Greek Night with the Detroit Ignition
New Photos!

Greek Night with First Place Indoor Soccer Professionals, the Detroit Ignition
by contributing writer Elena Kerasiotis

Greek spirit filled the Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan as part of an Independence Day festivity opener with the Detroit Ignition. On hand, to perform classic Greek dances, were the OPA Dancers from Troy, Michigan under the direction of Tina Souphis and the Hellenic Dancers of Toledo under the direction of Persilla Zervos. Accompanied by Ellas', Chris Gazouleas and Ted Voudouris, the groups performed before a sell out crowd, and generously shared with fans a taste of Hellenic Culture and pride.

At 7:35, the crowd stood to the performance of the Greek National Anthem by Julie Moniodis followed by the American Anthem sung by son, Nick Moniodis, proudly attired in his military uniform that of a first year cadet enrolled in the University of Michigan's Air Force Officer Training program. In the crowd to support them were father, Paul, sister, Christina and Yiayia, Panayiota. When asked about his decision to join the military, Nick quickly replied, "I wanted to fly, and I wanted to serve my country." He continued that because of his Greek heritage that he had been "raised to be a patriot, both to Greece and America."

The game began in earnest and the home team moved into an early lead and by half was well on to victory with a 4 point advantage. Greek Canadian player Kyt Selaidopoulos, the inspiration for the Greek night theme, performed exceptionally well by setting up several successful plays from his position at midfield. A fan of the young player, commented, "Kyt exhibits sure footedness and excellent ball handling skills required by a strong soccer player."

At the half, fans were entertained in the lobby area by Ellas and game attendees, Paul Kerasiotis and Stavros Malliaras, who joined them in a spontaneous song fest of old Greek standards.

Taking an opportunity, during a lull in the action, to interview some of the young performers, Malista remained impressed with their unanimous desire to share the richness of their Greek culture and heritage with the community.

Chris Rousis commented, "Great group of people, great experience!"

Robert Zink, "It's an honor to represent my heritage and to share with others the traditions of Greece."

Rachel Arvanitis, "It's really great to share our culture and to represent our Greek heritage, the best feeling in the world."

Clair Chirgott continued, "It's important that our Greek heritage not be lost. It's our duty to maintain our culture, which we consider so important."

Andrew Irmen impressed with the venue shared, "I really enjoyed participating in this event and being able to celebrate Greek Independence at a soccer game, a truly Greek sport. No better way to celebrate." When asked why it is important to participate in such events, he replied, "To retain our culture and to share it with other Greek Americans with similar beliefs. That's something we don't have every day and I look forward to getting together with my friends."

Christina Christides responded, "Tonight was really fun. It's good to be able to dance and represent our culture, it's what we do, and who we are, and this is a great way to celebrate Greek Independence Day."

Sarah Timotheo, who said her family roots were from Cyprus, added, "I have been dancing since I was five and I take pride in what I do. We are proud to be here and to be Greek."

Also, among the crowd were Maids of Athena from the Terpsichore chapter at Oakland University. Along with president, Anne Simopoulos, were sisters Amanda, Georgia, and Stephanie Papageorgiou, Eve Avdoutos, Melissa Hilton, Mary Kaltsounis, and Elenora Jani. All members, of the OPA dance group, together they shared, "We'll see you at OPA Fest in June!"

The Detroit Ignition really welcomed the Greek Community and announced to the arena at half time of the up coming Independence Day Parade celebration and encouraged everyone to join in the festivities on Sunday at 3:00pm in Greektown. It is not often that the Greek Community is offered the opportunity to showcase its culture to the entire metropolitan area and all participants agreed that the Ignition's invitation was much appreciated. All and all a proud experience, a winning game with a winning team, "Zhto Ellas"

As a caveat, while interviewing the young performers, Malista remained in awe of their dedication and commitment to maintain their Greek heritage. All second and third generation Greek American, the majority from homes with only one Greek parent, they all displayed a common thread; their families embraced the Greek Orthodox Church, culture and heritage. This led to further contemplation, what is it that is so engrained in each of us, Hellenes of the Diaspora, that we feel compelled to continue after so many years, and so many generations to perpetuate and emulate the greatness of our Greek ancestors? Was it indeed our legacy? So many years after the independence from Ottoman Turkish domination, we still bear the obligation of Kolokotronis, Boumbolina and other freedom patriots to retain our culture despite all odds, to aspire to the greatness that was Greece, that is Greece, and to find that greatness within ourselves so that we become one and the same, to finally reflect the true spirit of Hellenism from an arena in Plymouth, to the world.

Malista!