National Hellenic Society’s Heritage Weekend: Celebrating Hellenism and Uniting Philhellenes

By NEO Magazine on October 30, 2022

This year’s National Hellenic Society’s (NHS’s) most memorable event, the Heritage Weekend, continued the organization’s string of successes when it convened from October 6^th to 9^th at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club, in Dana Point, CA, right by the water, with attendees of all ages and professions.

Honoring John Camp and Elizabeth Fisher. George Marcus is on right and Peter Parthenis with John Calamos on left

During the 4-day celebrations, guests heard from acclaimed speakers who shared their expertise on democracy and the roots of Hellenism. They also participated in discussions with renowned scientists, doctors, and giants of classical Greece. Among them were keynote speaker Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Ambassador of Greece to the US, Debra Wince-Smith, the President and CEO of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, Bill Antholis, the Miller Center Director and CEO of Emeritus Managing Director at Brookings, Josh Ober, the Constantine Mitsotakis Professor of Classics and Political Science at Stanford University, George Nounesis the Director and Chair of the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” and Dr. John Camp, the Niarchos Foundation Classics Professor and Randolph Macon College and Emeritus Director of the Agora Excavations.

Honoree Michael Chiklis addressing the event. On left are Demetrios Logothetis, George Marcus, John Calamos

Attendees also enjoyed recreational activities such as the Dana Point hike with terrific views of the Pacific Ocean, kayaking, surf lessons, and bike rides on the famous coastal boardwalk of Newport beach while taking in the sun, sand, and surf. Friday’s lunch was at the Grand Lawn, a sprawling outdoor space with stunning views of the Pacific located below the two sweeping staircases and fountain and just in front of the Resort’s main pool. The day ended with a Blue and White Heritage night and an afterparty at Aveo restaurant and terrace.

The three honorees are from left, Michael Chiklis, Elizabeth Fisher and John Camp

On Saturday, golfers participated in the Dr. George Korkos and Telly Savalas Memorial Golf Tournament at the evergreen Monarch Beach Golf Club with ocean views. The highlight of the weekend was Saturday’s night dinner, awards presentation, and performance by one of Greece’s top entertainers and his band, Giorgos Tsalikis. Attendees danced to Greek songs to their heart’s content, enjoyed a fun photo booth, and connected through their passion for Hellenism. NHS also celebrated and honored Michael Chiklis, one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors and celebrities, and Dr. John Camp and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Fisher, renowned archeologists, and classicists who have contributed to the study and understanding of modern archeology.

The National Hellenic Society Board

The celebrations brought together Greek-Americans and Philhellenes from across the US to what they’ve described as: “the best Greek event,” a day to celebrate their heritage and have the time of their lives. Among the attendees were also students who participated in the Heritage Greece Program and reunited in California to reinforce their friendships and connections.

John, Stelios, Lia & Maria Frankis, Jimmy & Emy Belesis, Marilena & Niko Katopodis, Christina & Nick Pashalis, Julie & Paul Tsoumpariotis

The National Hellenic Society will continue offering the Greek American community events that celebrate, perpetuate, and disseminate Hellenic Heritage. For 13 years now, the Heritage Weekend has given every attendee a feeling of “liveliness,” reminding them to have “kefi”.