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N. & S. AMERICA REGION
PRESS RELEASE
Chicago, 17/10/2004

�In its 54-year history as one of the country�s leading Greek-American organizations, the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBAI) has recognized many illustrious Hellenes,� reflected the group�s President, Judge Paul C. Lillios, in announcing the selection of its �Hellene of the Year.� �With 2004 such a special year for Hellenes everywhere, we felt we needed an equally special honoree as well. Anyone who has ever asked Chris Tomaras to help preserve or promote Hellenism in any of its forms knows that he truly belongs in that �special� category.� The Award was presented during the HBAI�s 54th Annual Installation Dinner Dance and Scholarship Ball, held Saturday evening, October 16 at the Hyatt Regency O �Hare Hotel.
Chicago�s Mayor Richard M. Daley was among the many who have joined Judge Lillios in praising the 5-term ��� Vice President, Archon Eftaxías of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and philanthropist for his service to our omogenia around the world. In his prepared message, Mayor Daley said, �Mr. Tomaras, throughout your distinguished career you have provided exemplary leadership and faithful service to the Hellenic American community. I commend you on your work to make Illinois a better place.�
The Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, the Very Rev. Archimandrite Demetri Kantzavelos, joined Judge Lillios in presenting the Award, after an introduction of Tomaras in which he said: �It is my privilege and honor to introduce this person, a gentleman who has distinguished himself with high achievements in the world of business, in the circles of worldwide Hellenism, in philanthropy and as a steward of our Greek Orthodox Church� But it is in my role as Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago
that I have been privileged to work closely with Mr. Tomaras where we not only became friends, but more importantly, where I have witnessed Mr. �omaras� growth into a distinct ekklesiastikos, a man of the Church.�
In accepting his �Hellene of the Year� Award, Tomaras� remarks often returned to his refrain, �And that is why I am proud to be a Hellene.� He recounted Greece�s milestones, and more. �But it is not only the past that should make us proud,� he continued. �As I crisscross our Western Hemisphere, from Canada to Chile, I can actually sense those same threads of courage, cultural tenacity and pride, alive�alive even in the latest generation of Greek- Canadians, Greek-Mexicans, Greek-Brazilians, Greek-Argentines�let alone Greek-Americans. It�s alive in all our fellow-Hellenes.� Concluding, Tomaras said, �As you see, I am not proud only because of the innovative thoughts and timeless values my ancestors contributed to humanity, but also because so many of us choose to carry this legacy forward, while adding new achievements as well. In recent years, Greece has become one of the most respected countries in Europe, the result of its growing economy and ever increasing contributions in science, the arts, and engineering, including the world�s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Rio-Antirio. Still unconvinced? Just yesterday, Greece was voted in for a two-year term as a new member of the U.N. Security Council� the first time since 1952!�


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