KPHTH. Cretan Musicians in 20th Century America Κρητικοί Καλλιτέχνες τού 20ου Aιώνα στην Αμερική. Tradition Transcended Avissinos the Violin Charmer

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1 KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america OCTOBER Cretan Musicians in 20th Century America Κρητικοί Καλλιτέχνες τού 20ου Aιώνα στην Αμερική Tradition Transcended Avissinos the Violin Charmer

2 KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america pancretan association of america 2012 Commemorative Holiday Journal HOLIDAY EDITION DONATION [ ] $225 Full Page [ ] $175 ½ Page [ ] $100 ¼ Page Add $25 to above if sent after November 18, No Ads will be accepted after November 30, PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: [ ] PAA Board or Chapter [ ] Individual or Family [ ] Business PAYMENT INFORMATION Make Check Payable To: PANCRETAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Mail Check to: Helene Semanderes 34 Kirkwood Drive, Washington, PA INSTRUCTIONS: Please or send this form with payment no later than the November 18, 2012 deadline to KH2012@pancretan.org To place an ad, contact your respective District Governor or KH2012@pancretan.org Helene Semanderes, Holiday Journal Edition Chair, (724) District 1: Demitris Hatzis (413) District 2: Zaharoula Marmatakis (732) District 3: Stelios Vitakis (216) District 4: George Stefanakis (248) District 5: George Liodakis (801) District 6: Roxanne Koston (650) District 7: Dionisia M. Sophinos (561) or 2nd V.P. Stavros Antonakakis at SPONSOR S INFORMATION Chapter: Business Name: First Name: Last Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Fax: Check Number: Please type or print your message and submit a photo. Photos should be ed in 300 dpi JPEG format along with the sponsor s information to KH2012@pancretan.org. The Pancretan Association of America, Inc. (PAA) is a 501(c)8 non-profit fraternal organization Your donation to the 2012 PAA KPHTH Holiday issue supports the continual mission and programs of the organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS. Seek the guidance of your accountant or a professional financial advisor regarding tax questions. 2 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012

3 OCTOBER περιεχομενα KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america October KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america Cretan Musicians in 20th Century America Κρητικοί Καλλιτέχνες τού 20ου Aιώνα στην Αμερική Tradition Transcended Avissinos the Violin Charmer Cover designed by Cali Pappas & Amalia Deligiannis Read about Cretan music, starting on page 9 You may also follow us on: Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin President s Message Mήνυμα Προέδρου 04 Message From PAA President John G. Manos From the Board Νεα Συμβουλιου 7 PAA 300 Update Letters Γράμματα 7 Letters to the Editor and Scholarship Committee Cover Story Εξώφυλλο 9 Cretan Musicians in 20th Century America Music Μουσικη 12 Ο Γητευτής του Βιολιού 14 Tradition Transcended From the District Από την Περιφέρεια 15 District 6 Update Chapter Profile Προφίλ Συλλόγου 16 Spotlight on Polirina Special Report Ρεπορτάζ 18 Το Θρυλικό Έπος του Event in Review: The World Council of Cretans 20 KPI KPI Κρί Κρί Pictures Φωτογραφίες 26 GVCC Hosts Annual Greek Fest 36 Denver, Colorado Annual Picnic Donors Δωρητές 27 Donations Calendar Ημερολόγιο 27 PAA Chapter Events Chapter News Νέα Συλλόγων 28 PAA Chapter News KPHTH Magazine 38 PAA Business/Professional Directory Contents Mantinades Όπου ναι γλέντι και χαρά γυρίζω το τιμόνι θωρεί ο χάρος να γλεντώ και χέρα δε μ απλώνει... Το μαντολίνο έβγαλε κι αρχίζει μαντινάδες και στο μυαλό μου ήρθανε αλλοτινές καντάδες. KPHTH 3

4 President s Message John Manos President, PAA jmanos@att.net The Youth and the Future am continually impressed with the youth in I our organization! The PYA was organized in 1948, experienced a resurgence in 1970, and, ever since then, the number of chapters has grown (from seven to 16) as has its membership. I cannot tell you how many other organizations have approached me and asked, How do you do it? How do you bring in and maintain your youth group? Over the years, with the support and encouragement of our adult members, the PAA has created an environment where our youth has been able to flourish, learn about Cretan traditions and develop a passion for all things Cretan. A fundamental tenet of the PAA is to perpetuate and promote Cretan culture, history and ithi kai ethima. Whether it be through music, dance, scholarship support, educational programs in Crete, youth sponsored conferences, or local, regional and national events, let me tell you, it is working! Some comments from the Cretans in Crete when they see our youth perform have included: Your youth is better than ours! and They feel it more; they understand it and have the passion for the dancing, for the music, and for our culture. I am proud of our youth and proud of their accomplishments. I am very grateful and appreciative of the dedication of the PYA, its president and board, the youth advisors and of course, their parents for encouraging them. The PYA summer and winter conferences are a testament of their commitment to strengthen the bonds with Crete that connect one generation to the next. Taking on the responsibility of planning a national conference is no small feat. Bringing 150 to 200 youth members from every corner of the United States together, designing a meaningful agenda, and having responsible fun reflects the leadership capabilities of our young adults. A few years ago when I was second vice president, we compiled and published a list on the Pancretan.org website of more than 25 youth members that played Cretan instruments. We are repopulating this page again in the near future and I guarantee you it will exceed this number! At the same time, the Culture and Education Committee and the PYA will be organizing a national dance group that will perform at chapter, district and board events across the country. I urge every member to support these efforts and continue to inspire our children to identify with their heritage through music and dance. It is a duty and shared responsibility for all of us. From my observations and the feedback I have received from others, both here and abroad, it s clear that our youth are emerging as a strong Cretan force: energetic, intelligent, capable and willing to lead our organization to an even stronger future! Happy Anniversary! On Oct. 14, we celebrate the 83rd anniversary of our great organization. In 1929, a group of Cretans came together in Chicago to promote their culture and their history, and provide a helping hand to new immigrants that were coming from Crete to make America their new home. We have come a long way since then, and are still working together to promote and preserve our culture and our history. I commend and thank those great pioneers for their vision and for their efforts and their accomplishments. If not for them, there is a good chance that the history and traditions of our great island could have melted into this great melting pot. From where I sit, we are the best Greek American organization that I know of. Let us keep it that way! Reminder: This month launches our ad drive for the Christmas issue. I hope you use this opportunity to share your holiday greetings with Cretans across the country and, at the same time, support this great publication! See details in this issue. K 4 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012

5 Μήνυμα Προέδρου Η Νεολαία και το Μέλλον Eίμαι συνεχώς εντυπωσιασμένος με την νεολαία τής οργάνωσής μας! Η PYA διοργανώθηκε το 1948, γνώρισε μια αναβίωση το 1970, και, από τότε, ο αριθμός των συλλόγων τής Νεολαίας έχει αυξηθεί (από 7 έως 16), και φυσικά καί τά μέλη. Δεν μπορώ να σας πω πόσες άλλες οργανώσεις με έχουν πλησιάσει και ρωτήσει «πώς καταφέρνομε και εχομε τόση Νεολαία και τι κάνομε και τούς κρατάμε κοντά στήν παράδοσή μας;» Ολα αυτά τα χρόνια, με την υποστήριξη και την ενθάρρυνση των ενήλικων μελών μας, η ΠΕΑ έχει δημιουργήσει ένα περιβάλλον όπου οι νέοι μας μπόρεσαν να μεγαλώσουν, να μάθουν για την κρητική παράδοση και να αναπτύξουν δυνατό πάθος σε οτι εχει σχεση με την Κρήτη. Μια βασική αρχή τής ΠΕΑ είναι να διαιωνίσει και να προωθήσει τόν Κρητικό πολιτισμό, την ιστορία και ήθη και έθιμα. Είτε είναι μέσα από τη μουσική, το χορό, τίς υποτροφίες, τα εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην Κρήτη, τά συνέδρια τής Νεολαίας με τήν επιχορηγία τής ΠΕΑ, ή οι τοπικές, περιφερειακές και εθνικές εκδηλώσεις, επιτρέψτε μου να σας πω ότι λειτουργεί! Μερικά σχόλια από τους Κρήτες στην Κρήτη, όταν βλέπουν τη νεολαία μας να χορεύουν με τόση υπερηφάνεια και πάθος ειναι: H νεολαία σας είναι καλύτερη από τη δική μας! Το νιώθουνε περισσότερο, το αισθάνονται περισσότερο και έχουν μεγάλο πάθος για το χορό, για τη μουσική, καθώς και για τον πολιτισμό μας. Είμαι περήφανος για τη νεολαία μας και περήφανος για τα επιτεύγματά τους. Είμαι ευγνώμων και πανευτυχής από την αφοσίωση τής Παγκρητικής Νεολαίας, απο τόν Πρόεδρο και το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο της, τούς Συμβούλους τής Νεολαίας, και, φυσικά, τούς γονείς πού τα ενθαρρύνουν. Τα καλοκαιρινά και χειμωνικά συνέδρια τής Νεολαίας μας, είναι μια αναμφισβήτητη απόδειξη της δέσμευσής τους για την ενίσχυση των δεσμών τους με την Κρήτη, και τη συνέχιση απο τη μια γενιά στην επόμενη. Λαμβάνοντας την ευθύνη τού σχεδιασμού ενός εθνικού συνεδρίου Νεολαίας δεν είναι μικρό κατόρθωμα. Φέρνοντας μέλη της νεολαίας από κάθε γωνιά των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών μαζί, σχεδιάζοντας μια ουσιαστική ατζέντα, και έχοντας ομορφη και σοβαρή διασκέδαση αντικατοπτρίζει τις ηγετικές δυνατότητες των νεαρών ενηλίκων μας. Πριν από μερικά χρόνια, όταν ήμουν 2ος Αντιπρόεδρος, ειχαμε συντάξει και δημοσιεύσει μια λίστα στην ιστοσελίδα Pancretan.org μέ πάνω από 25 μέλη της νεολαίας που έπαιξαν κρητικά όργανα. Ανανεώνομε εκ νέου τον κατάλογο αυτο και σας εγγυώμαι ότι στο προσεχές μέλλον θα υπερβεί αυτόν τον αριθμό! Την ίδια στιγμή, η Πολιτιστική Επιτροπή και η PYA διοργανώνει μια Εθνική Ομάδα Χορού που θα κανει παρουσιάσεις στούς συλλόγους, στίς περιφέρεις και σε εκδηλώσεις τού Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου σε όλη τη χώρα. Καλώ όλα τα μέλη να υποστηρίξουν αυτές τις προσπάθειες και να συνεχίσουν να εμπνέουν τα παιδιά μας ώστε να ταυτιστούν με τους κληρονομιά μας μέσα από τη μουσική και το χορό. Είναι καθήκον και κοινή ευθύνη όλων μας. Από τις παρατηρήσεις μου και τίς εντυπώσεις που έχω λάβει από άλλους, τόσο εδώ όσο και από παντού, είναι σαφές ότι η νεολαία σας αναδύεται ως μια ισχυρή Κρητική δύναμη: γεμάτη ενέργεια, εξυπνάδα, ικανότητα και προθυμία να οδηγήσει τον οργανισμό μας σε ακόμα ισχυρότερο μέλλον! Happy Anniversary! Χρόνια Πολλά! Στις 14 Οκτωβρίου γιορτάζομε την 83η επέτειο τής μεγάλης οργάνωσής μας. Το 1929, στο Σικάγο, μια ομάδα Κρητικών ήρθαν μαζί για να ενώσουν τις προσπάθειές τους ώστε να μπορούν να προωθούν τον πολιτισμό τους και την ιστορία τους, και να παρέχουν ένα χέρι βοήθειας στους νέους μετανάστες που έρχονταν από την Κρήτη κι ειχαν κάνει την Αμερική τή νέα τους πατρίδα. Έχουμε διανύσει πολύ δρόμο από τότε, αλλά εξακολουθούμε να εργαζόμαστε από κοινού για την προώθηση και διατήρηση του πολιτισμού μας και της ιστορίας μας. Συγχαίρω και ευχαριστώ αυτούς τους μεγάλους πρωτοπόρους για το όραμα τους, για τις προσπάθειες και τα επιτεύγματά τους. Χωρίς αυτούς, πιθανότατα η μεγάλη ιστορία και οι παραδόσεις τού νησιού μας θα μπορούσε να ειχαν αφομοιωθει στήν απέραντη χώρα πού ζούμε. Από όσο μπορώ να αντιλαμβάνομαι, είμαστε η καλύτερη ελληνο-αμερικανική οργάνωση που ξέρω. Ας τήν κρατήσομε λοιπον δυνατή και ενωμένη! Υπενθύμιση: Αυτό το μήνα ξεκινά η προσπάθεια για τήν συγκέντρωση διαφημίσεων για το Χριστουγεννιάτικο Τεύχος. Ελπίζω να χρησιμοποιήσετε την ευκαιρία να μοιραστήτε τις ευχές σας γιά τις γιορτές με τους Κρητικούς σε ολόκληρη την Αμερική και, ταυτόχρονα, να στηρίξετε αυτή τη μεγάλη γιορταστική έκδοση! Περισσότερες πληροφορίες υπάρχουν σε αυτό το τεύχος. K KPHTH 5

6 συντελεστές Contributors 1. MR. BOB MARKAKIS Bob is the Culture & Education Committee chair of the PAA, the artistic director and choreographer of the Cretan Association of Toronto and the choreographer and one of the instructors of the Detroit chapter. He has been involved with different aspects of Cretan culture for over 30 years. He is married to Olga Markakis and has three kids, Christos, Nikos and Kleanthi. 2. Mrs. EFFIE FOURAKIS Effie is an environmental health consultant who recently created Glyká-Sweets, which offers online and wholesale Greek sweets. She and her husband Vasilis also own California Space Organizers, a closet organizing business. Together they direct the Minoan Dancers and are founding members of Polirinia. Effie currently serves as Polirinia secretary and District 6 secretary. They have three children: Achilleas, Odysseas and Elektra. 3. Mrs. HELENE SEMANDERES Helene is a member of the editorial board of KPHTH magazine. She is also an active member of her local PAA chapter, Arkadi- Maleme Pittsburgh, Pa., of which she has served as president and has directed the club s dance groups for more than two decades. She is married to former PAA president Stavros N. Semanderes, and has three children, Nicholas, Christos and Erene. 4. Mrs. MARIA VAMVAKIS Maria is the president of Nikolas Manolakakis/Mikis Theodorakis chapter of Mahoning County, Ohio, and the District 3 secretary. She also is a guidance counselor at Chaney STEM/VPA Campus in Youngstown, Ohio. She enjoys working with young adults and is proud of her Cretan heritage, but she is especially proud of her family. 6 KPHTH OCTOBER pancretan association of america Headquarters: St Street, Astoria, NY OFFICERs OF THE PAA NATIONAL PRESIDENT: JOHN G. MANOS Tel. (630) jmanos@att.net FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: TOM LANTZOURAKIS Tel. (909) TomL@pancretan.org SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: stavros antonakakis Tel. (609) stavros@kphth.org THIRD VICE PRESIDENT: NIKOLAOS VERIKAKIS Tel. (419) nverikakis@buckeye-express.com GENERAL SECRETARY: ERASMIA NOVOTNY Tel. (248) Erasmia@aol.com Send Pancretan Association-related items to: 8530 Sharon Drive, White Lake, MI TREASURER: DR. james saklas Tel. (202) jsaklas@verizon.net WOMEN S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MARIA STRATOUDAKIS Tel. (718) mournies@hotmail.com GENERAL SUPERVISOR: JOHN G. SARGETIS Tel: (916) j.sargetis@comcast.net LEGAL ADVISOR: JAMES MAROPOULAKIS DENNEY, Esq. Tel. (330) horioaroni6@aol.com AUDITOR GENERAL: JERRY MAKRIS Tel. (727) makriscpa@aol.com PYA PRESIDENT: CHRIS V. MARANGOUDAKIS Tel. (917) cvmarangos@gmail.com YOUTH SUPERVISOR EAST COAST: MICHAEL E. DETORAKIS Tel. (330) iraklio@aol.com YOUTH SUPERVISOR WEST COAST: XANTHIPPI GELASAKI Tel. (916) xmeraklina@aol.com DISTRICT GOVERNORS District 1: DEMITRIS HATZIS Tel. (413) dhatzis@comcast.net District 2: ZAHAROULA MARMATAKIS Tel. (732) zcrete@optonline.net District 3: STELIOS VITAKIS Tel. (216) stan@cosmosindustrial.com District 4: GEORGE STEFANAKIS Tel. (248) tlstefanakis@aol.com District 5: GEORGE LIODAKIS Tel. (801) georgeliodakis@aol.com District 6: ROXANNE KOSTON Tel. (650) roxannekoston@hotmail.com District 7: DIONISIA M. SOPHINOS Tel. (561) dionisia@bellsouth.net PAA CHAIRS PAA FOUNDATION, INC.: john marakis Tel. (586) jmarakis@gmail.com Culture & Education: Haralambos (bob) markakis bmarkakis@rogers.com INVESTMENTS BOARD: JOHN RUSSON Tel. (314) johnrusson@yahoo.com SCHOLARSHIP FUND: DR. TERRY ZERVOS Tel. (727) info@zervo.us INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: NICHOLAS POLYCHRONAKIS Tel. (347) npolychronakis@gmail.com PANCRETAN ENDOWMENT FUND: DR. George papadantonakis Tel. (312) geoapap@yahoo.com PHILANTHROPIC FUND: evangelia alpogianis Tel. (773) emalpo@aol.com STRATEGIC PLANNING: HELEN RANNEY Tel. (248) eleni49r@aol.com CRETAN ALUMNI NETWORK (CAN): diane kounalakis-baxter Tel. (650) kounalakis@comcast.net Monthly submissions should be sent no later than the 5th of each month. Visit for magazine policies and procedures or call Stavros Antonakakis, 2nd vice president, (609) your letters, photos, advertisements and news to: KM@PANCRETAN.ORG KPHTH MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE CRETAN LIFE Editorial STAFF Alexa Ganos Executive Editor alexa@kphth.org Katherine Katsounakis Zaharoula Marmatakis Amalia Deligiannis Managing Editor amalia@kphth.org Elena Manos Helen Ranney Cali Pappas DESIGN EDITOR cali@kphth.org Editorial Board & Advisory Committee Rema Manousakis Helene Semanderes KPHTH (CRETE) Published monthly except the combined issues of July/August and December/January. Member rate: $20 per year / Non-Members: $50 / International: $90 by the: Pancretan Association of America (PAA), 8530 Sharon Drive, White Lake, MI POSTMASTER: Send Address Change to: KPHTH c/o PAA 8530 Sharon Dr. White Lake, MI YEAR 84th - NO 847 October 2012 Katerina Makridakis KRI KRI EDITOR aikaterinimak@hotmail.com NIKOS katsanevakis editor emeritus SCAN BARCODE TO VISIT OUR SITE

7 Νεα συμβουλιου John Marakis (586) PAA 300 Update To my fellow Cretans and Friends, In the last issue of KPHTH, the PAA Foundation Committee announced the PAA 300, a new program to support the Philanthropic, Scholarship, and the Cultural and Educational Funds. The goal of the PAA 300 is to secure $1 million for each of these funds. These resources would give each of the fund Chairs the funds required to implement critical PAA programs well into the 21st century. Please consider becoming a PAA 300 member! Remember, the PAA Foundation is a 501(c)(3), and many corporations will match the donations their employees make to 501(c)(3)s. This means that a $500 do- nation by an individual with a corporate match of $500 will fulfill one year of that member s annual $1,000 commitment. Go to the pancretan.org web site and click on our link for more information and an enrollment form that you can complete and submit online. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to have the forms ed directly to you. K Thank you, John Marakis PAA Foundation Chairman jmarakis@gmail.com Artemis Vamianakis artemis_v@msn.com from the board γραμματα Letters to the Editor Hello Amalia, How was your summer? I just got back from Crete and the first thing I saw with my mountain of mail was the magazine. I just wanted to let you all know how great I think it turned out and a great job you all did Keep up the great work! Sincerely, Christina Diamantakis, president, Pasiphae, New York Thank you notes from scholarship recipients: Dear Dr. Zervos, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you, the Venizelion Scholarship Program, and the Pancretan Assocation of America for selecting me as a recipient for the 2012 Venizelion Scholarship. This scholarship will help me further my education and allow me to one day be in the position to pay it forward to the next generation of Cretan American youth who have chosen the path of higher education. Sincerely, Michael Stefanakis Dear Mrs. Pologeorgis, As I was preparing to leave my home in Clearwater to begin my collegiate career, I was thrilled to receive a wonderful surprise. I am deeply honored and extremely grateful to be awarded a PAA Scholarship in memory of Mr. Pologeorgis. It is especially meaningful receiving this scholarship in memory of both a past PAA president as well as a local chapter president in Clearwater. It will help me greatly at FSU. With gratitude, Emanuel Boutzoukas Dear PAA, My name is Despina Votzakis and I graduated from Dunedin High School in June 2012 with a license in Cosmetology. I am attending St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, Florida, majoring in business. I would like to thank the PAA for the opportunity of receiving a scholarship to assist in my education. I am grateful to the PAA for establishing the scholarship program to allow young students the chance to fulfill their dreams. Sincerely, Despina N. Votzakis Dear PAA, My name is Spyridon N. Votzakis and I am currently a sophomore attending St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs/Clearwater, Florida. I will be receiving my associate degree this fall and plan to transfer to the University of South Florida to continue with my bachelor s degree in Business Marketing. I would like to thank the PAA scholarship committee for awarding me a scholarship that will give me the opportunity to continue my education and allow me to fulfill my goals in life. A thank you to the PAA for being a very strong organization with many opportunities for its members. Sincerely, Spyridon N. Votzakis letters KPHTH 7

8 γραμματα letters Dear Mrs. Kakis, Thank you very much for the honor of being the recipient of a scholarship in memory of your brother, Mr. Michael A. Svourakis. With your generosity, I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a pharmacist. I feel truly humble in acceptance of this scholarship. The Pancretan Association of America has brought me closer to my Cretan American heritage through dance and cultural events around the United States. I receive goose bumps when I hear the lyra and laouto play and my soul becomes overwhelmed with the Cretan spirit when mandinathes are sung at Horoesperithas. As a former dance instructor, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to pass along the traditional Cretan dances that were once passed to me. I hope to continue to pass on our culture and heritage to future generations. I am grateful the PAA has such a great scholarship program that can support students in reaching their educational goals. I will forever keep the PAA and the Cretan spirit alive and in my heart. I feel truly blessed that there are families such as yours in the world. With your help, I am closer to achieving my dreams. With generous donations from families such as yours, I believe the PAA will be successful for several years to come. Thank you once again for the generous donation. May the culture and traditions of Crete live on in your family for many years. May the memory of Mr. Michael Svourakis be eternal. Sincerely, Nickolas Vamianakis, University of Utah College of Pharmacy Dear Dr. Zervos, I would like to thank the Pancretan Association of America for honoring me with the Venizelion Schoiarship. I appreciate everything the Pancretan Association of America has done for me and one day I would like to help the PAA and give back. I would also like to thank the Maliotis and Chryssis families for the scholarships in memory of Costa & Mary Maliotis and Christopher Chryssis. Through their generous donations, I was blessed with the honor of being a recipient of the Venizelion Scholarship. With this scholarship, I will be able to further my education. In college, I am pursuing a degree in nursing. My future plans are to become a registered nurse and continue my education to get my bachelor s degree. Three members of my family are nurses and they have influenced me greatly to pursue a career in nursing. Once again I thank the PAA and the Maliotis and Chryssis families for the scholarship. Sincerely, Despina Hatzis I would like to thank the family of Mrs. Hedwig B. Varouh for receiving a donation they made to the Venizelion Scholarships fund in her memory in order to assist in the further education to PAA youth members. l am attending my first year of college and majoring in accounting. This is a great help for me to start my higher education and fulfill my goals. Thank You, Despina Hobitakis, Pancretan Youth of Chicago Member Dear Mr. Zervos, I am honored to be the recipient of the Nicholas G. Varouh Memorial Scholarship by way of the Pancretan Association of America. I plan to pursue studies in film and media at UC Berkeley and am excited to begin this new phase of my education. The importance of this scholarship opportunity goes without saying. The support from the Greek and Cretan community in support of education has held strong for years and helped so many students of Cretan descent. Anthony Stavrianoudakis Dear Pancretan Association of America, Never fear work, let work fear you. These words, spoken by my late Papou Gus S. Pallios will never leave my heart. Papou Gus was passionate about the Pancretan Association and Cretan heritage. Although I only had my Papou for 13 years of my life, his legacy lives on in how I live my life. I am deeply grateful to have been chosen to receive the scholarship in memory of Mr. Nick Delis. This generosity goes beyond its financial assistance to my family for my education. I am moved by the support of your organization as I begin a new chapter of my life at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. My education will be greatly supplemented by my involvement in St. Andrew s Greek Orthodox Church in San Luis Obispo, California. I will work hard to give back to the faith and heritage that has made me into the person l am today. Thank you again, for everything you have done for me. Best, James Constantine Pallios COMPLIMENTARY 2009 CONVENTION JOURNALS AVAILABLE The PAA has extra copies of the 2009 National Convention Journals available. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy should contact Stavros Antonakakis at stavros@kphth.org. They will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. 8 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012

9 Εξωφυλλο Cover Story Cretan Musicians in 20 th Century America Harilaos Piperakis Paved Way for Cretan Musicians Part 1 of a 2-part Series Bob markakis Around the end of the 1800s and the early 1900s, many Cretans started immigrating to other European countries in search of a better life. As rumor reached Crete that there were plentiful jobs to be found in America, many left their villages. Men, women and children moved away from their relatives and friends for a better life in America. Even though they left their beloved island, they strongly maintained their language, religion, roots and heritage. Music, song and dance always filled their gatherings and past time because it preserved a mental connection with their homeland. There are no records of known Cretan musicians in the 1800s in America. Cretans that immigrated and brought with them their instruments, played only during their free time. Many worked long hours to earn a living, not only for their family, but to also send money back home to their extended family left in Crete. As a result, early Cretan immigrants did not have much free time. At the turn of the century, one young Cretan immigrated and lived his life in America. This is where he cultivated his artistry and passion for Cretan music and subsequently became one of the masters. Harilaos Piperakis, or Harilaos, was born in Xirosterni Apokoronou in Chania in From a young age he started playing the Cretan lyra and by the age of 14 he was proficient. He learned from the known lyra player Mathioudi. It is also said that he was a student of the great master of Asia Minor music Damouri Jemil Bey, who was from Constantinople. KPHTH 9

10 Εξώφυλλο 1 2 The lyra of Harilaos Piperakis, who recorded both traditional Cretan and Rembetika music in the U.S. in the early 20th century. At the age of 17 he immigrated to America and started collaborating with other Greek migrant musicians. He quickly developed into a great musician, composer and a virtuoso of the lyra. By 1920, he had become a famous musician and singer in America. He enriched his repertoire with music from other areas of Greece and from other Mediterranean countries. He also played Rembetica, music from the Balkans and from Asia Minor. Harilaos formally studied classical music and also learned to play the violin. He collaborated with many Greek migrant musicians, formed different music groups and traveled and played in different cities across the United States. In the early 1920s he started recording songs with different recording companies. In 1926, with friends, he started a recording company named Pharos. Between 1926 and 1927 he recorded 14 songs, of which nine were Cretan and five were Rembetica. In 1928, in one of his return visits to Crete, Harilaos collaborated with some other masters of Cretan music, including the famous violin player from Chania, Yiorgos Marianos. He also collaborated with the renowned lyra player Andreas Rodinos and lute player Mbaxevanis (Yiannis Mbernidakis) from Rethymno. It is said that a glendi was organized at the waterfront port of Rethymnon, and that Rodinos, Harilaos and Mbaxevanis played for two continuous days. By this period Harilaos name and musical skill had become well known in Crete. In the 1930s he recorded another 12 songs, four with Columbia and eight with Orthophonic, which was republished by RCA. From the 12 songs, seven were Cretan and five Rembetika. After the war, he continued recording Cretan and Rembetika songs with other small Greek American companies such as Balkan, Grecophon, Kaliphon and Liberty. In the late 1940s and into the 1950s he continued to play in cities across the United 10 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012

11 Εξωφυλλο 1.Dr. Nick Vidalakis, Harilaos Piperakis, Chris G. Tsoutsounakis and Emmanuel Tsapakis dance together during the 1978 PAA Convetion in Salt Lake City. Chris Tsoutsounakis fondly recalled the event: We invited Harilaos to the 1978 Convention and honored him as well. That was the highlight of his life. Piperakis passed away six months after the event on Dec. 22, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lingos pose in front of Harilaos Piperakis, Manolis Kaklis on lagouto, and Sifi Lekakis on the lyra. 3. Harilaos Piperakis dances with PAA members Chris G. Tsoutsounakis, Emmanuel Tsapakis and Nikos Papaderos during the 25th annual PAA Convention, which was held in Salt Lake City. Photos courtesy Chris Tsoutsounakis and Fotini Lingos Kelaidis. Cover Story 3 States. He was well loved and respected. By this period, he was considered one of the most important and well known Greek musicians in America. Besides his superb artistry and creativity, he had a great fluency in composing mantinades, and he possessed a deep and unappeased passion that mesmerized his audiences. Because of his vast repertoire, he was well-liked by Greeks from all regions of Greece. In America, he earned the name of God of Music and in Athens (in 1958) the name of Paganini of the Lyra. One of his last appearances was in July 1978 at the 25th Pancretan Convention in Salt Lake City. Harilaos died on Dec. 22, 1978, in Vacaville, Calif. After his death, the University of Crete honored him with an honorary degree for his vast contributions to Cretan music and the promotion of our heritage in America. He left us with a great legacy. He recorded more than 40 songs on 78 and 45 records. Some of his well known songs are To Xerosteriano Nero and the Ahi Lousakiano Krasi. He was the only Cretan lyra player of his era who knew how to read music. He also proved that the lyra could be taught with notes. Harilaos not only influenced many musicians in America, but also influenced generations of Cretan musicians in Crete. In addition, he paved the way for many other known Cretan musicians to tour the United States. In the next issue of the KPHTH magazine, I will cover other known Cretan musicians in America in the 20th century. K WANTED Pictures, live recordings and videos of Harilaos Piperakis from any chapter or Pancretan events to showcase in the Pancretan archives. Culture & Education Chair Bob Markakis at bmarkakis@rogers.com, who is spearheading this initiative. Looking Ahead Culture & Education Chair Bob Markakis plans on highlighting all the youth dance troupes and musicians by district over the course of 2013, beginning with District 1 in February. Please submit photos and information about your local dance troupes and musicians to Mr. Markakis via at bmarkakis@rogers.com to ensure inclusion in upcoming issues. KPHTH 11

12 Ο Γητευτής του Bιολιού Της Ρίκης Ματαλλιωτάκη, explorecrete.com Γεννήθηκε το 1931 στο Σκαλάνι Ηρακλείου, ένα μικρό χωριό ούτε δέκα χιλιόμετρα μακριά από το κέντρο της πόλης και μόλις στα δεκατέσσερα του έπαιζε βιολί στο καφενείο του πατέρα του ενώ δεν είχε περάσει μια δεκαετία και στο ίδιο μέρος είχε ήδη αποκτήσει το δικό του μαγαζί όπου για χρόνια διασκέδασε όσο κανείς κόσμο και κόσμο με το βιολί του. Το πραγματικό του όνομα είναι Γιώργης Σφακιανάκης, μη κάνετε το λάθος όμως να τον αναζητήσετε με αυτό γιατί σίγουρα θα μπλεχτείτε ανάμεσα στους χιλιάδες Σφακιανάκηδες που υπάρχουν στη Κρήτη με αποτέλεσμα ο μεγάλος κρητικός καλλιτέχνης να χαθεί στην ανωνυμία. Αναζητήστε τον καλύτερα σαν Γιώργη Αβυσινό, καθώς μια παιδική αταξία, σε συνδυασμό με το πολύ μελαχρινό χρώμα του προσώπου του, έμελλαν να γίνουν η αφορμή που θα του έδιναν ένα όνομα με εντελώς ξεχωριστό χρώμα, ακριβώς σαν τη μουσική του προσωπικότητα του που ήταν πέρα για πέρα ξεχωριστή: «Πήγαινα ακόμα στη τρίτη τάξη του δημοτικού σχολειού όταν στην ώρα της γυμναστικής έκανα κάτι, ούτε θυμάμαι τι, που δεν άρεσε στο δάσκαλο. Έρχεται λοιπόν προς το μέρος μου, με κοιτά αφάνταστα εκνευρισμένος, εμπνέεται μάλλον 12 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012 (Left) Violinist George Sfakianakis, also known as Avissinos, was born in 1931 in Skalani, outside of Heraklion, Crete. (Right) Greek Actress Jenny Karezi and Actor Manos Katrakis dance together while Avissinos dances with an unknown woman in his cafe. (Below) Avissinos performs at his cafe in Skalani. και από τη μαυρίλα μου οπότε γυρνά και μου λέει «Αβυσινέ έβγα τώρα αμέσως έξω από τη γραμμή» Αυτό ήταν, άκουσαν οι συμμαθητές μου τη κοροϊδία, την κράτησαν, την μετάδωσαν κι έκτοτε δεν με ξαναείπε ποτέ κανείς με άλλο όνομα.» Τότε βέβαια το άτακτο, μελαχρινό παιδί σίγουρα δεν γνώριζε ακόμα πως το άστρο του ήδη ετοιμαζόταν σιγά-σιγά να τον καθιερώσει σαν ένα από τους μεγαλύτερους μουσικούς, κρητικούς καλλιτέχνες με το καινούργιο του όνομα: Αβυσινός!! Επί του παρόντος λοιπόν σταματά κάθε είδους σπουδές, όπως τα περισσότερα από τα παιδιά της γενιάς του, το μικρόβιο όμως που αναμφίβολα υπήρχε μέσα του έκανε κιόλας τη δουλειά του καλλιεργώντας το έδαφος σε μια εποχή που το κύριο χαρακτηριστικό της ήταν οι κάθε είδους δυσκολίες: «Ήθελα να μάθω αλλά πως κι ευτυχώς δηλαδή που έπεσε κάποτε ένα βιολί στα χέρια μου. Τι βιολί τώρα ένα κουφάρι φαντάσου Για να το μεταμορφώσω εγώ σε βιολί πήγα ο καημένος να κόψω τρίχες από την ουρά της φοράδας μας νομίζοντας πως θα τα κατάφερνα να τις κάνω χορδές και πως δε με σκότωσε το ζωντανό είναι θαύμα» Απτόητος όμως ο Γιώργης ο Αβυσινός εξακολουθεί τη προσπάθεια ίσως και για να αποδείξει για μια ακόμα φορά με τη περίπτωση του

13 ΜΟυσικη πως ο άνθρωπος γεννιέται μόνο και όχι γίνεται: «Είμαι εντελώς αυτοδίδακτος σε ένα όργανο που για να το μάθεις πρέπει να κάνεις το λιγότερο δεκαπέντε χρόνια ωδείο αλλά και πάλι μόνο αν σου το λέει η ψυχή σου θα το μάθεις... Αν δε σου το λέει η ψυχή σου δεν το μαθαίνεις ούτε σε πενήντα πέντε χρόνια γι αυτό κιόλας δεν είναι τυχαίο που το βιολί το έχουν ονομάσει βασιλιά των οργάνων! Εγώ πάντως προσωπικά δεν ξέρω ούτε καν τι είναι οι νότες. Νότες τι είναι αυτό, δεν έπαιξα ποτέ μου με νότες εγώ. Η μουσική που παίζω βγαίνει πάντα μέσα από τη ψυχή μου, πάει κατόπιν στο μυαλό μου κι από εκεί μετά φεύγει και πάει κατευθείαν στα χέρια μου. Πως δεν ξέρω, που να ξέρω... Πάρα πολλές φορές ξυπνώ τη νύχτα επειδή έχω ονειρευτεί ένα σκοπό και για να μην τον ξεχάσω σηκώνομαι αμέσως, τον παίζω στο βιολί και τέλος, αυτό είναι» Κάπου εδώ σηκώνεις τα χέρια ψηλά κι αναρωτιέσαι «μα πως είναι δυνατόν άραγε κάποιοι άνθρωποι να λειτουργούν έτσι, μήπως άραγε έχουν την ικανότητα να γητεύουν αόρατες δυνάμεις της φύσης;» Και σίγουρα η περίπτωση του μεγάλου βιολάτορα Γιώργη Αβυσινού μάλλον που έχει πολλούς προβληματίσει: «Ήρθε κάποτε στο μαγαζί ο Χατζηδάκης μαζί με τον Φάμπα, το μεγαλύτερο τότε κιθαρίστα όλης της Ελλάδας, και μόλις τους είδα εγώ πανικοβλήθηκα και μόνο στη σκέψη πως μπορεί να με βάλουν να παίξω μπροστά τους, όπως όντως έγινε κι αυτό που φοβόμουν δεν το απέφυγα. Ζήτησε ο Χατζηδάκης να με ακούσει κι εγώ προσπαθώντας να βρω τη ψυχραιμία μου έπαιξα μπροστά τους «Καστρινές κοντυλιές» «Κοντυλιές της νύχτες» «Κοντυλιές Καλογερίδη» και άλλα. Όταν σταμάτησα γυρνά ο Φάμπας και λέει του Χατζηδάκη «μπορείς να μου εξηγήσεις πως γίνεται αυτό κι εμείς καθόμαστε και τρώμε τα νιάτα μας στα ωδεία;»και η απάντηση του Χατζηδάκη ήταν «αν ήξερα εγώ θα μπορούσα να εξηγήσω και σε σένα» Δεν ήταν όμως μόνο ετούτοι οι δυο μεγάλοι μουσικοί που μάγεψε με τη μουσική του ο μεγάλος γητευτής του βιολιού Γιώργης Αβυσινός. Όλα σχεδόν τα ιερά τέρατα κάθε είδους υψηλής τέχνης, ελληνικού μα και παγκοσμίου βεληνεκούς, πέρασαν από το μαγαζί του την εποχή που μεσουρανούσε, χαιρετήθηκαν και γνωρίστηκαν μαζί του και μαζί με αυτόν φυσικά γνωρίστηκαν και με τη κρητική μουσική. Και μπορεί βέβαια να έχουν περάσει σχεδόν τριάντα χρόνια από τότε που ο Γιώργης Αβυσινός κρατούσε στα χέρια του το βιολί και η Τζόαν Μπαέζ χόρευε μπροστά του ξυπόλητη κι εκστασιασμένη από τους κελαϊδιστούς ήχους που το έκανε και έβγαζε, ή από τότε που η Αλίκη Βουγιουκλάκη, ο Δημήτρης Παπαμιχαήλ, η Τζένη Καρέζη, ο Μάνος Κατράκης, ο Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος, κι ούτε κι ο ίδιος θυμάται πόσοι και πόσοι ακόμα γλέντησαν έως πρωίας στο χώρο του, αυτό όμως δεν εξαλείφει το γεγονός πως ο Γιώργης Αβυσινός είναι από εκείνους τους λίγους, τους ελάχιστους καλλιτέχνες που η διαδρομή τους χάραξε ανεξίτηλα τη μουσική ιστορία της Κρήτης. K MUSIC This article has been reprinted with permission from courtesy of Yiannis Samatas of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. KPHTH 13

14 ΜΟυσικη Music TRADITION TRANSCENDED. Youth Gather in Meronas for Second Annual Musical Tutorial HELENE SEMANDERES In the small village of Meronas, in the mountainous region of Rethymnon in Crete, there is a cultural association that revives the long forgotten tradition of attempting to bring the new generation closer to the wisdom of its ancestors. The existence of more than 40 students playing Cretan instruments in the village motivated the cultural association of Meronas to organize the first Musical Tutorial in August Remarkably talented musicians shared their knowledge with the students. One of them was Dimitris Sgouros, who has an outstanding knowledge of the Byzantine notation and has deciphered and revealed to the public the unique manuscripts of the father of Cretan folklore, Pavlos Vlastos, which are under the supervision of the Historical Archive of Crete department in Chania. This past summer, from Aug. 7-11, the second annual musical tutorial was held, with a series of music workshops for the instruction of the lyra by Sgouros; laouto by Dimitris Sideris; mandoline by Mihalis Kontaxakis; and bulgari by Stelios Sykakis. Each workshop took place in different parts of the village, from private courtyards to the one-room classroom of the old school. Every evening after classes, the students would get together in the village s main street and start a glendi that would continue into the very late hours. Students and teachers alike would gather to sing mantinades, play their instruments and dance. Last year we had some of our very own PYA members in attendance. They were Christos Markakis, Andreas Kamouyerou, and Nikolis and Christos Semanderes. This year s PYA members included Pavli Papadakis, Manolis Boutzoukas, and Nikolis and Christos Semanderes. On the final evening of the music tutorial, all the students put on a brief concert, which culminated into a full blown glendi with the instructors taking over. The dance floor was filled with young and old until the rising of sun. Congratulations to all involved and may you continue this great initiative next year. K To view a trailer for the workshop, visit com/watch?v=s9pljfjeznm Laouto musician and teacher Dimitris Sideris 2. and 3. Lyra musician and teacher Dimitris Sgouros 4. Students practicing on traditional Cretan instruments during the second annual musical tutorial 5. Bulgari musician and teacher Stelios Sykakis 6. Students being instructed on the fundamentals of traditional Cretan music at the second annual musical tutorial in Meronas, Rethymnon, Crete. 14 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012

15 Από την Περιφέρεια Roxanne Koston 6th District Governor It is with pleasure that I am writing a few words about our 6th District to inform our PAA members of what we re all about out here in sunny California. I joined our San Francisco local chapter, Epimenides, when I first arrived from Chania in 1959 at the age of 16. We have gone through many changes since then and I have undertaken many different positions within our local chapters. I have served as secretary, as president to the Ariadne women s chapter, and again as president of the Epimenides chapter. I have also served as lieutenant governor of the 6th District for four years, was elected 6th District governor in 2011 in Los Angeles and also served as philanthropic chair. I have enjoyed all the positions I have held and look forward to serving my district for a long time. I would like to thank my current board for their efforts: lieutenant governor Vasilis Fourakis, secretary Effie Fourakis and treasurer Steve LaBritt. Working together we will make wonderful progress in our district. Our district s highlight event is our annual St. Nicholas Retreat, which we call the Food Farm Retreat. All day long we roast lambs and wild piglets. The St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center was founded by our beloved Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco around 1980, whose beautiful resting place is next to the monastery. May he rest in peace. Columbus Day weekend is set aside and strictly dedicated annually for our 6th District members and guests. Since 1985 we have held many sacraments during this special weekend. The last one was the christening of our past district governor Stamatis Zoumberakis grandson with all the members enjoying roasted lambs ala Crete. We have also hosted past and present PAA presidents and national officers, and welcome all to come. Around 1988 our group had collected many donations to build a huge BBQ, which is surrounded by a lovely pavilion. A proud sign above the BBQ is inscribed, Pancretan Associaton 6th District. Greetings from the 6th District Our District currently consists of 16 chapters, but will soon be 17. We currently have more than 900 members. Our 6th District is also very proud to have six PAA National officers serving our organization. They are: Tom Lantzourakis, 1st vice president John Sargetis, general supervisor Xanthippi Gelasakis, youth supervisor, West Coast Roxanne Koston, District 6 governor Diane Kounalakis-Baxter, Cretan Alumni Network Tony Kocolas, Cretan historian John Koulakis, PYA secretary The 6th District has also produced three national PAA presidents: Gus Palios, Nick Delis and George Tzitzikas. As for me, I hope to do as good of a job as my predecessors. At this time, I would also like to take this opportunity to mention all our past district governors whose love and memory will never be forgotten. Melpa Frangos, Harry Joseph Melpa Frangos Mary Katotakis Lou Angelakis Melpa Frangos Gus Palios George Mavrakis James Pavlakis George Tzitzikas, John Limberakis Stella Petrakos Paul Peters George Skandale John Kordazakis Chris Hallis Eleftherios Dramitinos Stamatis Zoumberakis We wish all the very best and kali mas antamose pali. Sta aidonia eparangila stin porta sas na rthoune kai me glyko kelaidisma xeretismous na poune. K From the District KPHTH 15

16 (above) 2008 Christmas Party (right) 2008 Crab Feed Pictured: the Minoan Dancers. Photos Courtesy Effie Fourakis Spotlight on Polirinia PAA Chapter Strives to Promote and Perpetuate Cretan Heritage EFFIE FOURAKIS For nearly 20 years, the Polirinia chapter has brought together Cretan families living in the Marin and Sonoma counties of California. This region spans north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the luscious California wine country. The idea to create a new chapter developed in the early 1990s by Cretans who were members of the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Parish in Marin County. At that time, the closest chapter to Marin County was the San Francisco-based Epimenides and Ariadne chapters, but participation in meetings and events was a challenge due to the distance, geography and traffic patterns of the region. The founding members of Polirinia recognized these obstacles, saw the need for a local chapter and thus the concept of a chapter north of San Francisco emerged. The chapter s first meeting, with 16 members present, was held on Nov. 30, 1993, and attended by then PAA President George Tzitzikas, his son Aristides Tzitzikas and John Sargetis from Sacramento. Our chapter, Polirinia, was named after an ancient city of western Crete, which is located 49 kilometers west (about 30 miles) of Chania, and means Peace. The Polirinia chapter has a strong core of dedicated members, whose goal is to promote and perpetuate our Cretan heritage. We support the events of 16 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012 other Cretan chapters and we support our local parish. Some of our most memorable events have simply been gatherings to enjoy each other s parea, like a ferry ride to a San Francisco ice rink, a picnic to Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay, a hike and overnight stay at the historic West Point Inn on Mount Tamalpais, and of course lively meetings and festive Christmas parties at members homes. Annually, Polirinia members attend the District 6 family weekend at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in the Sierra Nevada foothills. His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Blessed Memory, who was born in the village of Avgeniki, Crete, founded St. Nicholas Ranch and attended the retreat many times. Members of Polirinia, dressed in traditional Cretan costume, stood as honor guards by the casket of our spiritual father at his funeral service in Polirinia has also sponsored lectures and artoclasia, picnics and New Year s Eve festivities. For example, in 2007, the chapter co-hosted a reception at a local bookstore for Janey Bennett, who had written a book set in Crete called The Pale Surface of Things, and donated 50% of book sales at the event to the fire victims of Greece. Fundraising has also been an important effort of Polirinia. Over the years proceeds have benefited the Cretan relief fund, renovations of a village church in Crete and Polirinia s scholarship program for our col-

17 Προφίλ Συλλόγου lege student members. Several children of our chapter have received national PAA scholarships, including Maria Kyriakos, Spyridoula Kyriakos, Jeanette Saris, Mathew Kosmas and Nick Papadakis, and both Jeanette Saris and Mathew Kosmas attended the DIAS program in Crete. In 1995 Polirinia was the principal chapter leading a joint fundraiser with all the other San Francisco Bay Area PAA chapters in a panegyri and benefit concert by famous lyratzi Vasilis Skoulas. Proceeds of the fundraiser benefited the building of the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos the Life Giving Spring at St. Nicholas Ranch. Polirinia also holds an annual Crab Feed at our parish community hall with fresh crab, Cretan music and performances by the Minoan Dancers, who are directed by members Vasilis and Effie Fourakis. Previously, Stelios Katzakis (lyra) and Antoni Gergiannakis (laouto) played at the 2008 Crab Feed. In addition, in 2009 the parish hall was filled to capacity when the Crab Feed featured Elias Horeftakis on violin, Stelios Eliakis on laouto and Vasilis Nikoloudakis on guitar. The Chapter continues to plan events and participate in Cretan activities and conventions to preserve and promote our Cretan heritage, instilling it into our children and sharing it with our community. K Polirinia Officers President, Anthony Kosmas Vice President, George Georgeson Treasurer, Betty Saris Secretary, Effie Fourakis Chapter Profile meeting 2. Hike and overnight to the West Point Inn, Mount Tamalpais. Pictured: Stavros Fourakis, George Fourakis, Tony Saris, Vasilis Fourakis, Achilleas Fourakis, Odysseas Fourakis crab feed scholarship recipients. Pictured: Vasilis Fourakis, Andreas Fourakis, Hugh Hunter, Jeanette Saris, Mia Kosmas, Effie Fourakis Skoulas fundraiser. Pictured: Effie Fourakis, Vasilis Skoulas, Vasilis Fourakis Crab feed. Pictured: Ann Gigounas, Vasilis Fourakis, Tony Kosmas Crab Feed Pictured: Achilleas Fourakis, Stavros Fourakis, Stelio Diamantopoulos 5 6 Photos Courtesy Effie Fourakis KPHTH 17

18 Το Θρυλικό Έπος του 1940 δημητρησ χατζησ Ευρώπη του 1940 στενάζει κάτω απο την μπότα της H ναζιστικής Γερμανίας. Ο Χίτλερ μέσα σε ένα χρόνο έχει καταφέρει να υποτάξει τις περισσότερες Ευρωπαικές χώρες σχεδόν αμαχητή. Ο Μπενίτο Μουσολίνι της φασιστικής Ιταλίας ονειρεύεται μια καινούργια Ρωμαική Αυτοκρατορία και ενθαρυμένος από τις επιτυχιες του Χίτλερ, είναι έτοιμος να κυρήξει τον πολεμο εναντίον της Ελλάδος. Έχει ήδη προηγηθεί ο ύπουλος τορπιλισμός του καταδρομικού «Ἑλλη» στις 15 Αυγούστου του 1940 στο λιμάνι της Τήνου, και ο Ελληνικός λαός διαισθάνεται τον επερχόμενο πόλεμο που δεν θα αργήσει να έρθει. Τα ξημερώματα της 28ης. Οκτωμβρίου στις 3 το πρωί ο Ιταλός πρευσβευτής Εμμανουέλ Γκράτσι, παρέδωσε ιδιοχείρως τελεσίγραφο στον Έλληνα πρωθυπουργό Ιωάννη Μεταξά ζητώντας την ελεύθερη διάβαση των Ιταλικών δυνάμεων από τα Αλβανικά σύνορα. Ο αγέρωχος πρωθυπουργός δεν δίστασε να απαντήσει το μονολεκτικό «ΟΧΙ», γνωρίζοντας την δυσμενή θέση της Ελλάδος και την υπευθυνότητα της ένδοξης Ιστορίας μας δεν είχε άλλη εκλογή παρά να δώσει στον εισβολέα το σύγχρονο «Μολών λαβέ». Αν θέλετε την Ελλάδα ελάτε να την πάρετε. Έτσι λοιπόν οι «κοκορόφτεροι» Ιταλοί φασίστες άρχισαν την επίθεση στις 5 το πρωί της 28ης. Οκτωβρίου 1940 στα Ελληνοαλβανικά σύνορα με 135,000 χιλιάδες στρατό ενώ οι Ελληνικές δυνάμεις υπο τον Αρχιστράτηγο Αλέξανδρο Παπάγο ήταν μολις 35,000. Στην αρχή ο Ελληνικός στρατός μάχεται ηρωικά την υπεράσπιση του πατρίου εδάφους,ο Κωνσταντίνος Δαβάκης, ο ήρωας της Πίνδου, με μόλις 2,000 άνδρες αντιμετωπίζει 18 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012 (left) The Dec. 16, cover of Life magazine reporting on Greece s actions. (center) A German soldier in front of one of the signs erected after the razing. The text reads: Kandanos was destroyed in retaliation for the bestial ambush murder of a paratrooper platoon and a half-platoon of military engineers by armed men and women. (above) A squad of German soldiers pass through a Greek village, during the occupation of Greece in May επιτυχώς την 3ην Μεραρχία Αλπινιστών, «Τζούλια», με στρατηγικούς ελιγμούς καταφέρνει μεγάλες απώλειες στους εισβολείς οι οποίοι τρέπονται σε φυγή, αλλά με την ολοκλήρωση της γενικής επιστράτευσης στις 14 Νοεμβρίου, αρχίζει η Ελληνική αντεπίθεση. Στις 22 Νοεμβρίου ο Ελληνικός στρατός μπαίνει θριαμβευτικά στη Κορυτσά και ο Ελληνικός πληθυσμός της Βορείου Ηπείρου δέχεται τους Έλληνες φαντάρους σαν ελευθερωτές και οι καμπάνες των ορθοδόξων εκκλησιών χτυπούν χαρμόσυνα. Οι Ελληνικές πόλεις της Βόρειας Ηπείρου απελευθερώνονται η μια μετά την άλλη, στις 30 το Πόγραδετς στις 5 Δεκεμβρίου η Πρεμετή και στις 6, οι Άγιοι Σαράντα. Με την βροντερή ιαχή «Αέρα», οι Έλληνες φαντάροι τρέπουν τους Ιταλοφασίστες σε άτακτο φυγή, και ο Ελληνικός στρατός μπαίνει θριαμβευτικά και στο Αργυρόκαστρο στις 8 του Δεκέμβη και στις 22 στην Χειμάρα. Απο τις 22 Ιανουαρίου 1941 οι κορυφογραμμές απο Χειμάρα εως Κλεισούρα και ανατολικά της Τρεμπεσίνας ειναι υπο Ελληνικό έλεγχο. Οι ανέλπιστες νίκες των Ελληνικών στρατευμάτων δεν είναι τυχαίες. Ένας τέτοιος άνισος πόλεμος μεταμορφώνει τον απλό τσολιά σε ακαταμάχητο ήρωα και τον απλό λοχαγό σε τιτάνιο διοικητή. Οι τεράστιες αυτές νίκες είχαν μεγάλη επίδραση στο ηττημένο ηθικό της σκλαβωμένης Ευρώπης, γιατί ήταν η πρώτη φορά που ηττήθηκαν οι δυνάμεις του Άξωνα και μάλιστα απο μια χώρα εξασθενημένη από τους συνεχείς πολέμους του 12 και 13 και τη Μικρασιατική καταστροφή του 1922, και κανείς στην Ευρώπη δεν περίμενε ότι η ξιφολόγχη του Έλληνα Τσολιά θα αποκεφάλιζε το φασιστικό τέρας. Η αναλαμπή της ελπίδας ότι οι δυνάμεις

19 ρεπορταζ του Άξωνα μπορούν να ηττηθούν είναι πλέον γεγονός. Ο Μουσολίνι οργισμένος από τις στρατιωτικές του αποτυχίες αλάζει τρεις αντιστράτηγους μέσα σε δυο μήνες, τον Βισκόντι Πράσκα τον Ουμπάλντο Σάντου και τον Ούγκο Καβαλλιέρο, και ετοιμάζει μια νέα επίθεση την Άνοιξη του 1941 με 10 νέες Ιταλικές Μεραρχίες. Ο Μουσολίνι ανέλαβε προσωπικά τις στρατιωτικές επιχειρήσεις μαζί με τον γαμπρό του Τσιάνο ο οποίος μάλιστα είπε «Το μεσημέρι θα πίνω τον καφέ μου στην Αθήνα» Στις 9 Μαρτίου άρχισε η σφοδρή επίθεση με τα ακατάπαυστα πυρά του πυροβολικού καθώς επίσης και αεροπορικοί βομβαρδισμοί αλλά οι Ελληνικές δυνάμεις απέκρουσαν τις Ιταλικές επιθέσεις σε όλο το μέτωπο. Οι αλλεπάλληλες επιθέσεις ανάμεσα στους ποταμούς Αώου και Άψου καθώς επίσης και στην περιοχή της Τρεμπεσίνας από τις 11 Μαρτίου μέχρι και τις 25 Μαρτίου έχουν το ίδιο αποτέλεσμα, τεράστιες Ιταλικές απώλειες και επιτυχή απόκρουση απο τις Ελληνικές δυνάμεις. Η τραγουδίστρια της νίκης Σοφία Βέμπο εμψυχώνει με τα τραγούδια της τους Έλληνες φαντάρους και γελοιοποιεί τον Μουσολίνι με το τραγούδι «Βάζει ο Ντούτσε την στολή του». Η προσωπική ήττα του Μουσολίνι είναι καθοριστική. Το έγγυρο αμερικανικό περιοδικό LIFE αφιερώνει πολυάριθμες σελίδες στην επική νίκη της Ελλάδος και στο εξώφυλο φιγουράρουν ένδοξες μορφές του αγώνα. Ο πρόεδρος Ρούσβελτ σε ομιλία του στο κονγκρέσο είπε τα εξής. «Οι Έλληνες Δίδαξαν την αξιοπρέπεια στο πέρασμα των αιώνων. Όταν όλος ο κόσμος έχασε την ελπίδα του, οι Έλληνες τόλμησαν να αμφισβητήσουν το αήττητο του γερμανικού τέρατος, υψώνοντας απέναντι του το υπερήφανο πνεύμα της Ελευθερίας. Ο δε Ουίνστον Τσώρτσιλ είπε το περίφημο «Από το εξής δεν θα λέμε οτι οι Έλληνες πολεμούν σαν ήρωες, αλλά ότι οι ήρωες πολεμούν σαν Έλληνες». Ο Χίτλερ βλέποντας την ήττα των Ιταλών, ανέβαλε When the entire world had lost all hope, the Greek people dared to question the invincibility of the German monster raising against it the proud spirit of freedom. Όταν όλος ο κόσμος έχασε την ελπίδα του, οι Έλληνες τόλμησαν να αμφισβητήσουν το αήττητο του γερμανικού τέρατος, υψώνοντας απέναντι του το υπερήφανο πνεύμα της Ελευθερίας. President Franklin Roosevelt την εκτέλεση του σχεδίου «Μπαρμπαρόσα» δηλαδή την εισβολή του στη Ρωσία, και εξαπέλυσε λυσαλέα επίθεση κατά της Ελλάδος τον Απρίλιο του Αναγκαστηκε δε να απασχολήσει 10 απο τις πιο επίλεκτες μονάδες του στον Ελληνικό χορό για να αντικρούσει την ανεπανάληπτη για τα χρονικά Εθνική Αντίσταση. Σαν αποτέλεσμα αυτών των γεγονότων καθυστέρησε την επίθεση στο Ρωσικό μέτωπο η οποία είχε καταστροφικές συνέπειες για τη ναζιστική Γερμανία. Το θρυλικό έπος του 40 ειχε καθοριστικό ρόλο στον δεύτερο παγκόσμιο πόλεμο και επλήρωσε πανάκριβα το τίμημα της ελευθερίας. Είναι υποχρέωση όλων μας να διατηρούμε και να τιμούμε την μνήμη αυτών που άφησαν την τελευταία τους πνοή στον βωμό της Ελευθερίας. K Cretans of Arizona Dinner Dance At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church January 26, 2013 Featuring the Rasidakis Band With Manolis Rasidakis on the lira, Leyteris Rasidakis on the laouto, and Stavros Rasidakis on the drums. For more information contact Manolis Papamatheakis at or Voula Papamatheakis dv.voula@hotmail.com *The Rasidakis Band will be in the United States from November 2012 through February 2013, and are available to perform at events, weddings or baptisms during that time. Contact Manolis Papamatheakis if you are interested in hiring them. IN NOVEMBER KPHTH Magazine will highlight the Patriarch Bartholomew s historic visit to Crete last summer. KPHTH 19 Special Report

20 PYA President s Message Fellow Cretans, PRESIDENT Chris V. Marangoudakis (917) cvmarangos@gmail.com WEST COAST VICE PRESIDENT Pete Saltas (801) pete.saltas@gmail.com EAST COAST VICE PRESIDENT Chris D. Marangoudakis (917) chris.marangos@gmail.com TREASURER Yianni Koulakis (818) jkoulakis@gmail.com SECRETARY Joanna Boutzoukas (727) j.boutzoukas@gmail.com KRI-KRI EDITOR Katerina Makridakis (330) aikaterinimak@hotmail.com IT CHAIR Jeff Chipian (801) jchipian@msn.com FUNDRAISING CHAIR Andreana Masters (248) master58@msu.edu PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR Maria Kiagias (312) kiagias.m@gmail.com CULTURAL CHAIR Alekos Marmatakis (732) alekomarmatakis@yahoo.com SPECIAL EVENTS CHAIR Mary Papadakis (801) m.papadakis1@hotmail.com WEST COAST YOUTH SUPERVISOR Xanthippi Gelasakis (916) xmeraklina@aol.com EAST COAST YOUTH SUPERVISOR Michael Detorakis (330) iraklio@aol.com Chris V. Marangoudakis PYA President cvmarangos@gmail.com It has been a tremendous first year, and an honor to serve as your PYA President. Being PYA president has given me the opportunity to travel to different areas of the country for various events, and establish relationships with Cretans from all around America while representing our organization. During the first year, the PYA held two youth conferences: one in New York and one in Los Angeles. Both were very well organized, successful and wellattended. Our board members thus far have worked hard at their respective positions in order to help our organization grow. A year ago, the first issue of cbuzz, which is a youth newsletter that is sent to all the youth via , was created. The number of cbuzz viewers continues to rise, and we encourage those who don t read it to start. The recently established website is also a big step taken by the board to allow members to network. It contains a calendar, photos, chapter info and much more! You can also purchase your PYA merchandise via PayPal on This summer, the special events chair, Mary Papadakis, helped to continue a recent tradition of the PYA in Crete. Mary, along with the West Coast youth supervisor, Xanthippi Gelasakis, and the public relations chair, Maria Kiagias, led a team of PYA members to the orphanage in Chania. They shared stories, and became friends with the youth there. The youth in Crete are no different than the youth in America, and it s an honor for us to be a part of their lives. These are just some of the things our board has been working on thus far. We have one more year in office, and we will continue to try our best for the organization. I hope all students have a good school year. Καλo χειμwνα σε oλους!! Are you a part of the PYA Network? 20 KPHTH OCTOBER 2012