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Friday, December 19, 2014

Pope Francis Went To Turkey To Meet Patriarch Bartholomew

Hürriyet, one of Turkey’s flagship newspapers, recently interviewed the Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, who served as Director of the Press Office during the recent visit of Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Journalist Cansu Çamlibel, an articulate advocate for free speech and a well-known columnist, who features regular interviews with leading personalities in Turkey, sat down with Fr. John Chryssavgis after the papal visit for a comprehensive and candid conversation, which appeared in Turkish on the front page and an entire spread inside the paper (December 8, 2014). Excerpts of the interview also appeared in the Hürriyet Daily News (December 7, 2014), the oldest English-language review in Turkey. This interview is being re-published on The Huffington Post with permission. THE POPE CAME FOR BARTHOLOMEW By Cansu ÇAMLIBEL December 8, 2014 ISTANBUL – John Chryssavgis is an author and theologian born in Australia. He received his degree in Theology from the University of Athens. He also received a diploma in Byzantine music from the Greek Conservatory of Music during those years. He completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at the University of Oxford. He has lived in the United States for 20 years now, has worked in several universities and written a number of books. But he is also an active clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He received the title of Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Throne from Patriarch Bartholomew in 2012. Over the last years, he has been a close aide of Patriarch and served as his advisor on issues related to theology and environment. Chryssavgis shuttles between Boston and Istanbul at least once a month. The unique quality of Chryssavgis reflects the transnational and universal nature of the Patriarchate, which is neither well understood nor recognized in Turkey. This breadth of the jurisdiction is indeed what the Church calls ‘ecumenical’ and what Turkey does not accept. I met Chryssavgis just after the historic visit of Pope Francis in Turkey. He was actually one of the key actors who organized the program at Fener as director of the press office. Chryssavgis is one of the few clergymen authorized to speak on behalf of the Patriarchate. He gave this interview upon consent from Patriarch Bartholomew. He deciphered the background of Pope-Patriarch rendezvous and also analyzed the state of religious freedoms in today’s Turkey. THE POPE’S VISIT TO ISTANBUL WAS FOR PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW 1. What did Pope’s visit to Turkey mean for the Christians of the world? The Pope’s visit to Turkey was of immense importance on several levels: First, it was a visit to a worldwide leader of another Christian church, namely Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whose church Pope Francis regards as indispensable for Christian unity. Previous Popes have referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate (or church of the East) and the Church of Rome (or church of the West) as “two lungs” of the same body. For our part, we often refer to the Roman Catholic Church as our “sister church.” Neither the Catholics nor the Orthodox would describe other churches or religions in such an intimate way. Second, the fact that Turkey neighbors sensitive regions, where Christians constitute a nervous minority and are persecuted, slaughtered or exiled, made the Pope’s visit all the more meaningful for refugees and victims in the Middle East. 2. Can you remind us the roots of adversary between different churches of Christianity? For an entire millennium, there was a single, united Christian church, with five centers of authority, which related on equal and friendly terms. These included the churches of Rome, Constantinople (today’s Istanbul), Alexandria (in today’s Egypt), Antioch (in today’s Syria) and Jerusalem. Among these churches, Rome and Constantinople (also known as New Rome) enjoyed the highest privileges, with priority over the others because both served as imperial capitals. So during the first 1000 years, there were no divisions between the East (Roman Catholic) and West (Orthodox Churches). The first major split occurred in the 11th century, with the separation of Rome and Constantinople resulting from a gradual estrangement between West and East generally. The differences range in focus from religious matters to cultural issues and even political reasons. Another major split occurred in the 16th century within the Western church, which resulted in the emergence of the Protestant churches. 3. Is there really a rivalry between the Pope and the Patriarch? I am not sure that rivalry is an accurate or appropriate term. However, following the 1000 years of unity, there followed another 900 years of division. During this time, each church developed in a distinct and even divorced manner, which led to an ignorance of one another’s traditions as well as a sense of suspicion and hostility between the two. There were two attempts at reconciling the two churches and restoring unity. These occurred in the 13th and 15th centuries. But the rift between the two had grown too wide and the mistrust, especially after the crusades, was too extreme. Fortunately, fifty years ago, two other visionary leaders, Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras established a pattern of contact and communication, which they labeled as “the dialogue of love.” Pope Paul’s visit here in 1967 was the first such visit since the split of 1054 and the first ever visit of a Pope to Turkey. In many ways, I think that Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reflect and echo the prophetic openness of those leaders. THE PATRIARCH MAY HOST A JOINT CELEBRATION IN İZNIK IN 2025 4. Why is İznik very important for Vatican and Fener? Will there be a grand re-union in İznik in 2025? İznik was the site of the very first ecumenical council, the venue for the first assembly of all the Christian churches throughout the Roman Empire in order to reach consensus on matters of controversy. The outcome of that council, which was held in the year 325, was the first uniform text of Christian teaching, which came to be known as the “creed.” In attendance were about 250 or 300 bishops (out of a total of about 1,800 in the Christian world), who also decided on a common date for Easter. So you will appreciate how important the 1,700th anniversary since the İznik (Nicaea) council will be for the entire Christian world of today. Therefore, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in whose jurisdiction İznik lies, suggested to the Pope that a common celebration might be possible for 2025. However, there has not been too much further discussion – and certainly no final decision – about this event. In any case, it is still a long way off to determine or arrange with any degree of certainty. TURKEY STILL HAS TO TAKE CERTAIN STEPS AS A SOVEREIGN STATE 5. What did you think of the Turkish media coverage of the Pope visit? In general, the Turkish media covered the Pope’s visit fairly well. Of course, each of the media has its own angle and perspective, perhaps even its own interests and objectives. Let’s say there were no surprises. In this regard, I need to compliment your own approach in this interface and interview, which was professional from the very beginning; and I am very grateful for this fairness and openness. 6. Were you surprised to see that the visit was presented as if it was primarily a state visit for President Erdoğan? The invitation by President Erdogan was not a surprise; it was expected that the state leader in Turkey would extend an invitation to the Pope, who is himself also a state leader as the head of the Vatican. However, the invitation for the Pope to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul was originally suggested to Pope Francis by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on March 18, 2013, at the Inaugural Mass of the Pope, which the Patriarch personally attended. This was the principal reason why the Pope came to Turkey, especially at this particular time, on November 30, which marks the official, annual feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This was repeatedly confirmed by Fr. Lombardi as the “reason” and “heart” of the Pope’s trip during press conferences in Istanbul. 7. How do you rate the AK Party government’s attitude towards the Patriarchate? I think that attitudes toward the Ecumenical Patriarchate have overall improved in recent years. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew himself has undoubtedly played a major role in this change through his charismatic and cordial personality. Moreover, there has been significant progress achieved through such bodies as the General Assembly of the General Directorate of Foundations (GDF) in Ankara, representing all non-Muslim Minority Foundations of Turkey, which was so led by Mr. Lakis Vingas over two consecutive terms; but also the Rumvader (the Association for the Support of the Greek Community's Foundations), which coordinates the activities of all foundations of the Greek minority in Turkey. Finally, the Turkish government has also responded to these initiatives by returning numerous properties to their rightful owners among the minorities in this country, granting Turkish citizenship to bishops with formal positions in our church, while also allowing services in such places as Sumela Monastery in Trabzon. All of these are positive, concrete steps and it is only fair and proper to acknowledge them. Nevertheless, we must also be truthful to reality. And the fact is that these steps were the right thing to do. The rights and privileges requested and expected by the minorities in Turkey – whether Greek, Armenian, Jewish or other – are their rightful prerogatives and lawful entitlements as citizens of this land. So, while these developments are welcome and promising, they are what every sovereign state should extend to all of its citizens irrespective of religious or ethnic background. THE CROSS IS A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND RESURRECTION 8. After these developments does the Patriarch still feel crucified like he said in his CBS interview back in 2009? What is your feeling about his current thoughts on the matter? I’m asking this because I know you work very closely. I’m not so sure that I am in a position to express the personal sentiments of His All-Holiness. But I was standing just a few feet away when he spoke those words to the “60 Minutes” program. What I recall very clearly is that he connected that statement to his conviction that resurrection follows crucifixion. So I can certainly attest to his unrelenting optimism. It must be this hopefulness that gives him the strength to speak of peace in times of terror, to emphasize dialogue in the face of conflict, as well as to advocate for the natural environment before the crisis of global warming. 9. So we misunderstood what the Patriarch actually meant by taking it as a totally negative statement, right? It’s not so much a negative statement as it is an acknowledgment of pain. It certainly doesn’t justify those who inflict the pain. But the Christian experience of crucifixion is definitely positive. Because the Christian concept of crucifixion (of being nailed to a cross) is followed by the concept of resurrection (which implies new life, restoration of life, reinvigoration). That's why I say that the Patriarch, even beyond any sense of being misunderstood and crucified, still has a sense of optimism and hope. TURKEY’S RECORD OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS INCONSISTENT 10. Is there real freedom of religion in Turkey? I have to speak here from the perspective of an outsider. I don’t experience what believers (and perhaps non-believers) feel in Turkey. But from a distance, the picture looks somewhat inconsistent. On the one hand, we see clear signs of a willingness to address issues of religious freedom, especially in light of Turkey’s accession to the EU. But on the other hand, the signs are not as clear when it comes to converting pronouncements of good will into concrete legislation and practical application. THE TITLE “ECUMENICAL” WAS USED WITHOUT INTERRUPTION EVEN THROUGH THE OTTOMAN PERIOD 11. Why do you think the Turkish state is still hesitant to call it ‘Ecumenical Patriarchate? Do they share their concerns with you? I have never understood why the Turkish government resists the title “Ecumenical Patriarchate,” which can only elevate the reputation of Turkey itself as a democratic nation. I believe exactly the same way about the reopening of Halki School. How can there be any negative effects for the Turkish government by opening a school? The title “ecumenical” dates back to the sixth century and it has been used without interruption since that time, even after the city of Constantinople came under Ottoman rule in 1453. And there is no reasonable argument to suggest that this only implies jurisdiction in Turkey itself. In fact, it’s not even true to say that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has jurisdiction over Turkey; because some parts of south-east Turkey come under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch. So why would a government even consider determining or defining religious jurisdictions? Let’s be honest here and remember that the Ecumenical Patriarchate isn’t even afforded any legal status in Turkey! It’s all quite sad and scandalous for a democratic nation in the twenty-first century. VENICE COMMISSION DECIDED THAT THE TITLE IS AN INTERNAL AFFAIR FOR THE PATRIARCHATE 12. What could be their fear? I cannot imagine what they would be afraid of. It’s not like the Ecumenical Patriarch would run for President! The “ecumenical” status is a spiritual and religious jurisdiction; it is not legal or secular. The Ecumenical Patriarch has direct authority over churches in Australia, Asia and Western Europe, as well as in North and South America. Moreover, he has the responsibility of coordinating all of the fourteen independent Orthodox churches in the world, including the church of Moscow, Antioch (today’s Syria and Lebanon), and so on. So the ecumenical nature of the Patriarchate is genuinely historical and real. This is why the Venice Commission declared in 2009 that this is a matter for the Orthodox Church to determine. Even President Erdogan has in the past proposed that this is an internal affair for our church. Once again, permit me to repeat that the Turkish government only stands to benefit from recognizing the “ecumenical” status of the Patriarchate and from supporting the global reputation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In fact, this title has been recognized and adopted by some Turkish media and academic institutions, where it comes as no surprise that historical awareness and cultural sensitivity are cherished. I would say that choosing to ignore the title “ecumenical” is what the scriptures would call “having eyes, yet choosing not to see.” If there was more communication, more dialogue on these issues between the government and our church, much of this would be easily clarified. 13. What you say implies that there is in fact not enough communication on these issues between the government and your church. How often do the Turkish authorities consult the Patriarchate and what is your expectation? I cannot speak to what happens on a daily basis because, while I am here regularly, I am not here constantly. But from my understanding – and I may well be wrong – I would not be wrong in saying that there is always room for more conversation, more communication, more candidness. There have been occasions in the past when the people at the Phanar have learned about governmental decisions regarding the Patriarchate or Halki from the media. HOPING TO READ AN ARTICLE TITLED ‘TURKEY OPENS A NEW PAGE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS’ BY DR. KALIN 14. Have you seen the latest article by President Erdoğan’s advisor İbrahim Kalın who admitted that the Patriarchate is the symbol of 300 million Christians? I did indeed read the column by Dr. İbrahim Kalın about the visit by Pope Francis and its impact on people here and more broadly with regard to mutual respect and greater tolerance. Among other things, he did indeed mention that the Ecumenical Patriarch is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians throughout the world. I actually enjoy reading Dr. Kalın’s work. 15. Is it possible to interpret his words as a signal of a new approach from the Turkish government, or is it too little too late? It’s not a matter of too little too late. The Ecumenical Patriarch has frequently told me that he gladly welcomes every readiness and opportunity for dialogue. The problem I sometimes perceive is selectivity in the approach. For instance, Dr. Kalın’s column accepts the spiritual leadership of the Patriarch over 300 million faithful worldwide; but he cannot bring himself to accept the title that reflects that very breadth. Let me put it this way: The heading of Dr. Kalın’s article reads: “Pope Francis in Turkey opens a new page.” I would someday soon love to see heading: “The government in Turkey opens a new page” for religious freedom. THE INTERNATIONAL HALKI SCHOOL TRAINS THE MOST OPEN-MINDED CLERGY 16. Two weeks ago I talked to former vice PM of Turkey Beşir Atalay. He admitted that the opening of Halki Seminary was in their democratization package last year, but they took it out last moment. What is happening behind the closed doors? The Theological School of Halki arguably stands as the most powerful and painful reminder of religious restrictions on minorities in Turkey to this day. Forcibly and unjustifiably closed over forty years ago, an unopened Halki symbolizes an unresolved problem of religious exclusivism, which is unbefitting of a nation that aspires to democracy and religious freedom. The present abbot of Halki Monastery likes to emphasize that freedom of religion cannot be separated from the freedom to teach religion. And he is absolutely correct. What the Turkish government seems not to understand, as I have already mentioned to you, is how much it would gain from an opened Halki School, from a seminary that historically has trained the most open-minded and open-hearted clergy in the world, including the present Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who welcomed Pope Francis to Istanbul these days. Halki School would also attract numerous students and clergy from all over the world. All of them would benefit from living and studying in a multi-layered country, with such a diverse and long history, straddling two continents, engaging both East and West, extending over religious fault-lines, with seventeen centuries of Christian existence, over four hundred years of Ottoman dynasty, and over ninety years of a Turkish democratic republic. Istanbul is a colorful city with a legacy comparable to that of Rome and London. Who wouldn’t want to spend time immersing in the magnificent city and context of Istanbul? IT’S NOT JUST CHRISTIANS IN TURKEY THAT SHOULD BE AFRAID OF ISIS 17. How does the presence of ISIS and their sympathizers affect the psychology of the Greek minority in Turkey? The presence of ISIS should affect every person of goodwill and civil decency in the world and especially in their neighboring country of Turkey. It is not just the Greek or Christian or other religious minorities that should feel alarmed. In his visit to Turkey, Pope Francis called the violence and brutality of ISIS “a grave sin against God.” And Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has repeatedly stated that “every act of violence in the name of religion is an offence against religion itself.” And the Ecumenical Patriarchate has always been convinced of its wider role and ecumenical responsibility in the world with regard to interfaith tolerance and dialogue. He has been outspoken against any form of religious fanaticism, fundamentalism and extremism. In fact, there is a powerful symbolical image of the stance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in general) in the foyer at the entrance to the central offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. It silently represents a decisive moment in the rich and complex story of a city where Orthodox Christians, Muslims and many other faiths have peacefully coexisted for the centuries. It is a magnificent mosaic depicting Gennadios Scholarios, first Ecumenical Patriarch of the period under Ottoman occupation. The Patriarch stands with hand outstretched, receiving from Sultan Mehmet II the “firman” (or legal document) guaranteeing the continuation and protection of the Orthodox Church throughout the period of Ottoman rule. It is a symbol of the beginnings of a long interfaith commitment, whose legacy is experienced to this day by Greeks, Turks and others in the region. I am sure you will also have noticed the Joint Declaration signed by Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew after the service at the Phanar. The statement affirmed that “Muslims and Christians are called to work together for the sake of justice, peace and respect for the dignity and rights of every person, especially in those regions where they once lived for centuries in peaceful coexistence and now tragically suffer together the horrors of war.” 18. What would be the kind of role and leadership that your Patriarchate would expect from Ankara in terms of dealing the new realities of the Middle East? Our age demands sincere commitment and tangible collaboration for the sake of bridge-building and peace-making. The fact that there are increasing conflicts and hostilities in the Middle East – including Iraq and Syria, but also in Israel and Palestine – but even elsewhere in the world, such as Northern Africa as well as Ukraine, only obliges us to intensify our efforts for greater compassion and forgiveness. We have to recognize that one person’s adversity is also another person’s suffering. All of humanity shares the divine gift of this planet, where we are called to live together with peace and equality. Every individual and every institution, just as every political and civil authority, can become an instrument of peace. As mystics and poets have advocated through the centuries, all of us can respect and love another, whether we bow down in a mosque, kneel in a synagogue or worship in a church. 19. Turkish readers would probably be amazed to learn that one of the authorized spokes people of the Patriarchate actually lives in Boston. What does this tell us about your organization? I was born in Australia and have lived in the United States for the last 20 years. It has been my privilege to work closely with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from various positions in the last 30 years, even before he was elected patriarch. In the last 10 years, I have been honored to work exclusively for the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a clergyman in America. I think it is yet another indication of the ecumenical breadth of our Patriarchate. When the Pope visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate a few days ago, we had bishops serving on the Holy Synod – the highest administrative body of our church – from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Switzerland, Crete, Greece, and Turkey. That’s the beauty and majesty of the Ecumenical Patriarchate that no one can ever diminish or delete.


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Sigma Nu Joins Greek Life Community

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Greek strugglers Niki Volos ordered to forfeit match

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Banking Stocks: National Bank of Greece (NYSE:NBG), Barclays PLC (ADR) (NYSE:BCS ...

Shares of National Bank of Greece (ADR) (NYSE:NBG) have been given a consensus rating of “Hold” by the ten ratings firms that are covering the ...


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Public medical centers keeping up despite shortages

Despite having just 1,050 doctors, medical centers belonging to Greece’s public health system (PEDY) saw more than 200,000 regular and emergency patients, made over 3,500 house calls and issued some 27,500 prescriptions in the month of November, a regiona... ...


READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

The Restructuring of the Greek Economy -- Achievements and Targets

Greece, after six years of a deep and prolonged recession, has restored its public finances, has tackled its high "twin" fiscal and external deficits, is returning to positive growth rates, and is planning the "day after" for its economy. Evidently, this is the result of the unprecedented sacrifices of the Greek society to achieve the painful, albeit necessary, fiscal consolidation. In particular: 1. Greece is recording significant primary surpluses. Indeed, the country demonstrates, by far, the highest cyclically-adjusted primary balance among its European counterparts, as measured by the IMF and the European Commission. 2. Greece is returning to growth. This already happened for three consecutive quarters this year, making the growth rate estimation for 2014, if not conservative, in any case very realistic. 3. Unemployment, at a slow but steady pace, is decreasing. However, it still stands at high levels, especially regarding long-term and youth unemployment. 4. The economy is rebalancing. Greece is generating current account surpluses. Competitiveness is strengthening, as it is also confirmed by the improved ranking in all indicators produced by international organizations. 5. The economic sentiment has improved. The corresponding indicator rebounded and stands at its highest level over the last 4 years. After the successful ECB-conducted stress-tests, recovery prospects are further strengthened and recently recapitalized banks can re-engage in proper financing to support economic growth. 6. Public debt sustainability has been reinforced. The debt servicing burden has fallen markedly. Moreover, European partners have committed to provide further debt relief, possibly in terms of re-financing risk, if primary balance targets are met. As it is the case today. However, it is true that sustainable fiscal adjustment and discipline, although necessary, is not, by itself, a sufficient condition for economic growth and social welfare. Thus, a re-evaluation of European economic policies and priorities is needed. But also Greece, as a country, needs to plan the "day after" for its economy and transform the current stabilization of the economy into sustainable growth, with social cohesion. This is the new challenge for the country. In this direction we are working towards adopting and implementing a realistic economic policy strategy. Its priorities comprise: 1. The gradual reduction of the tax burden. We must intensify our efforts in this direction, by further focusing on combating the "shadow economy", broadening the tax base, strengthening the revenue administration, enhancing transparency and simplifying procedures. 2. The achievement of sustainable primary surpluses. These surpluses will be stemming, mainly, from controlling expenditure, the growth of the economy's output and the fight against "shadow economy" and tax evasion. This policy is economically more efficient and sustainable, and socially fairer. 3. The qualitative improvement of public finances. This will be achieved by increasing the efficiency of financial resources with a high multiplying effect in a number of fields that promote economic growth and create a significant social "dividend". 4. The efficiency enhancement of social spending. With targeted social policy initiatives, such as ensuring health care for vulnerable groups and introducing the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) project, through its pilot launching in various regions of the country. 5. Public administration reform. Already, in the public sector, the number of civil servants has declined by close to 25% since 2009. We are now shifting from "quantitative" targets towards facing bureaucracy, achieving a more efficient allocation of public resources and providing better public services. 6. The redistribution among the main GDP components concentrating on investments and exports through the acceleration of product and services market reforms. Greece's valuable comparative advantages in important sectors of the economy will contribute substantially to the transition towards an outward-looking economy. 7. The faster absorption of EU funds to boost investment in the short term. The National Strategic Reference Framework funds' absorption rate currently stands at 86%. While Greece will receive, in advance, significant amounts from the new financial framework for mature projects. The new Framework introduces, for the first time, the dimension of sectoral targeting and also includes provisions for multi-fund and multi-sector financing. Thus, EUR 12 billion will be available in 2015. 8. The intensive implementation of the privatization program and the development of public real estate property. More than 30 privatizations have either been completed or been put on track. More than 3,000 properties have been pre-selected for development. 9. Credit expansion through the banking sector. As a country with a bank-oriented economy, our strategy is to safeguard the stability, robustness and capital adequacy of the banking sector. This has been achieved through the sufficient and timely recapitalization of the banking sector. Therefore, banks must respond to their intermediation role by providing the necessary liquidity to the real economy. Greece has gone a long way: fiscal position is robust and sustainable, recently adopted structural reforms are deep, far-reaching and credible, bank recapitalization has been completed, economic prospects are bearing potential, sectoral and geographic competitive advantages are significant, the investment environment and climate have improved. The Greek economy gradually passes to the virtuous circle of prosperity for all citizens.


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Scientists to announce Amphipolis skeleton findings next month

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PM to take legal action over allegations of bribery in presidential vote

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Public medical centers keeping up despite shortages

Despite having just 1,050 doctors, medical centers belonging to Greece’s public health system (PEDY) saw more than 200,000 regular and emergency patients, made over 3,500 house calls and issued some 27,500 prescriptions in the month of November, a regiona... ...


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Zenith lists six themes for Greek-style yogurt innovation

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Why Early Elections Aren't a Risk for Greece

Since 2010, when it was excluded from the markets, Greece has lost most of its sovereignty by surrendering unconditionally to its lenders the power of taking important decisions about its future. As a result, the Greek governments, including the current one, became accountable not to the people that they were voted in by, but to European and international lenders represented by the so called "Troika" mission in the country. Ministers and governmental members of the Hellenic Parliament have been restricted only in implementing Troika's orders having no actual role in policy making for the country. Most of us would agree that in our interconnected world and, in particular, in a Union like the European one where all the member states share common responsibilities, countries giving up a part of their national sovereignty is rather expected and reasonable. But there is always a fine line between -- on the one hand -- making compromises as a Democracy with the interests and priorities which other member states may have in a common union, and -- on the other hand -- accepting that people who are not legitimated define the rights of the voters in a democratic system to make political choices considered by them as most appropriate for their own future and that of their children. Now that Greece is becoming again the epicenter of the international interest for the markets and media, Greeks are experiencing the same unproductively intimidating rhetoric from the decision making centers from abroad. These centers are trying in some way to deter Greek voters from making choices that -- according to them -- may lead Greece into "a very damaging situation for its future." In simple words this means that in the scenario of early elections in the country, the majority of Greece's European partners don't want to negotiate with Alexis Tsipras, the leader of the radical left wing party, as Syriza is considered to be. The President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncke -- who is viewed as politically accountable for the so called "sweetheart tax deals" in Luxembourg in the period he had been leading the country as its Prime Minister -- expressed his desire for Greek voters to elect "known faces" into power. And this is not the only awkward statement made intentionally from a high level European executive like Mr. Juncker, with his perennial political experience. Along with him, the EU Commissioner Moscovici implied that Greece may face a Grexit if the current government is averted and replaced by another, probably consisting of "unknown faces." "It would be a pity for Greece to face Grexit again after the considerable work that has been done" were the Commissioner's words. At the same time current Greek coalition government executives seem not to be annoyed about this external awkward interventionism into internal politics but, on contrary, to legitimize the European lenders and markets in order to scare Greeks about he democratic choices they have in terms of early elections. Some analysts predict that the current political instability in Greece is going to drag the country back into a new tragedy of uncertainty, economic meltdown and a Grexit potentially. Such an analysis just simplifies the complexity of the situation that the country is going through during the last four years. In contrast with what the current Greek Prime Minister Samaras claimed recently -- that the crisis in Greece is ending -- the reality for the majority of the society not connected with the corrupt political and economic elites is much more painful than what is described in the private meetings taking place in the decision making centers in Brussels, Berlin and Washington DC. In my country, Greece, half of young people are unemployed and many others -- some of them with prestigious educational background -- are struggling to obtain a job opportunity with at least a minimum monthly salary of only about 400 euros. Thousands of Greek young professionals are turning their backs on their country, taking the risk to become immigrants in order to pursue the same opportunities that other Europeans in their age group have in their homelands. Those who are well connected with the Greek political elites ensure prosperity for themselves and their families. In my country ordinary people have been affected much more than the rich. As a result the gap between privileged and non privileged members in the society is increasing more and more. The wealthy were left undisturbed by the government, to continue hiding their untaxed incomes by transferring them to tax heavens abroad. At the same time, public and private sector employees and pensioners are carrying the majority of the additional tax burden, exterminating the already weakened middle class. Because of all above reasons, if I were asked whether early elections in Greece might be a risk for the country's economic recovery, I would probably answer no. I believe that when a situation is no longer economically, politically and socially sustainable, there is no other way than for people to confront the harsh reality and make these political choices that will remind Europe that dealing with the current crisis can come only with democratic tools and not by the kind of intimidating blackmailing that Greeks experienced extensively in the 2012 elections.


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New Development in Alleged Greek MP Bribery Case

Giorgos Apostolopoulos, a Deutsche Bank executive and adviser to PASOK, has been called to testify before the prosecutor as a suspect in the alleged bribery of Independent Greeks (ANEL) MP Pavlos Chaikalis. Meanwhile, Apostolopoulos issued a public statement, where he says that Chaikalis’ accusations are false. “I was surprised to see that the media are trying to involve me in political vendettas, instigated by fraudulent party interests,” he noted. “I am willing to speak with justice authorities in order to bring the truth and reality to light. There is no need for cuts and edits,” he added, referring to the footage that allegedly incriminates him, which is currently at the prosecutor’s hands. Furthermore, Greek news website ‘parapolitika.gr’ has released the full length video of Chaikalis and Apostolopoulos discussing in the Prime Minister’s office. During the video, Apostolopoulos clearly makes references to the sum of 700,000 euros, as well as the Presidential election. He told Chaikalis that he would be able to give him the money in cash but not the next day. “I will bring it to your feet,” he stated and then went on to say that he would launder the money in a bank account in Switzerland and then turn it into gold bars, after February when the situation in Greece would be calmer.


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PM Samaras: Juncker’s Investment Package Marks EU Turning to Growth

The EU Summit was particularly important for the European Union’s orientation to a growth direction, according to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. The Premier agreed on speeding up the process for making use of EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker‘s 315-billion-euro investment plan, and in his statements after the summit he noted that Greece was one the first three countries that have submitted projects for the funds’ absorption. A Prime Minister’s aide said the EU leaders want the situation in Greece to develop smoothly and maintain political stability since they are afraid, among others, that the shocks in case of destabilization would affect other countries as well. He added, however, that in order for the review to be concluded, there must be an agreement on the “day after,” as well as put forward the consideration of the debt sustainability. (source: ana-mpa)


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Moscovici: Creditor inspections to become less frequent and ‘lighter’

Three days after his visit to Athens was completed, European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici stated in Washington that the monitoring of Greece’s economy by its international creditors should become «lighter» and less «interven... ...


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Bourse chalks up weekly gains of 4.6 pct

Weekly gains on the Greek bourse came to 4.60 percent after a session during which the benchmark temporarily climbed 1.7 percent, driven by growth in New York and the December triple witching, before following the rest of the eurozone markets and register... ...


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WIND Greece also selling the Lumia 930 unlocked for only 299 Euro

We might not have a new flagship for the holidays, but if you want one that's only a few months old it seems it can be had for a very low price now.


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Greek Lawmaker Says He Was Offered Bribe to Back Presidential Candidate

ATHENS—A Greek lawmaker from the small, right-wing Independent Greeks party said in a news conference Friday he was offered a bribe to back the government’s candidate in the country’s presidential vote. The allegations come two days after the first ...


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Review: Trattoria al Forno opens at Walt Disney World, replacing Kouzzina's Greek flavors with ...

This week Walt Disney World debuted a new Italian restaurant at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. It's called Trattoria al Forno, taking the place of the ...


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Coast guard arrests five suspected migrant smugglers in Zakynthos

Police on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, near Greece’s sea border with Italy, launched a pre-dawn operation to arrest five men suspected of smuggling 30 undocumented Syrian migrants into the country. Police had been surveiling the two Greeks and three fo... ...


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Seven convicted of embezzling over 900,000 euros in EU farm subsidies

Seven people in Serres in northern Greece were sentenced to between three and six years in prison on Friday, after being found guilty of embezzling European farming subsidies. Another 34 people were acquitted in the same case, which concerns more than 900... ...


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Greek MP Haikalis alleges 3m euro vote bribe

A Greek MP says he was offered a bribe worth 3m euros to vote for the government's candidate in a critical presidential vote in parliament. Pavlos Haikalis said he was approached by an unnamed individual in the "financial sector". If the government fails ...


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Former Greek PM Mitsotakis: ‘The Elections Will Take Place at a Time of Disarray’

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias met with New Democracy honorary President and Former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis. The two men discussed Greece’s current situation and Mitsotakis expressed his concern about the difficult phase the country is going through. Over the last few days, Mitsotakis has had meetings with many significant figures in the Greek political scene, calling them to come to a consensus and showing his concern about the current developments. After his meeting with the Greek President, Mitsotakis stated that he frequently discusses the country’s issues with Papoulias. He also made a comment on Pavlos Chaikalis’ accusations regarding his alleged attempted bribery, saying that these incidents are causing him to worry even more. Furthermore, he noted that the elections may take place “at a time of disarray.” On December 18, Mitsotakis also met with Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos, in the former’s attempt to reach a common consensus. During the meeting, Kammenos noted that the only possible solution is to head to elections and end the Memorandum policy.


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Greece may have to set money aside to cover bond losses

European Central Bank officials are considering ways to ensure weak countries that stand to gain most from a fresh round of money printing bear more of the risk and cost. Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, have told Reuters that the ECB could... ...


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Greeece's 3-year yield drops to 9.61 pct

Greece’s three-year yield fell 24 basis points to 9.61 percent on Friday. The rate dropped 98 basis points over the previous two days after climbing to 11.127 percent on December 12, the highest level since the notes were sold via banks in July. [Bloomber... ...


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All the Eurozone wants for Christmas is a new Greek President

In the first of three rounds of voting allowed by the Greek constitution, the coalition government couldn't persuade a single opposition lawmaker to vote ...


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Euro Struggles Ahead of Greek Election- USD/CAD Carves Lower Highs

EUR/USD Slips to Fresh Monthly Low Ahead of Second-Round of Greek Election. - USD/CAD Continues to Face Range-Bound Prices Even as ...


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Adrift Ship Carrying 200 Illegal Migrants Spotted Near Pylos

On the morning of December 19, a ship carrying some 200 illegal migrants was found floating adrift, 117 nautical miles southwest of the Greek town of Pylos in the Peloponnese, after the Italian coast guard alerted the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center (ESKED) of the Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine. Five rescue boats rushed to the area but the illegal migrants refused to board the boats in order to be transferred to Greece. After negotiations, the vessel was towed by a cargo ship that was heading to Sicily, Italy. According to data released by the Hellenic Coast Guard, authorities faced 193 cases of migrants who were illegally trying to enter or leave the country in November 2014, they arrested 3,447 foreigners and 57 traffickers, and seized 23 boats and 16 vehicles.


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Greece Chamber offering American Music Cities tour in March

The Greece Chamber of Commerce is offering a trip to Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans from March 15 to 22. The American Music Cities trip will ...


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Unrest could also arise via elections from Israel to Greece

Unrest could also arise via planned elections from Israel to Greece to the UK, where extremist parties threaten to disrupt the established groupings.


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Newcastle outcast ready for Greece adventure

Ben Arfa set for TV role. Newcastle outcast ready for Greece adventure. Newcastle outcast ready for Greece adventure ...


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Greek presidential elections hit by new bribery allegations

Independent Greeks party MP, Pavlos Haikalis, alleges offer of lucrative inducement to support ruling coalition’s candidateGreece’s presidential election descended into accusations of skulduggery on Friday as an opposition MP lobbed claims of attempted bribery at the government.With just four days to go before a second round of voting in the 300-seat chamber, Pavlos Haikalis, who represents the small, rightwing Independent Greeks party, said he had been approached by a middleman offering him a multimillion-euro inducement to support the ruling coalition’s candidate for the post. Continue reading...


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Greek Orthodox Monks and Nuns Facing Charges of Fraud

Deputy prosecutor Dimitris Mitroulias requested the referral of six people to the three-member Felony Court of Thessaloniki regarding a scam that was set up at a Greek Orthodox convent near the city. The deputy prosecutor proposed that two monks, a nun ...


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Independent Greeks Hold Press Conference Over Alleged Bribery Attempt

Independent Greeks (ANEL) President Panos Kammenos held a press conference to talk in depth about the alleged attempted bribery of ANEL MP Pavlos Chaikalis. Kammenos said that Chaikalis had informed him of the incident but the two men decided not to make it public in order to assist the prosecutor’s investigation. He also made public the name of the person who made the alleged bribery attempt, claiming it was Giorgos Apostolopoulos, a Deutsche Bank executive and adviser to the PASOK government. He had been called to testify in the trial regarding the transactions involving credit default swaps (CDS) betting on Greece’s default. The Independent Greeks chief said that Chaikalis met the intermediary at a hotel wearing a recording device that looked like a watch and later informed the prosecutor. During the meeting, Apostolopoulos offered a large amount of cash and gold to Chaikalis in order to vote for the President of the Hellenic Republic. A third meeting arranged between the two men was cancelled by the alleged briber, who either suspected or was notified of the setup. Kammenos said he had met Apostolopoulos in the office of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. “The recording and the device are in the hands of the prosecution. Some argue the disclosure of such recording constitutes a felony whereas others say it is a crime until the vote for the presidential election is concluded. I will send two copies of the second meeting’s recording to the Justice Minister and the House Speaker in order for them to inform the parties and choose whether they want to make it public. If the government backs down and conceals (the recording) I will bear the cost to publicize it myself, assuming any risk of criminal liability.” “The name was given to the authorities and I am surprised to hear that the media say there is no name in the complaint,” Chaikalis said. It should be noted that Apostolopoulos has served as financial advisor to Kammenos as well. New Democracy circles called the allegations a “silly fabrication.” SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras made the following statement: “Mr. Chaikalis’ complaints are not only serious but they document the widespread feeling of pressure and interventions on several MPs for the election of President of the Republic. We expect that justice will intervene immediately. The country and the political system must get out of the mire.”


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Missoula portrait painter delves into Greek myth

A Missoula painter known for quiet, intense portraits of strangers draws on Greek myths in a new series of paintings. Megan Moore used the stories of ...


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SYRIZA Leader: We Will Have Hard Times in 2015

“We will have hard times in 2015,” SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras said during a visit at the Attica Region headquarters where he met with Prefect Rena Dourou, also a SYRIZA politician. The chief of the leftist opposition party that leads opinion polls, said that the future of Greece is bleak. However, he added that “We will face them with our heads held high, with the dignity of our citizens in mind, and we will succeed.” “We are true to our commitments and this is the proof of my visit here,” he added. “We care for the citizens, the helpless, the ones who have suffered,” Tsipras said. Tsipras finished his statement with a note of optimism: “I want to be optimistic that the next year will bring democracy and dignity and people will rule. We will have a change of government, we will put an end to corruption. We must have faith in our potential, we need to restore citizens’ trust in the political system and politics. We will be true to our commitments.”


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Student Life grows with addition of three Greek organizations at UAB

“Sigma Kappa's values show clear alignment to the values of our Greek and overall UAB community,” said Panhellenic Council President Suzie Coco.


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Why We Give Storms Epic Names Like Athena And Thor

BI Answers: How do winter storms get their names? Less than a month after Hurricane Sandy felled trees, knocked out power lines, and smashed homes along the stretch of coastline from Maryland to Massachusetts, another storm was barreling towards the northeast. Days later, the entire region was coated in a record-breaking layer of thick snow. For the first time in history, The Weather Channel decided to name the winter storm. They called it Athena, for the Greek goddess of warfare. (She's also the goddess of courage, civilization, inspiration, law, wisdom, and justice, but we're pretty sure these aren't what TWC had in mind when they came up with the moniker.) "A storm with a name is easier to follow," TWC's CEO, Tom Niziol, wrote on its website, "which will mean fewer surprises and more preparation." With the majority of the region still heaving from Sandy's effects, Niziol said, it was important to make announcements about a second storm clear and simple. Sounds pretty reasonable, right? Wrong. Naming winter storms is a big no-no, at least as far as the National Weather Service is concerned. Shortly after TWC's announcement, the NWS issued a press release stating it would not recognize any of TWC's names for winter storms; the agency also sent out an internal memo advising its staff to "please refrain from using the term Athena in any of our products." Why All The Fuss Over A Name? At first glance, it seems like it should have been no big deal. The Weather Channel named the storm because they thought it would make it easier for people to protect themselves from its effects. Whenever an announcement was made about incoming winds or severe temperatures associated with the storm, they could shout out the name Athena. Anyone listening would know instantly that the information was related to a bigger pattern of events; one that could be severe and long-lasting. This same idea is what inspired the government to start naming tropical storms for the first time in the early 1900s. The naming system worked so well that it became official policy in 1953. For nearly three decades, every Atlantic tropical storm was named using a database kept by the National Hurricane Center. The original list featured only women's names, but men's were added in 1979. We've been doing this for hurricanes and tropical storms for years. Why not do the same for winter storms? Here's the problem: Hurricanes and winter storms are radically different tempests, and lumping them in together can be misleading. Only about 100 hurricanes happen every year across the globe, New York University Center of Atmosphere Ocean Science professor Olivier Pauluis told us. By contrast, winter storms can be thought of as including all of our "bad weather" days — times when it's extra windy or raining heavily, said Pauluis. The difference between a hurricane and winter storm is a lot easier to see via satellite. While hurricanes have a single, well-defined center (the eye) that the rest of the storm rotates around — meaning they often follow a pattern that meteorologists can track — winter storms can have multiple centers that move and shift dramatically. Each beast forms differently, too. While winter storms develop when there's a large temperature gap between two blobs of air, hurricanes form near the equator when the heat from warm ocean waters combines with powerful winds to create large water droplets. Those droplets condense into thick columns of clouds, which eventually power a spinning storm. Depending on the storm's windspeed, meteorologists decide if it's a tropical storm or a hurricane. Overall, adopting the same naming convention for winter storms that we use for hurricanes could confuse the public, meteorologists who protested the decision said. And a confused public is often an unprepared one. Imagine you see a tweet from The Weather Channel, for instance, that says that Winter Storm Triton is approaching. It's going to be a doozy — lots of rain, wind, the whole deal. You consider canceling your weekend trip upstate. But then you get home and tune into your local weather station to see if there's an update. The weather person mentions that heavy rains are coming, but says nothing about any big storm, not to mention anything named Triton. Should you still cancel? Chances are, you won't be getting an answer any time soon. Hurricanes are named according to a standardized international system that cycles through a predetermined set of names, while these named winter storms are nothing more than a made-for-TV creation. But despite any confusion that's resulted from TWC's latest tradition, the company has no plans to stop naming winter storms. Their list of potential storm names for the winter of 2014-2015 includes names like Juno, Quantum, and Thor, with one possibility for every letter of the alphabet. (The year's first significant winter storm got the "A" name, Astro.) Most names are based on Greek or Roman mythology, with a few exceptions. This year's "B" storm, Bozeman, is in honor of the Montana high school class that helped develop last year's list of names. The "W" storm name, Wolf, was chosen via popular vote. This post is part of a continuing series that answers all of your questions related to science. Have your own question? Email science@businessinsider.com with the subject line "Q&A"; tweet your question to @BI_Science; or post to our Facebook page.NOW READ: More BI Answers DON'T MISS: Why Cold Weather Doesn't Mean Global Warming Isn't Real Join the conversation about this story »


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7 Classic Books With Happy Endings Even Scrooges Will Love

When Ruth Graham lead the charge against YA fiction for adults earlier this year, her argument was mostly solid (except for her failure to acknowledge that people should read whatever they want), but I found one point grating: That books for mature individuals shouldn't conclude in a neat, satisfying way. She wrote: [T]hese books consistently indulge in the kind of endings that teenagers want to see, but which adult readers ought to reject as far too simple. YA endings are uniformly satisfying, whether that satisfaction comes through weeping or cheering. These endings are emblematic of the fact that the emotional and moral ambiguity of adult fiction -- of the real world -- is nowhere in evidence in YA fiction. The "emotional and moral ambiguity of adult fiction" seems to refer to a particular faction of writers: Most post-20th century novelists who write or have written literary fiction. Plenty of classic books (though too few, if you ask me) have ended happily, or tragically, but decidedly unambiguously (remember what happened to poor Ethan Frome?). If literature is a survey of our collective experiences, does it not seem a touch cynical to argue that all emotionally honest stories should be vague and inconclusive? Yes, most happy endings fall under Northrop Frye's "romance" or "anatomy" genres -- either existing in an insular, invented world with heightened, unrealistic emotions or a world with social structures that are described in detail, as the dressings for an embedded political statement. These approaches to writing can be thought-provoking and artistically valid. Failing to see the value in stories with neat, happy endings is certainly one quick way to turn a rosy reader into a Scrooge. Which is why we'd like to remind you that there are classic books with cheery conclusions. Here are 7 of our favorites: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Jane's early years are so riddled with torment that the least she deserves is a decisively happy ending. Her relationship with Rochester may be unconventional and rocky (which may be putting it lightly), but she eventually marries him out of love, rather than settling for a dutiful yet passionless union. It could be dismissed as unrealistic that he miraculously regains enough of his eyesight to witness the birth of his son, but the couple's myriad misfortunes make the detail a welcome one. Plus, the book's final chapter gives us the cathartic and endlessly quotable line, "Reader, I married him." A Midsummer Night's Dream and the rest of Shakespeare's comedies No thanks to a couple of meddling fairies, who themselves are in the throes of romantic tumult, Lysander and Demetrius are made to love each other's beloveds, causing a huge, hilarious ruckus. Add to this a pretentious playwright named Bottom who gets turned into a literal ass (ha-ha), and you've got a full-fledged farce on your hands. But the Bard has proven that tasteful punning can turn ridiculous exploits into a thoughtful story worth retelling for centuries. Ambiguity need not fog up a story's ending if the entire tale is peppered with nuance -- Shakespeare's fantastical fairies, for example, are a personification of the mysteries that underlie passion. When order is restored among the quarreling couples, the reader (or viewer) is left feeling both satisfied and intellectually challenged. Homer's The Odyssey ICYMI: After an achingly long pilgrimage, Odysseus and Penelope are reunited! But Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar, to test his wife's true intentions. There've been suitors pursuing her, and she arranges an archery tournament to determine who may be the best fit. Only Odysseus is able to complete the task, and he turns his bow towards the suitors, killing many of them. A battle almost ensues, but Athena puts a stop to it, and the story abruptly ends peacefully. Many scholars object, saying the story originally ended when the couple gets back together. But the accepted conclusion, regardless of whether it was the author's intention, includes the important Greek themes of revenge and resolve. Pride and Prejudice and everything else by Jane Austen Elizabeth marries Darcy! Social conventions are thrown to the wind! Our expectations about what does and does not work in a marriage are subverted! Callooh! Callay! But really -- the neat resolve in Austen's books make them no less worthy of literary merit (this should go without saying, but sadly, it doesn't always). Her stories may be tinged by the myriad rom-coms that completely miss the point of them, but the original intention of commenting on the backwards norms of courtship was not only important and revolutionary, but entertaining, and an excellent framework for wittily observing human relationships. The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Yes, we tragically must witness the sentencing of Sydney Carton to the guillotine. But his sacrifice is representative of larger themes -- he's choosing to take the fall for the sake of his city and country, and for the sake of Charles Darnay, a man who resembles him physically and whose life he's chosen to save. Carton -- an orphan -- has optimistic thoughts about the distant future, many years after the French Revolution's end. The novel ends with warmly positive words, as thought by Carton shortly before his execution, and gives us one of the most famous lines in Western literature: "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Is there a happier ending than Tolkien's conclusion to his beloved trilogy? It's to his advantage that his books could be neatly classified as fantasy -- rather than cataloging the protagonists' interior monologues, he builds a carefully structured world and a series of events that could plausibly be wrapped up in a cleaner way than, say, a meandering walk around Dublin or a meditation on time's relativity. Like Bilbo before them, Frodo and Sam embark on a journey, and return to their humble home. Only The Return of the King has more positive plot points to delight in than the conclusion of The Hobbit: Not only has the War of the Ring come to an end, after Sauron is slain in the Shire, but Aragorn returns to his rightful throne, and Sam marries Rosie Cotton, who he's long had eyes for. Aww. Candide by Voltaire Candide goes on a fantastical journey, too, but his is basically an extended, thinly veiled metaphor for self-discovery. Candide is accompanied by his tutor, Pangloss, who believes that humans inhabit "the best of all possible worlds" -- essentially, he thinks everything happens for a reason. Their crew is terrorized by a series of absurdly unfortunate events, but Pangloss's optimism remains unshaken. Candide, on the other hand, chooses to devote his life to working on quiet tasks, telling his mentor that they must "cultivate their garden." The book concludes with him working on a small farm, "free of three great evils: boredom, vice and necessity." How pleasant!


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The Fat Greek's gyros

Open since 2007 with a 10-minute walk from the dorms, The Fat Greek has become a staple for students at UH Mānoa. I went to see if this restaurant ...


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Abidal cuts short playing career at Olympiakos

ATHENS, Greece — Former France and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal announced his retirement from football on Friday, a day before his last match.


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Ahead of Elections Bribery Scandal Hits Greece

Former European Union environment commissioner Stavros Dimas, the incumbent coalition's candidate for president in Greek elections, appears at a ...


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Rumor that Amphipolis Dead is Mother of Alexander Not Substantiated

The Greek Ministry of Culture issued a statement yesterday refuting allegations that the skeleton found in the Amphipolis tomb belongs to Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great. Recent reports said that the skeleton belongs to a woman who died at the age of 54 approximately. The fractures in the pelvic area reinforced the assumption that it belongs to Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great, who was stoned to death at that age in Pydna, under orders of General Cassandros in 316 B.C. However, the Greek Ministry of Culture issued an official announcement saying that the rumor is not substantiated and that reports on the identity of the dead are just assumptions. The ministry statement says that “the study of skeletal material, found in the fourth place of the burial monument on the Casta hill, is commissioned to a team of scientists from the Aristotle and Democritus Universities… who investigate systematically and scientifically based on the anthropological, social and historical context of the population of Amphipolis… The analysis of this material is part of a broader research program, which includes the holistic approach of a sample of about three hundred skeletons, coming from the area of Amphipolis and chronologically cover the period from 1000 B.C. to 200 B.C” “The results — such as sex, age, stature — the macroscopic study of skeletal material from the fourth place of the burial complex, will be announced in January,” the announcement adds.


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Hollande suggests he and Merkel will move jointly to help Greece

Speculation about a possible overture by European leaders in support of the Greek government rose on Friday after French President Francois Hollande said he would work together with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to ensure that "things do not get more co... ...


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A Greek MP Says A Bank Consultant Tried To Bribe Him With €700,000 To Avoid Snap Elections

Greek markets went through the floor when prime minister Antonis Samaras announced that he was pushing ahead a vote to approve the country's President to this month. On Monday Dec. 8, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras announced that the vote (which is conducted among legislators, not the wider population) would go ahead this month. By Thursday, the resulting chaos had wiped 20% off the Athens Stock Exchange. There's a huge amount of speculation about whether the current government will be able to get enough support. It needs 180 of 300 MPs, and it only has 155. So the vote will come down to a handful of small parties, one of which is the Independent Greeks. Unlike some of Greece's other anti-austerity parties, several are former members of the governing New Democracy party who may vote in favour of presidential candidate Stavros Dimas. Independent Greeks MP Pavlos Haikalis made the shocking allegation this morning that a consultant who's worked for Deutsche Bank and Greece's Piraeus Bank tried to bribe him to vote with the government. The implied allegation is that if the banks new they had his vote, there might not be a general election and the stock market would see a sudden upward pop. Banks would also avoid being targeted by the hard left Syriza coalition, which is the current frontrunner in the polls. Haikalis says he has recordings of the conversations, adding: “They gave me 700,000 euros in cash as a first instalment and following this an agreement for bank loans, as well as contracts with an ad agency." Despite the attempt, it doesn't sound like he was persuaded. He added, "it goes without saying that I wouldn't vote for Stavros Dimas". Whether the Independent Greeks MPs vote with or against the government will likely determine whether there's a snap election, which would likely be won by radical leftists Syriza, who have investors pretty terrified. A poll just released has Syriza at 36.5%, seven points ahead of governing New Democracy.Join the conversation about this story »


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Amphipolis Skeleton ID Still Unknown

The Greek Culture Ministry has said media reports claiming human remains found in the ancient Amphipolis dig have been identified were "groundless." The post Amphipolis Skeleton ID Still Unknown appeared first on The National Herald.


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Menorahs Light Up Around The World For Hanukkah 2014

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, began at sundown on Dec. 16, 2014 and runs for eight days with menorah lightings and celebrations around the world. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C.E. during the Maccabean revolt against oppressive Greek rulers. Jews celebrate the holiday by lighting a nine-branch candelabrum, commonly called a menorah, and by giving gifts and playing a game with a spinning top called a "dreidel." Take a look at these Hanukkah celebrations around the world:


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The top 10 cultural holidays in Greece

Often wrongly called the “Athens Festival”, this is the mother of all Greek summer festivals. Musical and theatrical performances take place in Athens and Epidaurus on the Peloponnese. The main Athens venue is the Herodes Atticus Roman theatre on the ...


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Libertas, Macedonia: Russia considers Macedonia and Greece an alternative of Bulgaria for the ...

Skopje. Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed Macedonia and Greece as an alternative of Bulgaria for the new gas pipeline project in Europe, ...


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Pound Sterling to Euro (GBP/EUR) Exchange Rate Softer on Data, Greece & Cyprus Concerns ...

The Pound Sterling to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate inched lower on Friday as data released by market research group GfK showed that consumer ...


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The Christmas story is all about God divesting Himself of power

At the centre of the drama is a helpless baby. But how many people would be prepared to follow a powerless God?When the American theologian Thomas JJ Altizer first published his work on Christian atheism back in the 1960s, he received an avalanche of hostility, including death threats. But most people were just plain puzzled. Christians believe in some big God up in the sky. Atheists don’t. There is no middle path. Surely it’s that simple. So Altizer’s big idea that the project of the Christian God was progressively to work himself out of existence, found few friends on either side of the God argument.The fancy footwork of Hegelian dialectics – refusing to accept the simple binary of God existing/not existing – just did not cut it in an age where God’s existence had become such a raw issue politically. Nonetheless, Altizer’s account of the Christian God being in a gradual process of divesting himself of His God-ness is a pretty good way of recapturing some of the puzzlement and shock value of the original Christmas story. “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant,” is how St Paul described the incarnation in a letter to new Christians at Philippi. This word “emptied” – kenosis in Greek – has been argued about by scholars ever since. To some it implied that, in becoming human, God was almost giving up divinity, or at least giving up something of the power that we often associate with it. From here on in, God would cry, bleed, and (horror of horrors) defecate. No longer omnipotent nor omniscient, He would be vulnerable to the constituent conditions of humanity. And all this seemed a bit too much like the beginnings of atheism. Like a prince becoming a pauper, or Prospero throwing away his magic. Continue reading...


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