His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Nisyrian Society of New York 120th Anniversary, which was held at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville, NY.  Hundreds attended the event to celebrate and honor the past presidents who have guided the organizations of Nisyros to hold true to their customs and traditions and to celebrate their place in history. Also honored at the event was Nisyrios-born Maestro violinist George Hatzinikolaou who has played the music of the island for hundreds of events both in the US and in Greece.  In his remarks the Archbishop stated, “This island of Nisyros is the mother to all of you, and she has nourished you in ways that are marvelous and miraculous. To think, that from such a physically small island, the Greek-American community has been formed by so many of you – proud Nisyrians all! As you are well aware, you are even mentioned in the Iliad of Homer, a manifestation of your essential Hellenism. Perhaps it is because of the volcanic history of the island that the impact made by Nisyrians is so powerful. You come from a place of tremendous energy and vitality! Nisyros has one of the most significant geothermal fields in all of Greece, a testament to the spirit and power of its inhabitants and its πατριώτες, here and around the world.” (Full text here)

After remarks the guests enjoyed a spirited dance performance by the youth group and traditional music by Maestro Hatzinikolaou.

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos