On Saturday 10th January 2015, the “Maria Tsakos” Foundation hosted at its premises, the annual New Year’s pie-cutting event for the Maritime Associations of Chios, the Chios Cultural Association of Mercantile Marine Officers (PESAEN) and the Chian Union of the Navy Retirement Fund Pensioners. A New Year’s pie was also cut on behalf of “Tsakos Shipping” and the Foundation.
The traditional pie cutting ceremony was followed by a public recognition of Chian seafarers, distinguished in naval literature and arts.
More specifically, the seafarers acknowledged for their work in naval literature were:
Capt. Konstantinos M. Frangos, Capt. Georgios M. Frangos, Capt. Dimitrios D. Melachrinoudis, Capt. Michalis G. Kariamis, the President of the Alumni of the “Livanos Secondary School” of Kardamyla, Capt. Alekos Emm. Karamouzos and C.E. (rtd.) Dimitrios G. Andrianas.
The following seafarers were recognized for their contribution in arts:
Capt. Ioannis St. Frangakis, Capt. Christos G. Vardakis, Capt. Nikolaos Styl. Garris, Capt. Michalis Stef. Poupalos, Capt. Stamatis Sot. Karagiannis, C.E. (rtd.) Ioannis K. Verginas, C.E. (rtd.) Antonios K. Moraitakis, C.E. (rtd.) Evangelos Elef. Kalogrias and Radio Operator (rtd.) Stylianos St. Mastropetros.
Solicitor Mr. Nikolaos Sot. Chalkias received an honourary award for his long-term services in Shipping.
The ceremony was blessed by Father D. Giomelos, Vicar-General and Representative of His Eminence the Metropolitan Bishop of Chios, Psara and Oinousses. Many attendees honoured the event with their presence, among whom were the Parliamentarians of Chios, Mrs. Maria Stavrinoudi-Sodi and Mr. Konstantinos Triantafyllos, the Vice-Regional Manager of N. Aegean, Mr. Stamatis Karmatzis, the Mayor of Chios, Mr. Emmanouil Vournous, the Mayor of Oinousses, Mr. Stamatis Vogiatzis, the Director of the Merchant Marine Academy of Chios, Mr. Georgios Skandalis, the Director of the Merchant Marine Academy of Oinousses, Mr. Ioannis Margaris and Associate Professor Eleni Thanopoulou from the Department of Shipping Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean.
In their speeches, the Foundation’s General Manager, Adm. Stavros Michaelidis and the “Tsakos Shipping” representative, Mr. Kostas Karamanis, thanked all the attendees for their presence and wished for safe journeys to all seafarers. Capt. Kostas Frangos gave a speech on the role of the “Liberty” vessels, while Prof. Eleni Thanopoulou focused on the significance of Greek shipping and the difficulties seafarers face daily.
The event ended with a session of Christmas carols by the choir of the “LEON ALLATIOS” Cultural Association of Chios.
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