The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-19

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Hierarchy Decisions

By Vagelis Theodorou

Archbishop Christodoulos proposals for purging in the Church were approved by overwhelming majority by the plenary session of the hierarchy. The proposal to form a board to examine all accusations, which Archbishop Christodoulos is to chair, was unanimously approved. Taking part in the committee will be members of the Supreme Administration Court, the High Court and the state Legal Council. The hitherto secretary of the Holy Synod, archimandrite Chryostomos Sklifas was elected new Metropolitan Bishop of Patra. The Hierarchy have finished their tasks, and from Sunday will start to implement measures that were proposed, such as the simplification of priestly clothing. During the meeting, there were intense arguments between the hierarchs.

Intense Wrangling

There were harsh arguments between the Archbishop and several Metropolitan Bishops, when Christodoulos tried to force the vote of a new Metropolitan Bishop of Patra first, with discussion on catharsis coming after this.

Metropolitan Bishop Amvrosios of Kalavrita left the vote, speaking of communication tricks, which would show up later, adding that "the measures are not able to guarantee catharsis."

Moreover, Metropolitan Bishop Chrisostomos of Zakynthos accused the Press spokesman for the Archbishop, Epifanio Oikonomou, of setting up allegations against Metropolitan Bishops.

The hitherto secretary of the Holy Synod, archimandrite Chryostomos Sklifas was elected new Metropolitan Bishop of Patra. On the ballot paper, which initially included 3 names, the Secretary received 66 votes, Archimandrite Kirillos Kostopoulos received 26 and Achimandrite Simeon Hatzis 23.

The new Metropolitan Bishop of Patra was born in Tripoli in 1958 and his father was a priest. He graduated from the Pedagogic Academy of Tripoli and the Theological School of Athens University. In 1981, he was ordained deacon and in 1983 presbyter and appointed to the Metropolitan Diocese of Mantineia. He taught in primary education and as a lecturer at the Pedagogic Academy of Tripoli.

For 17 years, he was abbot at the Monastery of St Nicholas in Mantineia, while in 1993, he came to the offices of the Holy Synod, where he was first employed as a coder, then as a secretary of Synod Press committees and monasticism, while in 2000 he became secretary.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Rare birth defect Manar's Condition Stable

By Anna Kourti

A long and difficult operation was performed on the outskirts of Cairo. With total success, after 15 hours, a team of Egyptian doctors managed to remove one of the two heads with which Manar Maged was born 10 months ago. "The childs condition is stable and reassuring. Her temperature and pulse are normal. Her vital organs are functioning satisfactorily and she is responding to the medical treatment she is receiving," stated Nazif Hefanwi, director of the paediatric hospital where the operation was performed. According to the doctors, the extremely rare birth defect with which the young Egyptian girl was born is caused by a twin embryo, joined by the head. The extra head that was removed from the little girl was able to smile and open and close its eyes.

In a similar case a year ago in the Dominican Republic, the development of the second embryo stopped, and consequently it did not develop a body.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Police and Fire Services alerted Lorry Carrying Hydrochloric Acid Overturns

By Anna Kourti

The container which suffered a leak of hydrochloric acid in Keratsini has been removed to a safe place. The lorry, which carried containers of hydrochloric acid (battery fluids), overturned this morning at the interchange of Dimokratias and Schistou Avenues in Keratsini. The lorry driver has been arrested. The Minister for Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis went to the area to oversee the operation. Police and fire services rushed to the scene, in order to avert accidents, and especially to forestall an explosion.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Karamanlis Visits Samothraki

By Anna Kourti

Prime Minister Mr Kostas Karamanlis had harsh words to say on the Economy today in Samothraki. He spoke of a very serious fiscal issue, caused by hidden debts and public deficits. Mr Karamanlis made special reference to local communities with fast and sustainable development, more employment positions and a better life in the countryside, stressing the governments insistence on communication based on mutual aims, unity and fellowship of Greek people. Moreover, he pledged to make direct compensation regarding damage caused to crops and animal farming units within 3 months and announced a special programme for Samothraki.

Tourist Policy

Satisfying long-term demands from the islands residents, Mr Karamanlis announced a study to construct an airport and to solve the problems in housing schools, while regarding tourist policy, he spoke of an irreplaceable element in Samothraki at a cultural level.

Earlier, he toured Samothrakis archaeological site, where he was informed on the needs and problems of its development as a tourist destination.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Rousopoulos meets Atalai 3rd Greek-Turkish Reporters Convention

By Anna Kourti

State Minister Theodoros Rousopoulos held a meeting on Saturday with his Turkish counterpart Beshir Atalai, during the 3rd Greek-Turkish Reporters Convention. The topic of the meeting was the condition of radio and television in Greece and Turkey. The convention was organized by the Greek-Turkish Initiative Team and the Prefecture of Athens. The convention starts today and will end tomorrow, and includes two main topics: "Prospects in the European Union" and a "Review of recent years".

Participants in the Convention

Mr Rousopoulos stated that the "quality of relations between us depends on our will to proceed with specific actions that will bring us closer to the future we envision for our countries, and the wider neighbourhood."

"The struggle for objective information for citizens, without exaggeration, twisting stories, reflections and demonizing is a basis and prerequisite of our mutual vision for the future," said the State Minister.

The convention, which is presently ongoing and set to finish tomorrow, Sunday, is attended by 40 Turkish reporters, including Erdogul Ozgiok (Huriet), Mehmet Ali Birad (CNN Turk), Mehmet Gilmaz (Milyet), Ismail Kapan (TGRT), Ogiuz Haksever (NTV), Shahin Albai (Zaman) and Zeinep Oral (Jumhuriet).

For the Greek side, those participating include Giannis Michelakis (ANT1), Babis Koutras (Eleftheros Typos), Pantelis Kapsis (Ta Nea), Giannia Pretenteris (Mega), Kostas Spiropoulos (ERT) and Paschos Mandravelis (Apoyevmatini).

The members of the Greek-Turkish Initiative Team are: Giannis Tzannetakos, Panos Koliopanos, Alkis Kourkoulas, Oktai Eksi, Nur Batur and Haluk Shahin.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Disposed of Before it Exploded Hand Grenade in Fanari

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA- NET RADIO 105.8

A commotion was stirred today in Fanari, when construction workers who were performing maintenance work located a hand grenade in the roof of the Patriarchate. According to Turkish Police authorities the hand grenade was armed. The explosive device was disposed of by a Turkish Police bomb squad, who rushed to Fanari after being informed by the staff. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Petros Koumoutsakos condemned the act as extreme action and bigot. Following orders by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Greek Diplomatic authorities in Ankara and Istanbul have already expressed their concern to the relevant Turkish authorities and have asked for extra security measures to be taken in the Patriarchate.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] "The nation is close to Signora Sgrena" Calling for Sgrena's Release

By Anna Kourti

By initiative of left-wing newspaper Il Manifesto, a rally is ongoing in Rome, calling for the release of the Italian reporter. The parents of Giuliana Sgrena, correspondent for the newspaper in Iraq, and political figures from the Opposition are among the demonstrators, who have filled the centre of the Italian capital. "Todays rally shows that the entire nation is close to Signora Sgrena," stated Romano Prodi, leader of the Italian centre-left and former President of the European Commission. The rally took on clear political overtones, as many demonstrators chanted slogans calling for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to withdraw Italian troops from Iraq. Italy has 3000 soldiers in Iraq, the fourth foreign force in size after the US, Britain and South Korea.

57-year-old Sgrena is the seventh in a series of Italians to have been abducted in Iraq. Another reporter, Enzo Baldoni, who was held hostage last August, was murdered by his abductors.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Zarqawi has taken responsibility Car Bomb Explodes in Baqubah

By Anna Kourti

Two people were killed and a further three were injured in a suicide attack involving a car packed with explosives in Baqubah, north of Baghdad. In a statement, the organisation led by Abu Musab al Zarqawi claimed responsibility. Earlier, the Iraqi army announced the deaths of two Iraqis, one soldier and one civilian, in the car explosion at the entrance to the police headquarters in the city, which is 60 kilometres northeast of the Iraqi capital. According to police sources, the suicide bomber drove the vehicle into a guard point at the entrance just a few minutes after the arrival of the military governor of the Province of Diyalla, of which Baqubah is the capital. Jordanian-born Zarqawi, who has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks and abductions in Iraq, is wanted by the US, with a reward of 25 million dollars offered.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] No end to bloody attacks Suicide Attack Kills Many

By Vagelis Theodorou

Seventeen people died and 41 were injured, when a bus detonated in the Shiite district of Hadabiyah in Baghdad. According to eyewitness accounts and American military sources, a man strapped with explosives climbed onto a bus and detonated himself. According to police sources, the bus exploded just outside a roadblock, which had been set up to hinder approach to a Shiite mosque. In the meantime, two Iraqis were killed and a further 20 were injured in a shell attack on a mosque in the Sunni district of Adamiyah, in the north of Baghdad. According to the police, the shells fell close to An Ninda mosque in the Sunni district, although it has not been determined where they were launched from.

Continuing Attacks

Earlier, another four people were killed and 37 were injured in a suicide attack in a tent set up by a Sunni family to receive the condolences of relatives and friends, after the funeral of a woman who had been killed in another suicide attack in the same area. A family member of the deceased stated that a man entered the tent on a bike and blew himself up. The attack took place opposite a Sunni mosque in the Baya district of Baghdad, where Shiites are in the majority. Fears are expressed that the number of victims from todays attack will increase.

Five Iraqi citizens were killed and nine were injured during a battle between rebels and American soldiers, outside the town of Haswa, 40km from Baghdad.

The battle took place during the night in Haswa, in the so-called "Death Triangle", when revels attacked an American base. The American military has not yet made any statement on the attack.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Kicked into Paradise

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With Kostas Katsouranis playing a central role, as he scored the two goals for his team, AEK defeated Iraklis. In the Olympic Stadium, which was bursting with fans, Fernando Santos team found themselves losing at the start of the second half, but with two beautiful goals, the Greek international footballer manage to turn the game around for his team and score the valuable win. Fortuzi opened up the score in 47 for the guest team, while the host teams goals were both by Katsouranis, in 71 and 78.

All Down to the Second Half

The first half finished with no interesting play. The two teams played in centre, even though with passion and strength.

In the second half, Iraklis took the host team by surprise and opened up the score. From Epales shot from the right, Fortuzi was alone near the goal and made an ideal shot, scoring to give the Thessaloniki team a lead (0-1).

The goal woke up Santos players and from then on they started to miss many opportunities. In 57, AEK came close to a draw when Katsouranis sent the ball to Liberopoulos, who headed it on to Ivic, whose shot was impressively saved by Ambaris. In 61, AEK got close to the goal again, with Malbasas trying a pass, the ball went past everyone and Ivic shot from the penalty line, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out.

AEKs domination bore fruit in 71. From a foul taken by Cesar, Moras took the first header, and Katsouranis the second, sending the ball deep into Ambaris goal, making it 1-1.

AEK continued at this pace and turned the game right around in 78 with the same player. With Cesar taking a foul from the left, Katsouranis made an amazing header and the ball went into the nets of Iraklis goalkeeper, taking the score to the final 2-1.

Referee: Terovitsas (Aitoloakanania)

Yellow cards: Kontis, Ambaris, K. Kapetanos, Papazacharias, Segiri, Katsouranis, Soares

Teams

AEK: Hiotis, Balbasa, Bruno Alves, Kostenoglou (65 Kiriakidis), Moras, Kontis, Rusef (50 Soares), Katsouranis, Konstantinidis (50 Ivic). Liberopoulos, Julio Cesar.

IRAKLIS: Ambaris, Papazacharias, Katsambis, Sznaucner, Segiri, Poursanidis, Ioannou, Drougas (36 K. Kapetanos), Fortuzi, Epale (66 Keita), P. Kapetanos (83 Papapostolou).

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] First Cup Green

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Todays final of the Greek Basketball Cup was worthy of the name and history of the two teams. The green team managed to defeat their opponents 72-68 and win the first title for this year. Apart from the Cup, Panathinaikos morale played a great role, as in the first half they were 17 points down against Aris. However, the players experience counted in the next half and the final victory. On the other hand, Charles Burtons yellow team, after the first amazing twenty minutes, slowed down, and this in combination with the many fouls of the players cost them the Cup. Playing very well for Panathinaikos were Alvertis and Lakovic, and Castle for Aris. The quarters: 18-24, 29-38, 43-44, 72-68.

One Half Each

The game was a coin with two sides. In the first ten minutes, both teams went hand in hand, with neither team able to get ahead. At the end of the first ten minutes, with a three-pointer by Castle, Aris took a six-point lead.

In the second quarter, Burtons team continued at an amazing pace, while the green team seemed to be unable to find solutions, either for defence or for the attack. In 17, Aris were 17 points ahead and seemed to be the big favourite. Obradovics time out and his shouts helped Panathinaikos and by the end of the first half they reduced the difference to 9.

In the third quarter, Panathinaimos started out strongly, with Koutlouai and Lakovic taking on the task, and the defence appearing to be made out of granite, they put themselves back into the game.

The fourth quarter was just as amazing, with the two teams switching places in the score. But one foul after another took their toll on Aris, in combination with shots from the 6.25m line (the fouls by Stak and Skortsianitis made Femerlink and Battists task much easier) by Panathinaikos led the greens to the victory, winning the Cup of Greece, for the eighth time.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Four Star Xanthi

By Stathis Petropoulos

Xanthi made another step towards going to Europe. On home turf, they defeated Apollon Kalamaria 4-1, once again confirming the great condition they are in. The match was excellent in the first half, during which three goals were actually scored within three minutes. In 15, Carabas took a foul, and in his effort to block out the ball, Kousas set it into his teams net, in 16, Kleber went past the goalkeeper and scored 2-0, and in 17, Apollon reduced the difference with Mouzawi. In any case, Kalamaria reacted and stood up to Xanthi only in the first half, and afterwards succumbed to tiredness.

Xanthi Steps Up the Pace

Naturally, the match could not continue at that pace. Of course, the ball was going up and down, but Mouzawi in 33 and Baikara in 41 were unable to score from a good position and the first half ended. In the second half, Xanthi set the pace and as the first ten minutes ended, they scored their third goal. In 55, Maghradze passed from the right and Lambriakos headed the ball in, 3-1. And in 73, a fourth goal was scored when Maghradze once again came in from the right, turned to Garpozis and he sent the ball into the goal from up close.

Referee: Skoufitsas (Athens)

Yellow cards: Antzas, Prittas, Garpozis, Sikov, Zafeiropoulos, Mouzawi, Kousas, Iliadis

Xanthi: Pizanovski, Zapropoulos (46 Vozabal), Sikov, Maghradze, Antzas, Carabas (53 Torosidis), Prittas, Baykara, Kleber (76 Kazakis), Lambiakos, Garpozis

Apollon Kalamaria: Zafeiropoulos, Fitanidis, N.A. Papadopoulos, Nikolopoulos, Spiropoulos (62 Pappas), N. H. Papadopoulos, Kousas (87 Wellington), Iliadis, Vella Junior, Clayton, Mouzawi (89 Orfanos).

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Match Saved

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The point won by Kerkyra in Corfu ultimately turned out to be priceless. This is because until 65, Ionikos was in the lead with 0-2, but in the end the host team managed to turn the score around. On the other hand, Vangelis Vlachos team missed their great opportunity to get the three points that would have taken them further away from relegation. Kerkyras goals were scored by Fofonka (69) and Niniadis (+90, penalty), while Ionikos had led with Bouganem (28 own goal) and Koibra (59). Kerkyra finished the match with ten men, owing to Sfakianakis being sent off in 47.

Turn Around

Both teams came onto the pitch ready for the attack from the start, as they both aimed just to win. Despite this, until 29, there was no pace and the no opportunities were created. In 29 however, the guest team managed to surprise their opponents and get ahead in the score. Makor took a foul, and with a header Bouganem scored the goal giving the lead. Kerkyra started to step up the attack, but had not managed to draw by the end of the second half.

Things got more difficult for Kerkyra in the second half, as they started with ten players, since Sfakianakis was sent off. The blue team took advantage of this, and in 59 when Ofridopoulos took a foul, Koibra caught the header, the ball hit on Veziridis crossbar, with the Bolivian striker taking the rebound and scoring the second goal for the guest team.

This goal caused Vangelis Vlachos players to slow down, as they believed the match to be over.

However, the Corfu team had not said their last word. They got back into the game in 69, when Bekiai knocked out a shot by Gittas, but the ball went to Fofonka, who sent it into Ionikos nets. This sparked off greater pressure in the team, who dominated the match, and in 90, they managed to turn the game around, when Fofonka won a penalty from Isa, Kasnaferis awarded a penalty and Niniadis scored the goal.

Yellow cards: Sfakianakis, Gittas, Tsiblidis, Ofridopoulos.

Red cards: Sfakianakis (2 yellow cards).

The teams:

KERKYRA: Vezyridis, Georgiou, (39 Ioannou), Syros, Sfakianakis, Koltzos, Braga (64 Gimbro), Boughanem, Gitas, Niniadis, Fofonka, Demba-Nyrin (61 Edaye)

IONIKOS: Beqaz, Ofridopoulos, Issa, Ucar, Melebianakis, Vourexakis, Natsouras, Lettieri, Tsimblidis (73 Da Costa), Makor (89 Maggos), Coimbra (70 Gavrilopoulos)

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Advice for Before and After a Wild Night Out Getting Over a Hangover

By Vagelis Theodorou

Did you have a little bit more to drink and today youre paying the price: your head is about to burst, everything around you is spinning and your stomach is all mixed up. In other words you are suffering from a common hangover. The term describes the state in which you awake from a night of a large consumption of alcohol. Everyone has gone through one and whoever denies it is probably lying. Following you will find a guide with advice for before and after a wild night out, which will help you feel better and shed away the guilt of binging.

Rehydration

According to many researches, a hangover is caused by the metabolism of alcohol in the system and depends on the age and the ability of enzymes to recuperate.

A main rule is to drink after you have had a good dinner. Food is very important as it can counter the absorption of alcohol. If you cannot find something ready to eat, a glass of milk is a good substitute. In any case do not binge on peanuts and chips which will be served with your drink as you will surely aggravate your stomach.

Also, before you head out make sure you are well hydrated. Drink as many liquids as you can, not alcohol, since every glass of water or fruit juice you will consume before you go out can be a lifesaver. Alcohol is a diuretic so liquids have to be replaced.

If you are on a drug prescription it is wise to ask for advice from your doctor.

Show Character

During your night out, re-hydration is also important. The other important rule is to be careful of what you are drinking. Drinks that have a high-level of alcohol are more dangerous than the rest, while red wine, due to its composition, can be stronger.

It is advisable to have a drink per hour, since that is the time required for the liver to break down the alcohol. Do not forget to have a drink of water or juice with every drink.

It is also important to avoid inspiration and mix the drinks. In other words you should drink the same drink and shot. For example if you are drinking vodka do not attempt to have a B52 shot, but a vodka shot or one as its main ingredient.

Avoid exotic looking drinks with lots of colors and sugared glasses, even if they are innocent looking they are much stronger than they seem.

It's a New Day, Its a New Dawn

What if you finally succumbed to the temptation of alcohol and awakened with a hangover? There is no actual treatment, but there are ways to make yourself feel better.

Upon your return to the house drink as much water as you can, before you fell asleep. Next morning, in order to avoid dehydration drink plenty of fruit or vegetable juice. Tomato or orange juice are especially beneficial and rich in Vitamin B. It is also advisable to avoid coffee since is has diuretic properties and can worsen the condition in your already troubled stomach as it causes contractions to the blood vessels.

In order for the nausea to pass, an apple or a banana, or both, beaten in a blender can be a life saver. An ally to a hangover is a full stomach, so eat a light meal. Prefer food rich in carbohydrates which give energy such as white bread with honey and avoid greasy food, milk and fibres as they will worsen your condition.

If you feel that you are drowning underneath your covers, a walk outdoors and in the fresh air will make you feel better, since the oxygen will rejuvenate your brain cells which have probably fallen in lethargy.

Care for Your Body

Except for your insides, binge drinking also harms your looks.

A splash in the bath tub, filled with warm water and lots of bubbles, is ideal for the toxins to exit your body. After the bath, moisturize your face and neck in order for your skins natural pH to be brought back.

Under eye-circles and bags are a common hangover clue, wet a piece of cloth with cold water and place it over your eyes for 10 minutes. For extreme cases place the wet cloth in the freezer for 3 minutes and if you are a nature lover place cucumber or potato slices.

Do not expect miracles! The intense side-effects of a hangover recede during the day, leaving behind a sense of tiredness and displeasure. Next time make sure you have a good time and not get crashed!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Olympiacos Without Giovanni in Crete

By Stathis Petropoulos

Yesterday was another day without a normal training session for Giovanni, who completed a whole week following a personal program, due to a dental operation he underwent a day before the game against Sochaux. This resulted to Bajevic not including him in the team roster against the French team, as well as in the game against Ergotelis, something which confirms the bad climate after the latest developments. This will not end in the usual positive results, as this time Sokratis Kokkalis is dissatisfied with the players stance, while the possibility of a penalty has not been ruled out. Except for Giovanni, Ieroklis Stoltidis will not be traveling to Crete, as the Greek-Serb coach decided that he should take time off to rest, and he will be substituted by Thanasis Kostoulas who proved that he can cover his place in defense quite well.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Spiropoulos Tests Positive

By Stathis Petropoulos

The atmosphere is heavy in Nea Smyrni after the news that Nikos Spiropoulos has tested positive for use of testosterone. In the urine test of the 21-year-old footballer for Panionios and the Greek 21s, a high concentration of testosterone was found, although until this can be confirmed from the second sample, there is always the possibility that it is biological and nothing suspicious. The team in Nea Smyrni was immediately informed of the matter, although no action has been taken, as they are waiting for the results of the second sample. The same thing essentially applies to the player himself, who was extremely shocked to hear the news, while owing to this development, he will not be included in the team for the crucial match against OFI.

Translated by Millie Williams

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