NEW YORK, NY – GNUSA [Photos: GANP/ Dimitrios Panagos]
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) held its 52nd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 21, at The Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The black‑tie gala brought together leaders from public service, business, faith, and the Greek American community to honor three individuals whose lives and careers exemplify Hellenic values, service, and leadership.
Welcoming more than 350 attendees, AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis conveyed appreciation to AHI’s benefactors and staff for their dedication to the Institute and congratulated the honorees, noting their excellence and unwavering devotion to Hellenism. As AHI enters its 53rd year, he reaffirmed the institute’s mission that is strengthening U.S.–Greece–Cyprus relations, advocating for a free and unified Cyprus, ensuring Greece’s security, and defending religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including the long‑awaited reopening of the Halki School of Theology. Larigakis, also, noted that despite decades of sustained effort, key issues remain unresolved, the work is far from complete, and the fight is continuing.
This year’s honorees were entrepreneur and philanthropist Stavros K. Veletsis, prominent Church patron and philanthropist Helen A. Carlos, and community advocate and civic leader Savas C. Tsivicos, all of whom expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Stavros K. Veletsis who received the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award, spoke about the importance of AHI’s advocacy, describing the organization as being “on the front line” of promoting American and Greek interests. Reflecting on the decades‑long division of Cyprus, he called for renewed international attention and commitment to justice.
Helen A. Carlos who received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award, highlighted her support for Hellenic College Holy Cross, emphasizing the need to invest in the next generation of Church leadership in the United States.
Savas C. Tsivicos who also received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award, reflected on his long association with AHI, noting the organization’s consistent role in advancing Hellenic causes. He described the recognition as a shared honor with all those who have contributed to the effort over the years.
The evening’s program featured a reception and silent auction, followed by a formal dinner and the awards presentation. The National Anthems were beautifully sung by Maria Pearce, while a musical interlude by Sophia Pelekasis, a talented vocalist from The Juilliard School of Music, captivated the audience.
Veteran journalist Mike Emanuel served as Master of Ceremonies, introduced by AHI Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Nicholas Chimicles. AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos, Esq., and AHI Foundation Chairman Leon Andris also offered greetings.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America praised AHI as a steadfast and influential voice in Washington, stressing its consistent leadership over more than five decades.
