Santorini Volcano - Were victims of the eruption found in Turkey?
About 3,600 years ago the Santorini volcano erupted causing a catastrophe not only locally but more widely.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Quake measuring 5.7 Richter shakes Crete
An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale was recorded on Wednesday at 07:08 in the sea region 48 km south-west of Crete, the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens said.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The pandemic and rising prices are hurting the Greek economy
The Greek economy is under the threat of a double crisis. On the one hand, the Omicron variant has put new data on the table, with the strictest measures at the gates, while at the same time the price increases in the Greek market create an “explosive” climate in households and small and medium enterprises.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Stricter mask regulations, shorter entertainment hours, and remote work measures Jan. 3-16
The use of higher protection masks on transport, in supermarkets, in crowds and by staff at food places are the key parts of the measures the government said on Monday are coming into effect from January 3 to 16 to restrict the spread of the coronavirus infections following the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Omicron variant – The effectiveness of vaccines against the new strain
The appearance of the new omicron strain in South Africa, its high transmissibility, the large number of mutations and its rapid spread around the world have particularly worried scientists globally.
Data on the effectiveness of available vaccines are still early.
The Doctors of the Therapeutic Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian Athens Theodora Psaltopoulou, Panos Malandrakis, Giannis Danasis and Thanos Dimopoulos summarize three recent relevant publications in the prestigious international journal Nature.
Multiple mutations (37 to 15 in the spike region of the virus) of the strain in the spike region of the virus raise concerns about whether existing vaccines provide effective immunity to Omicron.
A study (doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03826-3) showed that the new strain is resistant to the serum neutralization of people who had been ill, as well as the serum of people who had been vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines.
Even serum from subjects receiving booster doses had reduced neutralizing ability against the Omicron strain.
As for monoclonal antibodies, their effectiveness against the new strain is reduced, even those that have already been approved and administered.
Another study (doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03824-5) after sequencing of the gene of the Omicron strain showed that it also requires the ACE2 receptor to infect human cells.
In serum samples from persons that were both vaccinated and fallen ill and those vaccinated alone, the neutralization of the Omicron strain provided by the vaccines was 22 times less than that of the original Wuhan strain.
In individuals who had become ill and received two doses of vaccine, the neutralization of the Omicron strain was equivalent to the neutralization provided only by the vaccine without a history of disease compared to the original strain of the virus.
Decreased immunity due to Omicron
In conclusion, this study concludes that although the immunity provided by vaccines is reduced, they certainly provide some protection especially with booster doses.
A third study (doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03825-4), also published in the journal Nature, confirmed reduced efficacy against the Omicron variant, possibly exceeding the third dose.
Antibodies against the RBM region lost their in vitro potency for the Omicron strain, with only 3 of 29 retaining their efficacy (including ACE-2 mimetic antibody S2K146). Also other antibodies that do not target RBM were effective against the Omicron such as sotrovimab, SX259 and S2H97.
The escape of the micron strain from antibody protection is a key antigenic change in the evolutionary course of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, it is particularly important to administer the third booster dose in conjunction with known protective measures, in order to limit the spread of the Omicront strain and in particular to prevent disease from it.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Albert Bourla - CNN's CEO of the Year
The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over. But life in many ways has returned to something that seems normal to many. This is largely because there are now several coronavirus vaccines, including one from Pfizer.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
ISIS terror suspect arrested in Athens
A 40-year-old Iraqi national was arrested in central Athens on Thursday afternoon on charges of participating in the Islamist terrorist group ISIS.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
WSJ – U.S. Sees New Bright Spot in Europe: Greece
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is the latest international media outlet to spotlight what it describes as Greece’s economic recovery, this time within the prism of tightening Greek-US relations over the past decade.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The best Greek islands for 2022 by the Conde Nast Traveller magazine
The first official list with the best Greek islands for 2022 was announced by the Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Mytilineos - For the 3rd year it is collaborating with the organization "The Tipping Point" and leads the new generation in the labor market
Today, when the challenges and opportunities for young people are more than ever, Mytilineos continues to be by their side and help them make their dreams come true. Thus, for the third consecutive year, it continues its collaboration with the organization "The Tipping Point", implementing the eponymous experiential educational program that brings together students with their own professional standards.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
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The Hellenic Initiative’s Venture Impact Awards Distribute a Record $285K
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) announced the winners of The 2021 Venture Impact Awards (VIA) on December 13 with a virtual event that presented one of THI’s newest programs, which the organization notes provides help and support to Greece’s brightest and most talented teams – for-profits and not-for-profits – helping them create ventures and projects that are scalable and sustainable and that create jobs.
"Staellinika": The platform for learning Greek is accessible to the blind
The "Staellinika" Greek learning platform of the General Secretariat of Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy will be accessible to the blind.
Archbishop Elpidoforos: Saint Nicholas and the Merriest of Christmases
The message of the Archbishop of America Elpidoforos on the occassion of the feast of Saint Nicholas:
My Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We have just concluded the Feast of the Holy Wonderworker of Myra, Saint Nicholas, who is the Patron of our National Shrine. On that blessed day, I presided over the Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint Paul at the Archdiocese Headquarters, with the new Proïstamenos of the Parish, Father Andreas Vithoulkas, celebrating at the Holy Altar.
This was a day filled with joy for many reasons. Above all else, we knew that this would be the last celebration of the Feast of Saint Nicholas apart from the Shrine. And at the conclusion of the Divine Service, I installed the Parish Council of the Shrine, a Council with a special mission and a special configuration. Below I have included my Archpastoral Exhortation to the new Council, so that everyone committed to the Saint Nicholas National Shrine can get a flavor of the high caliber of persons who will be leading the renaissance of the Parish.
We all know that Saint Nicholas himself morphs through history to become Santa Claus, and that virtually the entire society and culture observe Christmas in one form or another. We can be grateful that so many of our fellow citizens commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. In the future, the Saint Nicholas National Shrine will be a touchstone of faith for all who want to understand the profound meaning of the Birth of our Savior. Its ministry, energized by its Clergy and Parish Council, sustained by the Friends of Saint Nicholas, and supported by people like you, will bring the Message of Salvation to all.
With these thoughts, I wish all the Merriest of Christmases, and the blessings of a Healthy and Happy New Year.
With Love and Blessings in the Newborn Babe of Bethlehem,
†ELPIDOPHOROS
Archbishop of America
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
Homily at the Liturgy of the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
And Installation of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine Parish Council
Archdiocesan Chapel of Saint Paul
New York, New York
December 6, 2021
Dear Father Andreas,
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
While I had wanted to have this Divine Liturgy in the Shrine itself, so as to continue our journey to the full opening of the Church – inaugurated by the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew just last month – it was necessary for us to allow for construction to proceed apace.
We are so very close to our dream: to the restoration and, indeed, resurrection of the Church of Saint Nicholas. It has been over twenty years in the making, and we are so very close now. Even so, we have lost beloved members, friends and family who yearned to see this day. Therefore, the charge that I give to all of you today – the Parish Council of Saint Nicholas National Shrine – is all the more significant. For you carry on your shoulders the enormous task of rebuilding the parish that was devastated two decades ago. The bonds of the parish have survived, but we have lost some who were near and dear to our hearts. Nevertheless, we must be prepared to embrace those who will seek out the renewed Church and the mission of our National Shrine.
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For this reason, I have assigned as your Προϊστάμενος and my Archepiscopal Vicar, my own Chancellor, the Reverend Protopresbyter Andreas Vithoulkas. And thus, no one will ever be able to say that I have denied you anything!
In addition to his leadership, which will commence full time in just a few months, we have our Friends of Saint Nicholas. They are the ones who took up the cause to complete the Shrine in earnest – always guided, of course, by the ever vigilant and diligent Father Alexander Karloutsos.
And I have appointed four of their number to be with you on the Parish Council, including the Vice Chair, our beloved friend and steadfast partner, Michael Psaros, Chrysa Demos (who is the Secretary of the Friends), Richard Browne, the pro bono COO of Construction – without whom we could not have achieved the progress we have made during COVID-19 – and our good friend George Mihaltses, who has served as an exemplary President of the Parish Council.
I have also appointed my sister in Christ, Anthoula Katsimatides, for she has borne witness to the incalculable loss of 9/11 – which, as you know, included her beloved brother, John. She has been a transformational figure of immeasurable service to the entire memory of 9/11, and I want to welcome her beloved mother, Calliope, as well. Together, you have held steadfast a faithful and loving memory, which we all admire and deeply appreciate.
We also welcome to the Council the invaluable Lou Katsos, who seems to be in every corner of the positive activities for the Omogeneia, and the distinguished counsellor, Demetrios Orfanoudis.
At this point, I would also like to recognize – with special affection and honor – the presence of Presvytera Romas, whose beloved late husband, Father John, served the Parish through the tragedy of 9/11. We are very happy to have you here among us today, my dear Presvytera, for you carry with you the living memory of Father John’s love and pastoral care for the Parish.
And speaking of the Parish, we also have on the Council noble members from the precious Church at 155 Cedar Street. We are so grateful that Elizabeth Brody-Dimonekas, Joan Dimonekas, Regina Katopodis, Olga Pavlakos and Peter Zaharatos will serve on the Parish Council. They will be integral in helping us – and, particularly, Father Andreas – to rebuild the community, especially from those who were scattered, or who felt scattered after 9/11.
We also will have on the Council the Ex-Officio Members, who are the leaders from these National Organizations that have assisted the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas in substantive ways:
The Archdiocesan Presbyters Council President: Father Mark Leondis;
The National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew: Archon Anthony Limberakis;
Our National Philoptochos President: Arlene Siavelis Kehl;
The Supreme President of AHEPA: Jimmy Kokotas;
And the Chairman of Leadership 100: our dear friend, Argyris Vassiliou.
I am also asking Demetrios Papacostas, a shining light of our community, to serve in a special advisory capacity to the Parish Council, to bolster your resourcefulness. Of course, you also have the remaining members of The Friends of Saint Nicholas, who will be ready to assist you.
I cannot give enough importance to the work of weaving together again all of the precious threads of the little Church on 155 Cedar Street. This primarily means the community members, as well as all those who will want to become members in the future. There has also been a proposal to offer a “virtual membership” in the Shrine, as a way of gleaning support from any and all from around the world who are interested.
The new Saint Nicholas will have a national and even international profile that no other Church in the Archdiocese has ever dreamed of. We must be innovative, creative, and consciously and carefully move forward, so that we may bring the mission of Saint Nicholas to the public, commensurate with the dignity of our traditions and the piety of our faith.
My beloved members of the Parish Council of Saint Nicholas:
You see that we have extensive but exciting work ahead of us. You all have my confidence and utmost faith that you will labor together in harmony for the good of the Parish and the renown of the Shrine. This is truly a new chapter, not only for the Parish, but for the Archdiocese as well.
It seems fitting to me that it is in the year of the centennial celebration of our Sacred Archdiocese that the ministry of the reborn Saint Nicholas will commence. In fact, on the Fourth of July, in the midst of the centenary Clergy-Laity Congress, we plan to consecrate the Shrine, too.
Therefore, we must all the more implore the holy intercessions of Saint Nicholas, so that we will be successful conquerors of every obstacle and challenge.
May God grant unto all of you, your families and your loved ones, good health and strength, so that you may serve our National Shrine and the Parish of the Holy Wonderworker of Myra with much honor, pride and prudence, and with the wisdom that surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Sani Resort - World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort in the world
Sani Resort, a top luxury holiday destination in Halkidiki, achieved a double distinction at the World Travel Awards 2021, taking 1st place in the category World's Leading Family & Beach Resort for the 3rd consecutive year and the 1st place in the category World's Leading Luxury Green Resort for the 2nd consecutive year.