentile and Paul Vallone, along with Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, celebrated the anniversary of Greek independence today. The celebration honored Greek-Americans who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities.
Council Member Constantinides said, “As the first Greek Cypriot American elected to the City Council, I am especially proud to have the opportunity to honor Greek Americans who have worked to promote Greek cultural heritage. The Greek-American community has long been part of the diverse melting pot that is New York City. Our honorees have worked to improve their communities and serve as important role models. I thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and my colleagues, Councilmembers Vallone and Gentile, for standing with the Greek-American community and honoring their contributions to our great city.
Council members honored:
- Eleftheria Panchyprian Youth Football Club
- IBEW Local 3 Greek Orthodox Council
- The Papageorgiou family, owners of the Zenon Taverna restaurant
- Andrew S. Gounardes, attorney in the office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
The Saint-Démétrios school choir provided musical entertainment during the ceremony, performing several songs in Greek.
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Honorees have helped promote Hellenic and democratic values and have been examples of civic engagement throughout the community, including working with children to promote teamwork and academic excellence, as well as promoting Greek culture and culinary arts.
“I am proud to join my Council colleagues in wishing a happy Greek Independence Day to all New Yorkers and people of Greek descent around the world,” said Council President Melissa Mark- Viverito. “The Council is proud to celebrate the origins and legacies that make New York City great. I thank Council Member Costa Constantinides for hosting this celebration of Greek independence.
Council member Gentile said: “When we celebrate Greek independence, we honor a historic event in Greek history; we also celebrate a nationality that laid the foundations of philosophy, literature, art, science, mathematics, sports and politics. These foundations have stood the test of time and are prevalent in our American culture. Thus, we all carry on Hellenic traditions. Congratulations to our honorees who exemplify their Greek-American culture and values with class and dignity.
“I am proud to once again stand alongside Councilmember Costa Constantinides as we celebrate the anniversary of Greek independence at City Hall,” said Councilmember Vallone. “The Greek American community continues to be one of the most proud and culturally vibrant in our city, especially in my district with the parishes of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church and Holy Greek Orthodox Church Whitestone Cross. I look forward to continuing to work with the Greek American community on issues important to them, as well as sharing with them the celebration and appreciation of their rich culture and history.
Council Member Costa Constantinides represents New York City’s 22nd City Council District, which includes his native Astoria as well as parts of Woodside, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. He chairs the City Council’s Environmental Protection Committee and serves on six additional committees: Civil Service and Labor, Contracts, Cultural Affairs, Oversight and Investigations, Sanitation, and Transportation. For more information, visit council.nyc.gov/costa.
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