Your Excellency President Christodoulides,
President Papastylianou and Esteemed Board of Directors of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations,
Honorable Representatives of the Governments of Cyprus and Greece,
Representatives of the Many Distinguished Chapters,
Esteemed Honorees, George Logothetis and Savas Tsivicos,
Honored Guests,
Brothers and Sisters,
Once again, I am extremely privileged to share the position of Honorary Chairperson for this event, with His Excellency, President Christodoulides, as we gather in solidarity with the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations – to remember the cause, and the mission of peace and justice, in Cyprus.
It is a distinct honor for me to be paired with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, an important reminder of the responsibility of the Church in America – Hellenes and Philhellenes – to use all its influence to bring the issues around Cyprus into constant focus.
Just this past July, I was deeply moved to be with many of you here in this room – including one of our honorees – as AHEPA conducted their Supreme Convention in Cyprus, an affirmation from the Diaspora!
The righteous cause of Cyprus – and the fifty year delay in finding a just and equitable solution – is the reason we are all here tonight. In the Awards that are being shared with tonight’s honorees, we are giving recognition not only to deserving individuals of extraordinary substance, but to the organizations and enterprises that they lead, who symbolize the aspirations of everyone in this room.
George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group and Chairman of Libra Philanthropies is more than ἄξιος to receive the Philanthropic Award. What Libra did for Greece during the worst years of the economic catastrophe was like a single-institutional Marshall Plan. Through its initiatives, Libra (under George’s guiding hand) rebuilt hope in a land on the brink of economic despair. George remains a global leader of Hellenism, and he always brings a level of excellence to every endeavor in which he engages. We wish him and his beloved family every blessing on this night of recognition.
As for Savas Tsivicos, there is not a Cypriot in America who does not know his name. His passion for the cause of Cyprus precedes him at every turn, and with his assuming the Supreme Presidency of AHEPA, he has redoubled his efforts for justice and peace.
The Justice for Cyprus Award could not be a more perfect expression of recognition of his life-long devotion to the cause.
In conclusion, allow me to express on behalf of all our gratitude and appreciation to both of these exceptional exemplars of our Γένος.
May our dreams for Cyprus become reality soon, and may we then enjoy the rich blessings of peace and prosperity in this historic and unforgettable Island Nation, which is so deserving of justice.
Thank you!