AURORA, IL- Consul General of Greece in Chicago Emmanuel Koubarakis was honored by the City of Aurora during a Welcome Reception hosted by Mayor Richard C. Irvin, Chief Management Officer Alex G. Alexandrou, and the American Philhellenes Society at the City Hall.
“I’ve traveled the through the world, and this is one of the most honored receptions I’ve experienced”, said the Consul General who was appointed two months ago to serve in Chicago. He has previously served in various roles in New York City, Austria, and Ethiopia.
During the reception, he was welcomed by Congressman Bill Foster, Mayor Irvin, and Aurora City Council members, including Ward 3 Alderman Ted Mesiacos, the first Greek American to serve on the Aurora City Council.
Mesiacos and Alexandrou joined Mayor Irvin for a special flag exchange with the Consul General to symbolize the commitment to future collaborations between Aurora and the Hellenic Republic Office in Chicago.
Greek business owners in Aurora were also recognized for their service to the community. Nick Andriopolos, co-owners of Papa Bear Restaurant (and soon-to-open Gyro Pit) and Mike Poulakidas, owner of O’Malley’s and Spartan House, were honored.
In recognition 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution this year, the American Philhellenes Society sponsored the new American Philhellenes Memorial Monument at Wilder Park in downtown Aurora, where visitors from near and far – and generations to come – can visit to learn more about the courageous heroes who paved the way 200 years ago and opened the doors for unbreakable ties between Greece and America.
Consul General Koubarakis’ visit is the second such visit in the same number of months. The Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, visited Aurora City Hall last month.
Mayor Irvin has also hosted Consul Generals and leaders from China, Japan, Togo, and Uganda with future receptions planned for India and other nations.
