Keynote speaker Dr. Yanna Darilis along with members of Congress, State general officers, Legislative leaders, Mayors, Hellenic Navy Commander George Kapnisis. Consul General of Greece Boston Symeon Tegos and State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis gather at the RI State House

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s Greek American community gathered at the Rhode Island State House on March 31 to commemorate the 205th anniversary of Greece’s independence and the Feast of the Annunciation, bringing together federal and state officials, clergy, and members of the Hellenic community from across the state.

The celebration, hosted by Rhode Island’s Hellenic communities and led by State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, included ceremonies in the State Senate Chamber, the House of Representatives, and the Governor’s State Room. Greek flags were displayed throughout the State House, and the building’s dome was illuminated in blue and white in honor of the occasion — a tradition that began in 1993.

In the days leading up to the celebration, Greek flags were also flown at city halls in Cranston, Newport, and Pawtucket, where local mayors issued proclamations recognizing the contributions of the Greek American community.

Resolutions were read in both the Senate and House chambers commemorating Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation, while also recognizing the longstanding ties between the United States and Greece, including expanding cooperation in economic, energy, and defense sectors in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additional resolutions recognized World Greek Language Day and the 100th anniversary of AHEPA Chapter 106 in Providence.

Clergy from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cranston, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket, and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Newport delivered prayers and invocations, and the program included the singing of the national anthems of both the United States and the Hellenic Republic.

Members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation sent proclamations, while Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the Greek American community and the historic relationship between the two nations. Governor Daniel McKee later attended an official reception and presented a proclamation recognizing the contributions of the Hellenic community to the state.

During the ceremony, members of law enforcement of Hellenic descent were honored for their service, and Commander George Kapnisis of the Hellenic Navy delivered remarks while attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport.

Dr. Yanna Darilis, who served as keynote speaker, spoke about the deep historical and cultural ties between Greece and the United States and the responsibility of future generations to preserve their heritage.

“I am deeply honored to have been invited to address the Rhode Island State Senate and the official program in the Governor’s Stateroom. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak before such distinguished elected officials, community leaders, and members of the Greek American community. The bonds between Greece and the United States are rooted in shared values, democracy, freedom, faith, and family, and strengthened by our strategic partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was also a privilege to speak at the People’s House and address the Greek American community about the responsibility we all share as Greeks, especially the younger generation, to preserve our heritage and carry these values forward,” said Dr. Darilis.

State Senator Leonidas Raptakis also praised the longstanding relationship between Rhode Island and the Hellenic community and the continued support of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation on issues important to Greece and Cyprus.

“I want to thank our entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation who not only have the best voting record in the nation when it comes to supporting the many Hellenic issues and voicing their support for Greece and Cyprus, especially in the volatile region of the Eastern Mediterranean,” Raptakis said.

Organizers noted that for more than three decades the Greek Independence Day celebration has been held at the Rhode Island State House, symbolizing both Rhode Island’s historic commitment to independence and Greece’s role as the birthplace of democracy.

The celebration concluded with a reception hosted by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, continuing a longstanding Rhode Island tradition honoring Greek Independence Day and the enduring relationship between Greece and the United States.

Source: RI State Senate 

Veteran New York television journalist and prominent Greek American, Ernie Anastos, has died at the age of 82 on March 12, 2026, after developing pneumonia, according to multiple reports. The late Ernie Anastos was more than a legendary New York news anchor. He was a storyteller, a mentor, and a proud Greek American whose life and career reflected a deep commitment to integrity, faith, family, and community.

One of the most recognizable figures in local broadcasting for more than four decades, Anastos was a familiar presence on television screens across the New York metropolitan area. His career included several roles at major stations, including WABC, WCBS , WOR and Fox 5, where he anchored evening newscasts and helped shape the landscape of local broadcast journalism, and the last years on WABC77 Radio with his show Positively Ernie, where he featured positive stories.

Ernie was widely respected and loved in the industry, he received more than 30 Emmy Awards and numerous honors for excellence in journalism, including a Lifetime Achievement Emmy and the Edward Murrow Award.

In a memorable interview on Kalimera USA with host Yanna Darilis on New Greek TV, Anastos reflected on a broadcasting career that spanned decades and helped shape the landscape of television journalism in New York City.

Throughout the conversation, Anastos spoke with warmth about his Greek heritage and the values that shaped his life. Raised in a close-knit Greek American household, he credited his parents, grandparents, and church community for instilling the principles that guided him throughout his career. His grandfather, among the earliest Greek Orthodox priests ordained in America, was a profound influence. From him and his family, Anastos learned the importance of philotimo—a deep sense of honor, respect, and responsibility toward others.

“These values,” he explained, “are what gave me the enthusiasm and the light that people often talk about.”

Anastos also shared how his love for broadcasting began early. As a child, he would sit under the kitchen table with a radio pressed to his ear, mimicking announcers and imagining himself behind the microphone. By the age of 16, he had landed his first radio job, launching a career that would keep him on the air for decades.

Over the years, Anastos interviewed world leaders and historic figures including Fidel Castro, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Desmond Tutu. Yet despite the remarkable list of interviews and global events he covered, Anastos often emphasized that the most meaningful moments in life are not defined by fame or awards, but by the people who love and support us.

Among the most difficult stories he covered was the tragedy of the September 11 attacks. Reporting from New York during that painful time left a lasting emotional impact on him, and he often spoke about the resilience of the city and the strength of the people who endured such loss.

Away from the newsroom, Anastos described himself as a devoted family man who cherished time at home. He spoke fondly about cooking Greek dishes, playing music, singing Frank Sinatra songs, and passing down traditions to his children. He also maintained spiritual practices that reflected his deep Orthodox Christian faith, including blessing his home with incense—a ritual he shared with his family.

Throughout the interview, Anastos returned repeatedly to a message he often shared with young people: do not chase success—seek significance.

“Ask yourself what makes your life meaningful,” he said. “Be someone others can learn from.”

His final message reflected the optimism that defined his character. Quoting an ancient Greek sentiment, Anastos encouraged viewers to live with a youthful heart and an open spirit.

“I wish to die young,” he said with a smile, “as late in life as possible.”

For generations of viewers in New York and beyond, Ernie Anastos was not only a trusted voice in journalism but also a shining example of humility, faith, and the enduring strength of Greek heritage. His legacy continues to inspire journalists, communities, and young people who look to him as proof that a life guided by values can truly make a difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv2wAl8hsPI

Two Greek-American businessmen sat in the dock on charges of embezzlement of a high-value object, which was none other than a helicopter.