Qatar Airways Expands with New Chicago Route
Chicago–-On April 11, Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Chicago landed at O’Hare International Airport, marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the United States. To commemorate the milestone, Qatar’s CEO Akbar Al Baker held a press conference in Chicago to speak about the airline’s further expansion plans.
With the inclusion of thrice-weekly services from Chicago, Qatar Airways now operates 24 passenger flights a week between the US–daily from New York, Washington DC and Houston—and Doha.
Effective June 15, the Chicago–Doha route will increase to daily service. Since August 2010, Qatar Airways has operated twice-weekly dedicated cargo flights between the two cities.
Flight QR991 arrived to a grand airport ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including Qatar’s Ambassador to the USA His Excellency Mr. Mohamad Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi, Al Baker and airport officials.
The maiden flight carried international media and airline management. The new route offers a connection between Chicago and a vast number of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia Pacific via Doha.
Al Baker and Chicago airport authorities delivered speeches at O’Hare marking the occasion, noting the economic impact of Qatar Airways’ arrival in the city.
“I would like to thank the people of Chicago and local airport authorities for their great support in helping Qatar Airways launch passenger flights to this vibrant city,” said Al Baker.
“After more than five successful years of operations in North America, we are pleased to introduce Chicago as our newest US gateway and look forward to welcoming travelers from the Midwest to fly with us to many parts of the world and, similarly welcome visitors from around the world to this great city.”
The CEO said, “Chicago is a key route for business and leisure travelers alike, home to the world’s second busiest international airport with 70 million passengers a year.” Al Baker explained why Chicago was selected.
“With the local tourism industry receiving 50 million visitors annually and Chicago being the headquarters of some of the world’s biggest corporates, including Boeing, there are many business opportunities linking our two cities and regions.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent a congratulatory message to Qatar Airways, commenting: “Chicago is pleased to welcome Qatar Airways’ world-class service to our global gateway, O’Hare International Airport. This new international air service creates additional economic opportunities, increases tourism to our city and strengthens Chicago’s cultural and business connection to the world. This service will generate more than $200 million in annual economic impact.”
Qatar Airways’ North American operations also include thrice-weekly services to Montreal.
In just 16 years, Qatar Airways has become one of the world’s fastest growing airlines. Its modern fleet, comprised of 122 aircraft, flies to 126 key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways is set to launch services to a diverse portfolio of new routes during 2013.
Qatar Airways flies to Athens, Greece via Doha.
They’ve been named Airline of the Year 2011 and 2012 by Skytrax Global Survey. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. Additionally, they were named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row. In October 2012, Qatar Airways became the first of the major Gulf carriers to officially join a oneworld group global alliance. Qatar Airways is a code share partner to US-based US Airways. The company maintains they are one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.
For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com
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Chris P. Tomaras to serve as Grand Marshal in Chicago's Greek Parade This Weekend
Chicago, Ill.---Mr. Chris Tomaras, Chairman of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, has been selected to be the Grand Marshal of the Greek Independence Day Parade in Chicago. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve on this post and I invite all my friends to join me in this celebration for Greece," said Mr. Tomaras.
The annual celebration of Greek Independence and ethnic pride will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2013 on Halsted Street, between Monroe and Van Buren, in the heart of Chicago's Greektown. The starting point is the corner of Randolph and Halsted at 2:30pm sharp.
If you're in Chicago, wear your blue and white and join in on the festivities.
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In Memoriam Nicholas J. Melas: 1923-2013
Dedicated Family Man Melds his Passion for the Environment and Public Service into a Lifetime of Achievement
Longtime Socrates School Principal Passes Away
DEERFIELD, ILL.--- It was with deep and profound sadness, that the Hellenic American Academy announced the passing of Elias K. Polites, longtime principal of Socrates Greek American School. He was 88.
Mr. Polites served Socrates School for 38 years, beginning in 1955, until his retirement in 1993. He worked tirelessly to help make Socrates School a beacon of light in the Greek American community. Over the course of the school’s 100+ year history, there are many individuals who have helped create the core foundation that has allowed Hellenic American Academy to thrive today—but few have given so consistently and for so long as Mr. Polites.
He dedicated his life to the preservation and perpetuation of the Greek language, our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. His work impacted an entire generation of Greek American children in Chicago and his life serves as a beautiful example to all students and staff of the importance of giving back to our community. His many contributions to Socrates School and his unwavering dedication to Greek American education and our Orthodox ideals will be remembered forever.
Following a wake in Chicago, Mr. Polites was flown to Greece to his final resting place, in Vasiliko, Messinias.
COURTESY: HELLENIC AMERICAN ACADEMY
Q&A with the Honorable Judge Charles P. Kocoras
This week we caught up with the Honorable Judge Charles P. Kocoras,
US District Court Judge, Northern District of Illinois,
The first Greek-American Federal District Court Judge in Chicago
The Gyros Just Got a Makeover
CHICAGO--- For some, gyros conjures images of late night food runs after a night of partying. For others, it reminds them of Greek “street” food, or just another fast food item. Well, your gyros has evolved, made with sustainable and organic ingredients for a whole new dining experience.
Greek Foreign Minister Visits Chicago
CHICAGO---Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Dimitris L. Avramopoulos, was welcomed by Ioanna Efthymiadou, Consul General of Greece in Chicago,, at a reception at the National Hellenic Museum, on September 19.
Q&A with Zizi Papacharissi
She is the author of three books and more than 40 journal articles, book chapters and reviews, and serves as editor of the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media. Her work focuses on the social and political consequences of online media.
Remembering Our Heroes
Sto Kentro - May 16, 2013
Your Connection to Community Events
Enjoy the sunshine!
GOING ON NOW
American Moments: The Legacy of Greek Immigration. National Hellenic Museum. 333 S. Halsted, Greektown. Exhibit celebrates the contributions of Greek Americans to the American mosaic. 312.655.1234.
GOING ON NOW THROUGH JUNE 2
New exhibit, “The Holocaust in Greece.” . National Hellenic Museum. 333 S. Halsted, Greektown. 312.655.1234.
Protypo Peraiko Hellenic School open house. 500 N. Cherry Street, Itasca, IL. 5:00-8:00 pm. Info 708.795.6234. www.protypon.com
MAY 18
Pythagoras Children’s Academy dinner dance, “Rockin’ the 50s.” The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios, 893 N. Church Rd., Elmhurst, IL. Cocktails 5:30 pm; dinner 6:30 pm. Adults $40, kids 4 and up $20. 773.505.3936 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
MAY 18
Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre Spring Gala. “Generations of Love.” Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Featuring Giorgos Daskaloudis and Spyros Spyrakos from Greece, accompanied by Rhythmos Band. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 6:00 pml dinner 7:00 pm. Advance tickets, $200; $150 young adults. 847.465.1323.
MAY 18
Protypo Peraiko Hellenic School open house. 3243 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago. 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Info 708.795.6234.
MAY 18
1st annual Pan Arcadian Federation 3v3 Basketball Tournament. Pioneer Park, 500 S.Fernandez, Arlington Heights, IL. High School Boys Division and Men's Division. After-Tournament Party and Presentations at H.O.M.E. Bar Chicago. Percentage of the proceeds to benefit Special Needs Theater of Lyons Township High School. One $500 SCHOLARSHIP will be awarded to a high school senior. 11:00 am-4:00 pm. 708.351.1199 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Registration and info
MAY 18
Chicago Sister Cities International viewing party for Eurovision Song Contest. John Barleycorn, 149 W. Kinzie, 2nd floor,Chicago. 2:00-5:30 pm. Cash bar and full menu will be available. FREE. All ages welcome. RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MAY 18
Lecture, "Windows into Heaven, Mirrors to the Soul: Icons in the History of Byzantium and the Theology of the Christian East," St. Andrew’s Church SJ Gregory Auditorium, 5649 N. Sheridan, Chicago. Featuring Aphrodite Peponis, an expert in Orthodox imagery; Dr. Elena Boeck, associate professor in the Department of History of Art & Architecture at DePaul University; and Anna Lambros, an Orthodox iconographer. 3:00 pm. FREE. 773.334.4515.
MAY 19
Chicago Studio of Professional Singing and Pantazelos Performing Artists Foundation present Fiesta de Espana. Café Ba-Ba-ReeBa, 2024 N. Halsted, Chicago. 6:00 pm.
MAY 19
Hellenic Link–Midwest presents Professor Nikos Varelas, Professor of Physics at UIC, in a lecture titled “Why we Should be Excited by the Higgs Discovery.” Pan Arcadian Federation headquarters. 880 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL.. 3:00 pm. Free for HLM members, $5 public. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 630.252.4884.
MAY 19
Orpheus Youth Group end of the year performance. St. John the Baptist Church, 2350 E. Dempster Rd., Des Plaines, Ill. Greek folk dances, songs and music along with speeches of this year’s youth program graduates, and presentation of annual Dina Sianis awards. 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5.
MAY 19
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance Gala. Concord Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road, Kildeer, IL. Social hour 6:00 pm; dinner 7:00 pm. $90.00. Reservations 773.528.4250 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MAY 21
15th annual Golf Outing to benefit The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios in Elmhurst, IL. Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Rd., Bloomingdale, IL. Golf, lunch on back 9 and dinner (cash bar) $135 paid by May 1; $150 after. Dinner only $40. Sponsorships available. 8:30 am check-in; 9:30 am shotgun start. 630.940.5389.
MAY 23
The Classical Art Society of the Art Institute of Chicago presents a lecture by Dimitri Liakos, Professor Emeritus of Northern Illinois University, titled, “Byzantine Art Treasures of Orthodox Monasteries: From Mount Sinai to Meteora to the Holy Mount Athos and Beyond. Art Institute, Morton Auditorium, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago. 6:00 pm. 815.787.6478.
MAY 23
“Preserving Family Heirlooms: From the Attic to the Museum,” presented by Harriet Stratis, Conservator of Prints & Drawings, Art Institute Chicago and Bethany Fleming of the National Hellenic Museum. 333 S. Halsted, Greektown. 6:00 pm. 312.655.1234.
MAY 25
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. SS Constantine & Helen, 8000 Madison St. Merr,illville, IN. 10:00 am. 219.769.2481.
MAY 25-27
Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics. SS Constantine & Helen Church. 11025 S. Roberts Rd., Palos Hills, IL. 708.974.3700
JUNE 5
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. Holy Apostles, 2501 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester, IL 7:30 pm. 708.562.2744.
JUNE 6
Recipes for Rebuilding, a chef tasting to benefit the renovation and restoration of St. Basil Church. National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted, Greektown. Jimmy Bannos, Sr. of Heaven on Seven restaurants, as well as 15 other area chefs 312.243.3738.
JUNE 7
13th District Order of AHEPA 46th Annual Sports Award Banquet. Fountain Blue Banquets, Des Plaines, IL. All Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior athletes who play any sport in high school or college is eligible for scholarships. Applications 847.942.8389 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
JUNE 8
Holy Apostles 5K Family Run and Walk. 2501 S. Wolf Road, Westchester, IL. 8:30 am. Course begins and ends at church. Proceeds benefit Philoxenia House in Rochester, MN. All ages welcome. Entry fees: $20/person or $50/immediate family include a t-shirt, light healthy snacks, water and a gift bag for each participant. A shorter one mile course is available. $10/person will be the fee for that route. Register at the church office, online or at 7:30 AM the day of the race.
JUNE 10
13th District Order of AHEPA golf outing. Cinder Ridge in Wilmington, IL. $130 includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. $100 Hole Sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit AHEPA Athletics and for athletic scholarships. Applications and sponsorship info 847.942.8389 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
JUNE 14-16
Taste of Greece Festival. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios, 893 N. Church Road, Elmhurst, IL. 630.834.7010.
JUNE 14-16
Taste of Greece on LaSalle Street. Annunciation Cathedral, 1017 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago. 312.664.5485.
JUNE 15-16
Greek festival. St. Nicholas Church, 10301 S. Kolmar Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL. Rides & Games for children, delicious traditional entrees and wonderful pastries, music, Greek Dance performances. Saturday 4:00- 11:00 pm; Sunday 3:00-10:00 pm. Admission $2 (children under 12 free). 708.636.5460.
JUNE 16-22
Metropolis of Chicago Fanari Summer Camp. Contact your local parish for details.
JUNE 19
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Spyridon, 12307 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, IL. 7:30 pm. 708.385.2311.
JUNE 21-23
Greek festival. Kimissis Tis Theotokou Church, 1335 S. Green Bay Road, Racine, WI. 262.632.3358.
JUNE 24-28
Vacation Church School. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios, 893 N. Church Road, Elmhurst, IL. 630.834.7010.
JUNE 26
St. Basil Church golf outing. Odyssey Country Club, 19110 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park, IL. $135 includes: 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner (open bar). Dinner only (open bar) $60. Call to RSVP and sponsor 312.243.3738.
JUNE 28
St. Demetrios Church of Chicago golf outing. 773.561.5992. Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Rd., Glenview, IL. $135 (Golf, boxed lunch and Dinner); $45 (Dinner only). Registration 10:00 am sharp. Tee off 11:00 am. 773.561.5992.
JUNE 28-30
St. Spridon (Sheboygan) 65th annual Greek Festival. Deland Park, on Lake Michigan adjacent to North Side Beach, Sheboygan, WI. Food, music, dancing, entertainment.
JULY 4-7
YAL 30 Year Reunion, “Reunite to Unite.” Intercontinental Hotel, Dallas, TX.
JULY 9-AUGUST 1
Pythagoras Children’s Academy “Camp Hollywood” Summer Camp. 893 N. Church Rd., Elmhurst, IL. Arts & crafts, math, reading, writing and more. Ages 4-10. Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm. $275. Call Mrs. Patty Konstantopoulos at 630.834.0477.
JULY 10
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Demetrios, 7021 Hohman Ave.,Hammond, IN. 7:30 pm. 219.932.7347.
JULY 21-23
The Big Greek Food Festival of Niles. St. Haralambos Church, 7373 Caldwell, Niles, IL. 847.647.8880.
JULY 24
4th annual Greek Heritage Night at Sox Park. Good friends and family will gather for fellowship with a tailgate at US Cellular Field. 6:00 pm; 7:10 pm game time, vs. Detroit Tigers. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
JULY 24
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Demetrios, 893 Church Rd., Elmhurst, IL. 7:30 pm. 630.834.7010.
JULY 9-AUGUST 1
Pythagoras Children’s Academy “Camp Hollywood” Summer Camp. 893 N. Church Rd., Elmhurst, IL. Arts & crafts, math, reading, writing and more. Ages 4-10. Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm. $275. Call Mrs. Patty Konstantopoulos at 630.834.0477.
AUGUST 5-9
8th Annual Chicago Sister Cities International Festival. Daley Plaza, Chicago. Authentic ethnic food, merchandise and entertainment from Chicago’s 28 global sister cities. 10:30 am-5:30 pm. Live musical and dance performances at 12:00-1:00pm each day. FREE.
AUGUST 16-18
Summer festival. St. Demetrios Church. 2727 W. Winona, Chicago. 773.561.5992.
AUGUST 21
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Athanasios, 1855 East 5th Ave., Aurora, IL. 7:30 pm. 630.851.6106.
SEPTEMBER 4
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Nicholas, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, IL. 7:30 pm. 708.636.5460.
SEPTEMBER 7
Saint Iakovos Retreat Center Fundraising Gala. 312.337.4130.
SEPTEMBER 18
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. All Saints, 102 N. Broadway, Joliet, IL. 7:30 pm. 815.722.1727.
SEPTEMBER 21-22
Taste of Greece Fall Glendi. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios, 893 N. Church Road, Elmhurst, IL. 630.834.7010.
OCTOBER 2
Rehearsal for the Choir Federation Conference. St. Nectarios, 133 S. Roselle Rd., Palatine, IL. 7:30 pm. 847.358.5170.
OCTOBER 2-6
Metropolis Clergy/Laity/Philoptochos Congress. Holy Trinity Church, Sioux City, IA.
OCTOBER 11-13
Choir Federation Conference, under the direction of conductor Christopher Kypros. SS Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Merrillville, IN. Hymns from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, arranged by Ted Bogdanos.
OCTOBER 24
Feast day dinner for His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS of Chicago. Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Rd., Kildeer, IL. 312.337.4130.
NOVEMBER 2
The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR) conference. St. Katherine Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church. VA. This year’s topic is the pastoral and clinical care of aging. Info
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