American Hellenic Institute

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AHI Hosts Farewell Dinner In Honor Of Ambassador Alexander Philon And Mrs. Eleni Philon
OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: CHRYSOULA ECONOMOPOULOS
May 9, 2002 No. 23/02 (202) 785-8430

AHI Hosts Farewell Dinner In Honor Of Ambassador Alexander Philon And Mrs. Eleni Philon

WASHINGTON, DC -- On May 6, 2002, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) bid a warm farewell to departing Greek Ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Philon, at a dinner held in his honor at the Capital Hilton Hotel. Ambassador Philon was presented with the AHI Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Award in recognition of his diligent and successful endeavors promoting a strong and collaborative relationship between Greece and the U.S. during his tenure in Washington. The AHI also presented the Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Eleni Philon, with a gift of appreciation for her work in support of Hellenic issues in the U.S.

During his acceptance remarks, Ambassador Philon thanked AHI for its steadfast and positive support of Hellenic issues, stressing that "grassroots efforts are very important" in moving forward these policy initiatives. The Ambassador also expressed special thanks to AHI founder Gene Rossides for his persistence in pursuing "what is right" in U.S. foreign policy objectives, and to Executive Director Nick Larigakis for his dedication in pushing forward AHI's policy and public awareness agenda. 

AHI Chairman James Marketos introduced the guest of honor and presented him with the AHI award. Honorable guests included Cyprus Ambassador to the U.S. Dr.Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, formerU.S. Ambassador to Greece Robert Keeley,and prominent Washington, DC attorneys Plato Cacheris (Law Offices of Plato Cacheris) and Manny Rouvelas (Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP). 

Ambassador Alexander Philon was appointed Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. in July 1998. His career in the Greek foreign service spans more than 30 years, with his first assignment begun in 1965 as an Attaché at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among many other distinguished postings, Ambassador Philon has also served as Ambassador of Greece to New Delhi and Ambassador of Greece to Ankara. Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Romania and Spain have all decorated Ambassador Philon, and he has also been honored as recipient of the Grand Cross of the Order of Phoenix of Greece. 

For additional information about AHI's farewell dinner in honor of Ambassador Alexander Philon, please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 orchrysoula@ahiworld.org. For general information on AHI, please see our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.


Mrs. Eleni Philon after receiving farewell gift from AHI Chairman James
Marketos (in background), presented on behalf of AHI.


AHI Farewell Dinner Honoring Ambassador Alexander Philon. (l-r) Gene
Rossides, Aphrodite Rossides, Amb. Philon (with award from AHI),
Eleni Philon, James Marketos.