AHEPA Bids Farewell to Ambassador to US from Cyprus,
Euripides L. Evriviades

AHEPA Family honors Euripides L. Evriviades,
Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States
By Contributing Writer Elena Kerasiotis

The Honorable Ambassador Euripides L. Evriviades was honored by the entire AHEPA leadership delegation gathered in Washington, DC on September 22, 2006. Dinner guests were welcomed by second term AHEPA President, Gust James J. James, II. Among the audience was Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope, Georgia Psichogios, Ambassador to the US from Greece, Alexandros P. Mallias and his wife, Francoise-Anne Mallias, as well as, Anastasia Iacovicou-Evriviades, wife of the honoree. James warmly described AHEPA's relationship with both Embassies, and thanked the Ambassadors for their dedication to their offices and to the spirit of collaboration extended by their Embassies to the AHEPA organization. He presented each of the Ambassadors with an AHEPA watch, to commemorate the evening.

James introduced the Ambassador of Greece who was assigned to the US in October or 2005. Ambassador Mallias advised that Greece had made wide advancements throughout the European Union. He encouraged continued investment in Greece and the region. He advised that Secretary of State, Dora Bakoyannis had effectively addressed the in the United Nations in New York and was expected in Washington on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 to dedicate the newly renovated Greek Embassy. The celebration would include a lecture by Ms. Bakoyannis at the Marriott Hotel. He acknowledged the efforts of Ambassador Evriviades, who had done his best to promote the Cypriot cause and to increase Hellenic Caucus membership to 142 of the 435 eligible Congressmen and Congresswoman in the US Congress.

James then introduced Mr. Euripides Evriviades, Ambassador to the US from Cyprus. He lauded Mr. Evriviades' accomplishments while in the US, notably his recent receipt of the prestigious King Legacy Award for International Service bestowed on Evriviades on January 15, 2006 at the International Salute To The Life and Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., A Man for All Nations. Mr. Evriviades began his diplomatic career in 1976 and has held a series of assignments in the Netherlands, Israel, Tripoli, Libya, USSR/Russia, and Germany. Ambassador Evriviades holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, which he attended as a Fulbright Fellow.

Evriviades humbly approached the dais to address the group. He acknowledged the Ambassador from Greece for his continued support of Cypriot issues. He added that he often began his day with a conversation with Mallias, and often ended it in the same manner.

Evriviades commended the AHEPA Family leadership for their dedication to the Cypriot cause and their efforts to keep the issues in the forefront of US politics. He quoted Past Supreme President, John Economy with reverence to his unreserved support of Cyprus and Hellenism.

He went on to say that he had made 89 speeches in the three years of his tenure and had worked tirelessly to increase, inform, and mobilize the membership of the Hellenic Caucas, co-chaired by Rep. Carolyn Mahoney (D-NY) and Rep. Michael Bilirakis.

His mission has been, "To encourage America to strike a balanced approach toward Greece and Cyprus. There has to be a balance, to respect property." In continued by encouraging all Greek American Organizations to unify their focus on issues of relevance and to speak out about their beliefs. Finally he extended a challenge to all to dedicate themselves to civic awareness and proactive participation in the democratic process.

Mr. Evriviades is being reassigned at the end of the year and will continue to capably represent his country at the European Union. Well wishes were extended for his on-going success with his new endeavors.

Among the guests at the event from Michigan were AHEPA District Governor, Tony Manolias, Dr. Michael Syropoulos, AHEPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors, Penny Khorraminia, District Governor, Daughters of Penelope and Elena Kerasiotis, National Public Relations Director for the Daughters of Penelope.

Malista!