PAWTUCKET, RI –
Rhode Island State Senators Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-33 Coventry and West Greenwich) and David Tikoian (D-22 Smithfield, North Providence and Lincoln) hosted, along with the entire Greek Community of Pawtucket, RI a commemoration on the occasion of the 106th Anniversary of the Greek Pontic Genocide and AHEPA Day, on May 18, following the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
In his welcoming remarks, “Olympia” AHEPA Chapter 121 President, Ioannis Apostolakis, thanked Senators Raptakis and Tikoian for sponsoring Senate Bill S1080 recognizing the Greek Pontic Genocide that took place 106 years ago and also the RI Greek heritage motor vehicle license plate in conjunction with AHEPA, Senate bill S0155. He also thanked Senator Hannah Gallo (D-27 Cranston and West Warwick) who could not attend, but sent her message of support for both pieces of legislation.
Stefanos Svitlitsas of Pontian roots emphasized the history of the Greek Pontian genocide while Vasilis Chrysanthopoulos translated in English to the parishioners and guests. Among the attendees were Assumption Greek School Principal Panayiota Vastis, Greek language teachers, Stavroula Papavasileiou and Sophia Augoustakis, past AHEPA President John Lyssikatos, retired Rev. George Economou and many members of the AHEPA Chapter 121.
All in attendance participated in voting for one of the five final versions of the Greek Heritage-AHEPA license plate that were submitted by graphic designer Ioanna Dafoulas Savoie. Along with the AHEPA Annunciation and St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Chapters, the winning license plate will be submitted to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for final approval to make sure it meets all the rules and regulations.
Both Senators Raptakis and Tikoian shared their dedication to support their yearly resolutions condemning the systematic attempt to exterminate entire populations by the Ottoman Turks which directed the killing of 353,000 Pontian, Anatolian Greeks, Assyrians living in Pontos, Greece which included over a million and a half Armenians in their ancestral homeland during this same period.
“This resolution pays tribute to the survivors of this atrocious period, as well as their descendants, who have made countless contributions to the enrichment of our culture and our way of life here in the Ocean State and who stand as inspirations to oppressed people around the world. May we never forget the brutality the Pontian Greeks experienced at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, and may we learn the hard lessons from the past so that the history of the Greek Pontian and Armenian Genocides, and that all genocides, never happen again” said Senators Raptakis and Tikoian.
