Consul General of Greece in Chicago Visits Detroit's American Hellenica Congress

Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Anastasios Petrovas in Detroit Photos in Gallery

On Sunday, December 2, 2007, the Consul General of Greece in Chicago was hosted by the American Hellenic Congress and the Greek-American fraternal organizations of Michigan at the Hermes Room at the Athenaeum Hotel, 1000 Brush Downtown, Detroit, Michigan.

The program was opened by Mr. Ted Spyropoulos, U.S. Regional Coordinator for the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE). Mr. Spyropoulos, a strong advocate and enthusiastic supporter of our local efforts, he discussed the fundraising efforts throughout the United States to reforest Greece.  The Council of Hellenes has adopted the “Plant Your Roots in Greece Program” and Mr. Spyropoulos thanked the AHC and its membership for their generous contribution to this important cause.  The SAE promotes national issues, youth and educational programs.

His Excellency Anastasios Petrovas was pleased to see so many of Detroit’s leadership in attendance, presidents of the somateia, the leadership of professional organizations, business entrepreneurs, academic and primary education representatives at the meeting.  He graciously thanked those in attendance for their continued support of Greece and their efforts to retain their roots.

The Counsel advised that he had just recently received his commission to Chicago and was enjoying becoming familiar with his constituents and gaining familiarity with the 12 cities which are under his jurisdiction from Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio.  He continues by saying that he has been impressed with the “Greek Strength” exhibited by the Hellenes of Chicago. 

Addressing a similar theme, he encouraged those in attendance to unite and work together to resolve common concerns.  With experience with embassies in Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, he has seen the power of unity and a strong belief in oneself.  

“I believe that your children have great opportunities.  We must as parents teach the Greek Language and culture, to become the first line messengers” 

His message continues by describing Greeks today as true “cosmopolitans, citizens of the world.

You must teach your children to be not just citizens of the U.S. Canada, or Greece, but rather citizens of the world, true Hellenes.”He opened the floor to questions.

Dr. Dimitrios Pallas, President of the AHC welcomed Mr. Petrovas and his wife lovely wife, Chrissa, and presented a gift book, “This is Detroit” in honor of the occasion of his first visit to the Detroit area.

Questions began in earnest and the first delivered by Macedonian membership, Vasilios Vouharis.  His question resounded from many of the group, when he asked about the effort to improve the after school Greek Language programs and to emphasize the need to obtain proficiency in the language sufficient to pass required exams.  He secondly requested that these exams be offered in the Detroit area to reduce the amount of travel time needed to take the exams. 

Mr. George Reganis, a member of the Metropolis Educational Committee, spoke regarding Detroit’s efforts to move on these concerns.  He advised that books had been on order for over 3 months however due to the changes in government had yet to be delivered.

The Ambassador acknowledged Mr.Vouharis’ concerns and agreed that Greece could supply the requested teachers however; specific issues unique to the Detroit area would have to be identified, and resolved before movement could be made on these concerns. He advised that at present there was no specific representative in the Embassy to address education related issues; however, he agreed to meet to discuss the issue with representatives from the group. George Reganis, Thanasi Vrettas offered to meet with him regarding this topic of major concern. Dr. Botsas, a professor of the Greek Language weighed in on the subject and emphasized the need to include educators in the discourse.  These are hard questions that need to be addressed.

Conversation continued with a question from Tasso Tomaras, who addressed the delays being experienced with passport renewal and just general access to the embassy. 

Counsel Petrovas advised that the phone system had been upgraded and hopefully this would address some of the problems.  In addition he commented that it was not always the fault of the embassy but instead delays in Athens in processing embassy transactions. Often times the applicant needed to take action to resolve the outstanding problem. 

“We attempt to remedy issues that our within our ability, however, we will work harder to do better.  The Embassy hours are now 9:30 – 3:00.  He offered his private line to presidents to use in case of emergency and asked them to be prudent to allow it to remain an effective way to reach him directly. 

Discussion followed regarding a direct liaison to expedite concerns from the Detroit area.  Much discussion followed regarding the appointment of Liaison to serve in this capacity. Consul Petrovas seemed enthusiastic about working with the AHC to identify a key liaison to represent the Detroit area.  He further agreed to train that person and to establish a regular quarterly visit to the Detroit area by staff members to resolve local concerns.

Further questions arose regarding the young people of the area, and the need to foster Hellenic ties.  The Counsel shared an experience from Germany which sobered the audience.  He said that an educational system had been implemented with what was considered strong Greek training with German as a second language; unfortunately, the results were less than expected, leaving the students weak in both languages.

Questions regarding Greek broadcasting content were offered, as well as a rousing request for more live coverage of Greek Soccer!

Certificates of appreciation were distributed to AHC members who participated in the successful fundraiser with Greek guitarist Pavlo. 

Malista!