WASHINGTON, DC – [Photo: GANP/ Dimitris Panagos]
Daughters of Penelope 2012 Salute to Women Honoree Congresswoman Dina Titus was awarded the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix Award for her dedication in Congress to supporting strong bilateral relations, DOP posted on social media.
Congresswoman Titus was one of six Greek Americans presented with awards by Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Oli Mazi Luncheon on September 23 at the University Club of New York in NYC. The Order of the Phoenix, first established in 1926, is awarded to Greeks who have distinguished themselves in the fields of public administration, science, commerce, industry, shipping, and the arts and letters.
“This award means a great deal to me”, the Congresswoman said. “Greece and its people are close to my heart. Greece was the birthplace of democracy and remains a beacon of peace and stability in southeastern Europe”.
Congresswoman Titus’ grandfather, Arthur Constantinos Cathones, arrived at Ellis Island from Greece in 1911. Growing up, Congresswoman Titus spent her free time helping Arthur around his restaurant. Since there was no church or Greek school nearby, her grandfather taught her to count and write the alphabet in Greek and introduced her to wonderful Greek food. When she took the oath of office in Congress, she did so with her hand on her grandfather’s Greek Bible. As an adult, Congresswoman Titus has embraced her Hellenic heritage. She travels to Greece whenever she can and is an active member of the Greek community in Las Vegas, where she attends St. John the Baptist Church and is involved with the Daughters of Penelope.
“I am an American, but my ancestral roots are in Greece”, Congresswoman Titus said. “I am proud to be a Greek American”.
