to see the NAHYSOSA April 2013 Brief

Vol.16 Issue 1
George Patrinos
Raphaella Hajipetrou
Andreas Tsangarakis
Congress Co-ordinator
Pan-Hellenic Co-ordinator
Andrea Spyron
Eleni Achilleos
Irene Clayton
Nic Korkou
Mano Agiakatsikas
Andoni Kardamylakis
Editor
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary
Entertainment
Webmaster
Secretary
Assistant Treasurer
Michail Scholiadis
President
Καράβια Χιότικα
The title of this article may seem a bit misleading at first, but all will be revealed shortly. No, I will not be singing Pantelis Thalassinos’s Karavia
Chiotika for you, although that is an all-time favourite sirto (from the Greek word “Συρτό”) of mine. Rather, I will explain to you my journey on
how I ended up where I am today, being involved in NAHYSOSA.
It all started at Mini-Congress 2007 in Pretoria, when a few friends from Cape Town decided to go up for the weekend. Being in my first year at
UCT, I signed up to HSA Cape Town, and before I knew it I was secretary. A few weeks later, we’re sitting on an aeroplane (from the Greek word
“αεροπλάνο”), on the way to two days of meetings – not exactly the start to an epic journey! We land, we go to the venue, we’re late (we’re
from Cape Town OK?) and everyone has already started.
Three years later and more than a few good times later, I leave for a gap year, I work on a boat, it sinks, and I decide it’s time to head back to
dry land – coincidentally, Joburg is quite far from the sea!
Aside from being a Χιότη who worked on a καράβι (title, get it?), being a part of NAHYSOSA has always been an aspiration of mine, and
having come back from two years of travelling, I am hungry and excited to be involved again and on such a large scale. NAHYSOSA is more
than just an organisation (from the Greek word “οργανισμός”) that hosts meetings, occasional parties and sends a lot of SMSes. I most
certainly am not NAHYSOSA, our committee is not NAHYSOSA, and the 9 affiliates around the country are not NAHYSOSA. NAHYSOSA are
the Hellenes (from the Greek word “Έλληνας”) around the country who attend these events, who take part in our Hellenic Communities,
who give back time and time again, who have been contributing to the NAHYSOSA Bursary Fund for over a decade, and to our medical
initiatives. For those that think otherwise, if you are a Hellene, you are contributing to what we do simply by being proud of who you are.
That is what I signed up for, and the first 4 months have been nothing short of extraordinary. I look forward to the next 8, and cannot wait for
Congress 2013 to be hosted in…. DURBAN! (From the Greek word “Ινδία”.)
Hope to see you all at the next events and all around the country!
Michail Scholiadis
NAHYSOSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Miss Hellene
Miss Hellene winner of 2012, Thalia Kritzas has a lot in store during her two year
reign. The events will range from charity drives, to hosting a fun day with children of
each affiliate community around South Africa and proposing to give Greek dancing
lessons. The main event of the year that Miss Hellene awaits in anticipation is the
HSA Cape Town Fashion Show which will be held in August. This will be another
way in which the Greek communities will become more aware of who Miss Hellene
is and what it is that she does.
In the words of Miss Hellene 2012, “To explain my Miss Hellene experience I like
to describe myself as a little olive tree growing on a mountain in Greece. My roots
symbolise my family and friends who have been my support structure throughout
this journey. My stem is comparable to NAHYSOSA who is there to hold the branches
in place. My branches are like all the Miss Hellene contestants, they all look different
however they are all trying to serve the same function – to make some tasty Greek
olives. As a whole I am a little tree growing in the snow and in the end I wish to serve
the people of my village (the Hellenic youth of South Africa) with some filling and
nutritious olives.”
Thalia Kritzas
NAHYSOSA Miss Hellene 2012
BHYA Greek Social
BHYA Greek Invasion Student Party
BHYA decided to invade one of Bloemfontein’s hottest party spots, Barbas
Cafe, for our first event of 2013! With great anticipation, plate breaking,
whiskey burning, and a Greek Harlem shake, this social turned out to be one
of great success!!
The BHYA committee once again pulled off a good show, providing a proper
Greek “πάρτι” for all who attended! Barbas cafe was the place to be on the
night of the social as all other party spots around the area were left empty
after word of the plate breaking spread.
A big thank you to NAHYSOSA and all those who supported!
Kosta Grammatikos
NAHYSOSA BHYA President
Twitter
@NAHYSOSA
National Association of Hellenic Youth &
Student Organisations of South Africa
@NAHYSOSA_PHYC
Pretoria Hellenic Youth Committee
@NAHYSOSA_SHA
Student Hellenic Association
@NAHYSOSA_SYHS
Student Youth Hellenic Society
@NAHYSOSA_CYA
Cypriot Youth Association
@NAHYSOSA_UJHA
University of Johannesburg Hellenic Association
@NAHYSOSA_BHYA
Bloemfontein Hellenic Youth Association
@HSACapeTown
Hellenic Student Association of Cape Town
Johannesburg Youth Ball
NAHYSOSA’s annual Youth Ball: An evening where the men suit up to transform into
strapping young “γαμπροι” and where the “νυφες” salvage the highest of heels from the
back of their closets to strut with class. It is an evening which is often perceived as the
unofficial Congress reunion, and it is said to be an evening of extensive fun. After having
attended this Black and White themed event, I would have to say that the above is quite
true.
As a first time committee member, with limited knowledge on all things NAHYSOSA
related, I quickly delved into the planning and organising process with the guidance of
my other committee members. Countless SMSes and physical effort appear to be the
main ingredients of a successful Youth Ball and both were intact, thereby allowing the
plans to transpire into an evening that sparkled. I, for one, was particularly excited to
attend my first Youth Ball. Of course, all things typically Greek were present. There were
the traditional zeimbekika, stacks of broken plates, miniature whiskey-fuelled fires on
the dance floor and let us not forget the lamb that was served. These, when added to
the aforementioned recipe, create an evening that merely exudes brilliance.
Yes, the Youth Ball of 2013 was quite the success. You can never go wrong if you party
like a Hellene.
Eugenia Papathanassiu
NAHYSOSA SHA Editor
HSA Cape Town Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
Sunny skies, wooden decks, the view of Table Mountain in the background and beautiful people. A few of the things that made HSA Cape
Town’s first event of the year – The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship Party, one big success. Following Greek traditional timing, the ship left half an hour
later than it was supposed to, but that never stopped the crew and its passengers from partying and enjoying themselves from start until
the end. Once sail was set across the waves, the wind decided to pick up, making the ride a little bumpy. With sea sickness not stopping the
party, the dancing continued, making new friends and enjoying a beverage or two. The beautiful background added to the great vibe and
motivated everyone to have an amazing time. After the sail across the seas was coming to end, setting anchor back at the Waterfront, the
fun was nowhere near a close. The DJ was ready to play some zeimbekika and the plates started breaking to the tunes of Mitropanos and
Sfakianakis. Once again the Jolly Roger didn’t disappoint and it made everyone even more excited for what HSA has in store for 2013.
Maria Dimova
NAHYSOSA HSA Cape Town Secretary
NAHYSOSA Competition
WIN 1 TICKET
TO ANTONIS REMOS,
STELIOS ROKKOS
& ELENI FOUREIRA
CONCERT
18 MAY
@EMPERORS PALACE
Competition Details:
1. Read NAHYSOSA Brief
2. Find the Greek words and make the best possible sentence with
only the words provided (See * for details)
3. Follow NAHYSOSA on Twitter at @NAHYSOSA
4. Tweet NAHYSOSA your sentence with the hashtag #nahysosabrief
5. Best sentence wins
Competition closes 13 May
*Either all or some of the words can be used, own articles can be added and Greek words throughout
the brief can be found in Greek or English letters.
Cyprus Crisis Issue
Cypriot Solidarity Concert as Financial Crisis Bites
Tens of thousands of people attended a charity concert in the Cypriot capital Nicosia to raise funds
and collect food for people suffering the fallout of a severe financial crisis. Organised by relief
organisations and touted as a “concert of solidarity and help,” Cyprus Aid brought together about
50 artists from Cyprus and Greece who performed from mid-afternoon until late at night. Concertgoers were asked to bring dry food for families struggling to make ends meet amid the crippling
crisis that forced the Cypriot government to accept tough bailout terms from international lenders.
“I brought spaghetti, rice, cookies. This event is important to show solidarity. It is important to help
the people who are in need,” said Alexis Vrachimis, a young doctor.
Vrachimis added his contribution to a pile of cardboard boxes filled with a variety of tinned and
dried food before joining the throng of people that flooded a moat where the stage and giant screens were erected for the concert. The concert was
held in the open air around the 16th century Venetian walls that surround the Old City of Nicosia and all along the ancient stones people had left
boxes of food. A policeman said “tens of thousands of people” attended the concert, among them many youths, families with children and elderly
couples. “We came to help those who have problems. Now we can help but we don’t know if we will be able to help tomorrow,” said dentist Christina
Hadjipanaskiva. Melina Shukuroglou, a member of the charity Alkionides, which helped to organise the concert, blamed Cypriot politicians and
bankers for the crisis gripping the east Mediterranean island. “As the crisis will spread in the country we will have more people in need,” she said.
Cyprus was on the verge of bankruptcy, but after marathon talks with the “troika” of the European Union, European Central Bank and International
Monetary Fund, the island received a 10-billion-euro bailout. The deal stipulates a drastic restructuring of the banking system which is certain to
affect the Cypriot economy and have dire social repercussions. Leonidas, a policeman, said many people were already cash-strapped and unable to
buy basic necessities. “It is nothing to give five euros to buy stuff, but it is very important for them,” he said. His wife Georgia said the Greek Cypriot
people had learned to help each other since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the northern third of the island. “The solidarity continues,” she said.
Nelly Kiriakou, a teacher from Bulgaria married to a Cypriot, said she hoped the charity concert would be followed by other such initiatives. “Cyprus
was for two weeks in a very critical situation and with this concert we remember that we are together no matter the difficulties,” added Marios
Constantinou.
*For references contact Raphaella Hajipetrou on raphaellah@live.com
Article extracted from www.eubusiness.com
SYHS DURBAN
A New Beginning
After a couple of years in hiding, SYHS, the Durban affiliate of NAHYSOSA, has found its way
back on course. Our fresh faced, energetic committee decided to launch our new beginning and
the New Year with an event for all ages!
The first event that was held was a Tavli and Games night at The Durban Hellenic Centre. It was
undoubtedly an overwhelming success and the new committee’s enthusiasm was welcomed
and supported wholeheartedly by the Durban Hellenic community. An event is never complete
without food, so while the guys got braaing, the girls rounded up the kids and got the games
going inside with a variety of fun activities like egg and spoon races, 3 legged races, sack races,
ping pong, a jumping castle, amongst other things. SYHS is proud that their 1st event was such
a great occasion and that we could bring together kids, students and parents together for a
fun day.
The events keep on rolling and next up was Leventes vs Papoulides Soccer Day, held at
Riverside sports field. This event was met with huge excitement and intrigue, the weeks
and days leading up to the match were filled with friendly banter between the Leventes
and the Papoulides, about who would come out on top in the game.
On game day, the youth side players were down on the pitch warming up, while the girls
and the rest of the committee prepared food for the event and looked after the many
spectators who had gathered to watch the big clash. Surprisingly, the Papoulides took
the lead with the youngsters still trying to find their feet; they had in truth gone into the
game a bit naïve. After getting settled, the Leventes started to play their way back into
the game and a goal either side of half time lifted the spirits of the team. A hard fought
second half ended 2-2 only due to a controversial penalty decision minutes from full
time for the Papoulides side. Extra time was to come and eventually the Youth came out
Savvas Criticos
on top the 4-2 winners. It was a spectacular day and we look forward to having many
NAHYSOSA SYHS President more classic clashes!
BHYA Easter Charity Drive
It was that time of the year again where families all around the country got together for the Easter weekend to experience the true meaning
of love and sacrifice. As with every year, BHYA decided to give time and love to those children who unfortunately do not have families with
which to experience this festive weekend and those that are ill in hospital. We visited “Ons Kinderhuis”, an orphanage in Bloemfontein, on
Good Friday where we handed out sweet packets to the children and truly bonded with them. Our visit ended off with an energetic soccer
match where we all got a chance to show off our vibrant ball skills or lack thereof!
Our next stop was the paediatric ward at the Universitus Hospital where we handed out Easter eggs to both patients and visitors. This visit
definitely opened up our eyes and touched each of our hearts in an individual way. The looks of joy on the children’s faces when receiving
an Easter egg will be images that will remain with us for a lifetime. This made us realise that the smallest gesture of kindness may have the
ability to change someone’s perspective of life. Not only was this day successful, it was truly fulfilling.
Daniella Benade
NAHYSOSA bhya committee member
HSA Cape Town Slug Bus
One bus, 4 Pubs, 60 members ...Pame!
All aboard the Slug Bus. This year NAHYSOSA HSA decided to
introduce a new, unique event. We’ve shown our members how
to party on the high seas and thought it was time to let them
loose on the roads of the Mother City.
With a bus full of excitement, anticipation and the “tifla” doing its
rounds, we set off to the first Slug and Lettuce pub in Newlands.
For starters, everyone enjoyed some champagne and snacks.
Our second Slug Bus stop took us to Kloof Street where our true
Hellenic patriotism came out. Blasting our Greek music over the
sound system, we took over the pub as we did the Kalamatiano
in between all the tables and chairs. The festivities continued all
the way to Greenpoint and finally, our last stop on Long Street.
HSA would like to thank all who attended the first ever Slug Bus
and helped it go beyond our expectations. From chanting songs
in the bus, to ducking when the police were near, it was a night to
remember. Here’s to the next one!
Sophia Stavrinou
NAHYSOSA HSA Cape Town Vice President
Upcoming Events
5 May – SYHS (Student Youth Hellenic Society) – Easter Hunt
15 June – SYHS – Father’s Day Sports Screening and Braai
11 May – HSA Cape Town (Hellenic Student Associastion) – Taverna Evening 16 June – ECHYA – Kids Day/Priest and Culture Talk
11 May – SYHS – Mother’s Day and Tea @Botanic
25 June – PHYC – Charity Drive
11 May – CYA (Cypriot Youth Association) – Paintball Day
12 May – PHYC (Pretoria Hellenic Youth Club) – 6-A-Side Soccer Day
19 May – NAHYSOSA Goes to Church @ Agiou Constantinou ke Eleni
25 May – UJHA (Univeristy of Johannesburg Hellenic Association – Laser Tag
facebook.com/groups/nahysosa
7,8 & 9 June – HSA (Hellenic Student Association) Cape Town – Weekend Away
CYA & PHYC Greek Social
An eclectic mix of people gathered at Rhapsody’s Brooklyn in Pretoria
for this year’s first Greek Social hosted by PHYC and CYA. It can only be described
with one word, ‘EPIC’.
The night started with a great influx of people who headed straight for the dance
floor, which was graced with πέντε DJs. The line at the door was constant with the
venue soon reaching its capacity.
Greek music flowed, whiskey burnt and
plates were broken keeping the people
going ‘til the early hours of the morning.
The legendary Greek Socials that we
have always heard about have definitely
been revived, reaching record numbers
since 2011.
This year looks like it is going to have many events held for the books, make sure
not to miss out!
Dimitris Georgiou
NAHYSOSA CYA President
You know you’re
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Greek
Funny Corner
when...
you don’t have a Grandmother but you have a Yiayia
leaving a house, you stand at the front door for half an hour and talk more
all your pets’ names are Greek
‘Re’ comes naturally even though you can’t actually translate it
you never know what to expect when you open up a tub of margarine
you cough and your Yiayia thinks you’re dying
you’re parents forced you to go to Greek school
your mom constantly cooks and cleans
you make up your own language eg: carro (car), moovare (move), wassemassini (washing machine), bassi (bus)
you meet someone and find out they’re Greek and they instantly become more attractive
you have a headache and your Yiayia automatically thinks someone has given you “the mati”
you have more cousins than friends
you have been hit with a pandofla
you were as tall as your Yiayia by the age of 8
your parents threaten you by saying, “Thelis na fas xilo?”
you say “open the light” instead of “turn on the light”
your favourite coffee is Frappe
you still talk about Greece winning the Euro in 2004
you have developed a special technique to eat kourabiethes without choking on the icing sugar
you spent your entire childhood thinking that what you ate for lunch was pronounced “sangwhich”
you arrive 2 hours late to everything and think that’s normal
olive oil, lemon and rigani go on EVERYTHING
it takes forever to drink one cup of coffee
we were the ones that started the Olympics
your parents forced you to watch ERT
you visit Greece/Cyprus and come back with food to last you ‘til the next time you visit