American Hellenic Institute

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The "Argonauts" Association of Magnesia Honors AHI Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nick Larigakis
March 26, 2008—No. 19 (202) 785-8430

The "Argonauts" Association of Magnesia Honors AHI Executive Director

New York, NY—On Saturday, March 1, 2008, at their 14th Annual Dinner Dance in New York, the “Argonauts” Association of Magnesia honored AHI executive director, Nick Larigakis. Mr. Larigakis was born in Volos Greece and his hometown is the town of Glossa on the island of Skopelos, which are part of Magnesia.

In presenting Mr. Larigakis, the Association’s president and publisher of the Greek News, Apostolos Zoupaniotis, stated that the “Argonauts are pleased to recognize Nick. Larigakis for bringing honor to the place of his birth, the Prefecture of Magnesia, through his efforts to elevate Hellenism in America and the just national issues of Greece.”

“I am very honored and humbled to be recognized by my ‘patriotis’ this evening. I cannot find the words to adequately express how I feel. This is something my family and I will never forget. I am very touched by this recognition that you have bestowed upon me tonight and I thank the Argonauts and your president, Apostolos Zoupaniotis,” said Larigakis.

Larigakis dedicated his award to his parents by saying, “…they will never be honored at any banquet, but my mother was the one who was constantly instilling in me the virtues and understanding of Hellenism and the importance of my heritage and culture. It is only because of my parent’s extreme personal sacrifices, hard work and doing without, that they were able to send my brother and me to school. They are the reason I stand before you this evening. This is for them!”


Letters of congratulations sent to the Argonauts included the following comments:

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

“I congratulate the Argonauts for honoring this year Mr. Nick Larigakis, a strong advocate on behalf of Greek interests in the USA. Our nation has faced, unfortunately, throughout the ages different attacks. Mr. Larigakis, along with his colleagues, fight in their attempt to prevail affirmatively against these attacks.”

Ambassador of Greece to the U.S., Alexandros Mallias

“The efforts of Mr. Larigakis and the American Hellenic Institute have been instrumental in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the United States and Greece in informing the Greek American community, the U.S. Congress and the Administration on issues of interest not only to Greece and Cyprus, but to the entire region of Southeastern Europe.

Mr. Larigakis works tirelessly to address and shed light on issues of concern to the Hellenic community, including the future of Hellenism in the United States, an evolving and changing society.

My warmest congratulations to Nick for his efforts and I hope that his example serves to inspire future generation of Americans of Greek origin to embrace their culture and heritage and nurture the bond between their country and Greece.”

Ambassador of Cyrpus to the U.S., Andreas Kakouris

“I wholeheartedly commend the Argonauts for your inspired choice for this year’s honoree…Nick is a luminous example of a committed and distinguished Greek American. His energy in promoting the universal ideals of Hellenism in the United States deserves high praise and recognition.

I have had the personal pleasure and privilege of knowing Nick Larigakis for many years. I can attest first hand that he is a genuine fighter for the Cyprus cause and has been integral in the promotion of Cyprus related issues in the United States of America. I would like to express my most heartfelt appreciation to Nick for his friendship, his tireless and sustained work and his dedication and commitment in promoting a just solution of the Cyprus Problem. I congratulate him on his well deserved recognition.”

Nick Larigakis offers his remarks.

Nick Larigakis offers his remarks.

Mr. Larigakis being presented with his award by the Argonaut leadership while his family looks on to the right.

Mr. Larigakis being presented with his award by the Argonaut leadership
while his family looks on to the right.

 

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For additional information, please contact AHI at (202) 785-8430 or at info@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site athttps://www.ahiworld.org.