The 2nd Convention-General Assembly of the Hellenic Congress of America
LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK. In a climate of optimism, the 2nd conference-general assembly of the Hellenic Congress of America (HECA) was held on April 5, 2025 at the Arcadian House “Geros tou Morea”.
After the prayer and the performance of the national anthems of Greece and the United States of America, the president, Dr. Demetrios Markouizos, welcomed those present, and thanked the historical associations of Arcadia, New York “Geros tou Morea”, Kastoria “Omonoia”, the Alliance of Greek Women and Evrytanians “To Karpenisi” for their cooperation with the Hellenic Congress of America. He also thanked the “Geros tou Morea” association for the warm hospitality.
In his greeting, the president emeritus, Nikos Apostolopoulos, thanked the president, Dr. Demetrios Markouizos, the general secretary, Dr. Despina Afentouli, the members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. At the same time, he expressed his appreciation for the participation of the new members.
On behalf of the president of the “Geros tou Morea”, Yiannis Tampakis, a greeting was delivered by Demetris Filios, while on behalf of the president of the Kastoria "Omonoia", Christos Yioves, a greeting was delivered by Nicholas Tavantzis.
The minutes of the 1st convention-general assembly of the Hellenic Congress of America were read by Dr. Despina Afentouli.
Nikos Apostolopoulos was elected as chairman of the meeting, Fotios Gerasopoulos as vice- chairman and Ariadne Rapti as secretary.
The President of the Hellenic Congress of America, Dr. Demetrios Markouizos, presented the President's Report for the years 2023-2025, mentioning what has been achieved, such as increasing the number of members, organizing successful events, including one for members and another one for the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, upgrading the official website, preparing amendments to improve the Constitution and Statutes, and continuing the work of the presidency of Nikos Apostolopoulos on the implementation of the right to vote for Greeks abroad. Thus, the proposal to establish a Day of Greeks Abroad by the Hellenic Parliament was also remarked upon, and it should be noted that that proposal was adopted by the Special Permanent Committee of Greeks in the Diaspora. Last but not least, the medical and pharmaceutical health insurance of Greeks Abroad without AMKA, and the issue of writing the History of Hellenism in the USA were highlighted.
Future initiatives mentioned included the organizing of a symposium on the return of the Parthenon Marbles, and the awarding of scholarships.
The Financial Report for the years 2023-2024 was presented by the executive director, Demetrios Filios, and the 2nd vice president, Nicholas Tavantzis.
Dr. Despina Afentouli presented four proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Hellenic Congress of America, with the ultimate goal of strengthening and supporting the work of HECA, and the smooth functioning of the organization.
Elections
The composition of the new Executive Board is as follows:
President: Dr. Despina Afentouli
1st Vice President: Nicholas Tavantzis
2nd Vice President: Andriana Vamvakas
General Secretary: Alexandra Pantazis
Assistant Secretary: Angela Alexiou
Treasurer: Charalambos Gaveras
Assistant Treasurer: Alexandra Salagiannis
Executive Advisor: Demetris Filios
*Honorary President: Nikos Apostolopoulos (ex officio) *Past President: Dr. Demetrios Markouizos (ex officio)
Members of the board of directors: Theodoros Vassilakis (legal advisor), Fotis Gerasopoulos, Christos Vournas, Kostas Lambropoulos, Demosthenis Triantafillou, Dimitris Ganis, Ariadne Rapti, Alexia Donza, Christina Laskari, Gerasimos Minetos, Tom Zouvelos.
Alternate member: Nikos Vartholomaios
The members representating collaborating organizations at HECA would be appointed by the associations of Arcadia New York “Geros tou Moria”, Kastoria “Omonia”, Alliance of Greek Women, and Evrytanians “To Karpenisi”.
It was unanimously decided to write a resolution on national issues.
The past president, Dr. Demetrios Markouizos, expressed his full support for the new president, Dr. Despina Afentouli, the new Executive Board, and the entire Board of Directors: “Believing in meritocracy, we have chosen the new president, Dr. Despina Afentouli, who has proven in the past that with hard work and teamwork, we achieve our goals. Congratulations, I will always be by the side of the Council and the president.”
The honorary president, Nikos Apostolopoulos, congratulated the new president, Dr. Despina Afentouli, who accepted the proposal to assume the duties of president of the Hellenic Congress of America, a fact that demonstrates the real progress of the organization, but also of the Greek Diaspora: “It is an honor for the Hellenic Congress of America, for the Greek Diaspora, and for all of us personally, to have Dr. Despina Afentouli as our president. A new day begins for the Hellenic Congress of America.”
The new president, Dr. Despina Afentouli, welcomed the new members, and thanked the outgoing president, Dr. Dimitrios Markouizos, who charted, during his term, a dynamic course for the Hellenic Congress of America. Dr. Afentouli also thanked the honorary president, Nikos Apostolopoulos, who laid the foundations of the Hellenic Congress of America, as well as all those who have worked for the Hellenic Congress of America over the years. Dr. Afentouli stated: “We are committed to continuing, in a spirit of unity, the successful course of the Hellenic Congress of America to support Hellenism, the new generation and our national issues. Greece and Cyprus hold a special place in our hearts. Your participation and enthusiasm are a source of inspiration, driving us to achieve our mission. We strive for excellence, maintaining our ideals and values. Our motto is: United we win the present and shape the future.”