Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-10-28

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

CONTENTS

[01] Patriarch

[02] Oxi

[03] Karamanlis

[04] European Union

[05] Pangalos

[06] Greece 21st Century

[07] Soccer

[08] Basketball

[01] Patriarch

Vartholomeos, currently on a one-month tour of the US, was welcomed to New York by thousands of faithful, and New York governor George Pataki.

The panorthodox mass in Madison Square Garden Sunday was a celebration of orthodoxy in America.

Vartholomeos told the faithful they are the rock on which the orthodox church in America is built.

"My beloved children I trust you and I give thanks to allmighty God that I can be sure about the future of Orthodoxy in America".

It was a mass of unity, and a momentous occasion for Greeks in the United States.

One man said "I'm very proud of our Patriarch. He's a great religious leader, an inspiration to all of us Greeks living in the US".

Another man expressed his joy that the patriarch is with Greek-Americans at the time when they're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the church in America.

One woman and her daughter echoed those sentiments.

"This is a very historic moment for our children to see...to see it".

"I am very happy...got to meet him".

After the mass, Patriarch Vartholomeos was honoured by New York governor George Pataki, with a banquet.

The mayor talked about how important his Holiness's visit to the US is:

"Having his Holiness in New York is a tremendous honour and not just for me and not just for the Orthodox Community, but for all New Yorkers. We're just honoured that his Holiness has taken the time not to just stop in New York and have a magnificent service in Madison Square Garden this morning, but also take the time to attend this reception this afternoon".

On Saturday, Vartholomeos marked the 75th anniversary of the orthodox archdiocese, blessing the crowd and the seat, in the presence of archbishop of America Spyridon, and New York mayor rudy Juliani.

The mayor announced that the city is paying a special tribute to the patriarch, renaming the street that passes by the building after him.

It was a token received with gratitude by Vartholomeos.

"We are going to unveil a street sign in his honour, so that long after people can remember... and blessed us".

"Thanks very much. It's a great honour for me".

Vartholomeos's presence is also an honour for Greek-Americans.

As he arrived at La Guardia airport, New Yorkers who turned out in number to meet him waxed enthusiastic.

One woman summed up just how important the visit is to Greek orthodox Christians:

This is the biggest event I've seen...like the Pope is to the Catholics".

One man talked about the trials the patriarch and the Fanari in Constantinople endure in the name of orthodoxy: "We're proud the US has honoured him as he deserves because we believe that where he lives, he suffers to hold up our religion".

Another young man added, "This is very important for me. He's the spiritual leader of our Church".

Vartholomeos's first day in New York began with a banquet in his honour, held by the Greek Orthodox Youth of America.

The patriarch paid tribute to the future of the church in America.

On Saturday afternoon, Vartholomeos had a warm meeting with former orthodox archbishop of America Iakovos. The patriarch praised Iakovos's contribution to orthodoxy. And Iakovos, thanking him for paying him a personal visit, heeped praise on Vartholomeos. He said the patriarch has performed the duties of his office admirably, and that accounts for the trememdous welcome he's received in America, including a meeting with president Bill Clinton. Iakovos added that no other religious leader has been welcomed by

American leaders the way Vartholomeos.

After meeting with Iakovos, Vartholomeos organised a celebratory event organised by Greek children at the St Dimitrios

Later in the day, the Patriarch attended a special event organised for the Greek Education (Culture/παιδεία) by Greek children who belong to the St Dimitrios community in Jamaica.

One little girl said, "We're happy to have seen the Patriarch".

One woman added, "I'm very happy God granted me the happiness of seeing the patriarch, because he comes from the place where I was born and grew up, Constantinople".

Vartholomeos's day ended with an ecumenical National Council of Churches of Christ mass, attended by leaders of other religious faiths.

[02] Oxi

On Monday, as they do every year, the youth of the nation dressed in the blue and white of the flag, and paraded in commemoration of Greek heroism.

In Thessaloniki, Greece's president praised the youth of today, and lauded the Greek values of freedom and individualism.

It was a parade in memory of those who refused to surrender to the would-be conqueror. Mussolini not only failed to get his surrender, he was beaten by the Greeks in 1940.

At Monday's parade, defence miniter Akis Tsochatzopuolos congratulated the students of Thessaloniki on their display of national pride.

City mayor Konstantinos KosmOpoulos was pleased to see the smiling young faces on parade, a symbol, he said, of the hope for a better future.

This time of year isn't just the time when the valour Greeks showed during the second world war is remembered. Sunday was the feast day of St Dimitrios - the name day of all Dimitris and Dimitras.

St. Dimitrios is also the patron saint of Thessaloniki. It was on his feast day in 1912 that the city was liberated from the Turks.

President Kostis Stephanopoulos attended the traditional mass at St Dimitrios Cathredral. New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis and government officials were also there.

After the service Stefanopoulos inaugurated an exhibition dedicated to Byzantine and Medieval Cyprus at the Byzantine Museum.

Stephanopoulos said, "The entire civilised world must comprehend the destructive consequences brought about by the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island. Occupation by an army and a people who don't understand the significance of civilization".

Stephanopoulos then inaugurated the "Flags of Freedom" exhibition at the Macedonian Studies Society art gallery.

Defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos said, the twin holidays bear a message for Greeks today. "We should be alarmed", he explained. "For the past 22 years our large allies have been unable to enforce the rule of international law. They tell us to work things out, even when our sovereign rights are in danger".

The Oxi Day events climax Tuesday, with the traditional military parade in Thessaloniki.

[03] Karamanlis

After the students' parade Monday afternoon, Kostas Karamanlis took a little time out from the political arena, to his the athletic arena.

Karamanlis did some jogging at the Iraklis stadium track. And he played some soccer, and worked out some in the gym.

Journalists said he's good at dribbling the soccer ball, and asked if he's also good at dribbling in politics.

Smiling, the opposition leader said, "Well, you need training to keep in shape".

Asked if that goes for all party members, Karamanlis replied that all New Democracy's members are in top political shape.

[04] European Union

EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg over the weekend, to discuss that, and plans for expanding the EU.

The German and Dutch foreign ministers said in Luxembourg that Turkey cannot become a member of the European Union in the near future.

Germany's Klaus Kinkel said, "We're opposed to Turkey being put on the list of candidates until we see an improvement of its human rights record, and works out its differences with Greece and Cyprus".

Holland's Hans van den Broek added that Turkey shouldn't try to obstruct the EU's attempt to make Cyprus a member in the next round of expansion.

"The climate must change", he explained. "The war threats have got to stop. Turkey has to cooperate in creating the conditions for Turkish-Cypriots to participate in the Cypriot team negotiating with the EU.

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos said the EU members are beginning to recognise that Turkey lacks both the economic and political prerequisites to join the EU-admission process at this point.

Pangalos added that Greece favours a special relationship being established between the EU and Turkey. Ankara, he said, must meet EU requirements before it can move any closer to the organisation.

It must show it wants the Cyprus problem worked out, and to solve its problems with Greece.

The EU conference over the weekend dealt with the upcoming round of EU expansion, of which Cyprus is a part. A majority of EU members appear to agree that talks on admission should begin next year not only with Cyprus, but also with Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Estonia.

But only Greece, Sweden, and Denmark think talks should start simultaneously with Romania, Bulgaria, Lovakia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

[05] Pangalos

There will be heavy protection for the heads of the eight Balkan states at that summit.

On the ground, there will be police, and hi-tech security equipment. Overhead, the conference will be provided helicopter cover; and there will be naval vessels patrolling off the coast of Iraklio.

The Greek Phone Company has installed 300 new phone lines for the conference.

Pangalos is convinced the Balkan leaders will come away from the event impressed.

[06] Greece 21st Century

"Greece 21st Century" is the name ambitious young people have given to their organisation.

The members of "Greece 21st Century" say they're determined to bring Greeks of the diaspora into closer touch with the homeland.

At its inaugural meeting last Monday, union president Panagiotis Evthivoulides talked to Antenna's Maria Alleefanti about the organisation's aims:

"Essentially...we'd like unification of Hellenism... and the world...we'd like Greek nation to be proud and have strong relations with Greece...stable to some values...we know difficult to succeed...our final target".

Evthivoulides adds that Union was a joint initiative.

"We're all people educated abroad...advantage to how Ellas is perceived...trying to fix".

In choosing the name of the Union, Evthivoulides said they wanted to show historical continuity.

"We'd say...so Hellas can...appear at...where it belongs...ancient years".

The organisation, says its president, is not restricted to Greece's borders.

"We're uniting US and Australia...we're gonna have a big celebration...establish office in New York...in Australia".

A number of dignitaries at the inaugural event told Aleefanti they're impressed by the youthful initiative with a vision for all of Hellenism.

Mr Voskarides, press officer at the Cypriot embassy in Athens said it's wonderful to see Greek youth taking such an ititiative.

"Having had long experience of dealing with the Greek diaspora", he said, "I know the great abilities that Greeks abroad have. We want them to stick together and do what they can for Hellenism, by making their voices heard in the nations they live in. We're in crisis with Turkey right now. If no international pressure is brought to bear on Ankara, then we could find ourselves involved in unpleasant adventures. Greeks everywhere, as always, are prepared to defend themselves".

Metropolitan bishop of Samothrace and Alexandroupoli, Anthimos, said, "We send our love and respect to Greeks abroad and hope they'll remember Greece and our problems. I base much hope on them".

At its launch, the Union honoured a Greek it believes deserves notice.

Aek goalie Ilias Atmatzides recently made the headlines, for dismissing suggestions that his performance on the pitch made him a "hero".

He said the heroes are Greeks who fight for their nation.

At the Union inauguration, he was toasted for his modesty, and presented with a Greek flag and a bouquet. The Union said it's sure he'll hold the national emblem high.

Atmatzides, who is also to be honoured by the sports ministry, thanked the organisation for singling him out. But he repeated, "I only said what is true. The real Greeks are those who fight for us, for a better tomorrow".

[07] Soccer

The upstart stretched its spectacular record to 7 and oh, with another convincing win. Ionikos crushes Ofi 5-nil on the strength of a hat-trick from Greg Brooster - he's now in a three-way tie for first-place in the individual scoring column, with 6 goals this season.

Ionikos has scored a total of 17 goals this year, and allowed NONE, as it continues to dazzle the rest of the league.

In other matches, Olympiakos won at home, Veria and Apollon end in a draw, Ethnikos, Athinaikos, and Iraklis all win at home; and Paok and Pana-chaiki do it on the road.

[08] Basketball

crushing Panionios 80-54 over the weekend. Aris is in second place at 4 and 1 after knocking of Paok in a battle of Thessaloniki giants.

Zargo Paspali scores 18 of his 20 points in the first half as Aris takes control of the contest. Zargo burns the Paok net on 9 of 11..shooting from the field, taking the sting out of a 28-point losing performance from Pe- drag Stoyan-kovich.

Elsewhere, Pao and Iraklio also moved out to 4 and one with their victories. Peristeri, Paok, and Panionios are all 3 and 2 after weekend action. And Sporting and Papagou both come away victorious.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 28-Oct-97 11:16:34

(c) ANT1 Radio 1997

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