The cutting of the traditional Greek New Year’s Vassilopita of Chios Marine Club took place on 24 January 2024 in the Marriott Hotel, Athens, attended by a great number of members and friends.
The event was dedicated to the bestowing of awards to three exceptional personalities of the Island of Chios: Prof. Stamatios Krimizis (Aerospace scientist, NASA Astrophysicist and Academic / President of Athens’ Academy, Greece), Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos (Tsakos Group of Companies) and Mr. Simos P. Palios (Diana Shipping Services S.A.). They were nominated for their exceptional contribution to our Island of Chios and to Greece as a whole.
The event kick-started with the General Secretary of the Club Miss Maria Tripoliti welcoming the guests and introducing the event’s proceedings. Then the President of the Club, Capt. Antonis Pitsilos took the podium welcoming the honorees and all participants. He presented the review of the Club’s 2023 activities and referred to current social and charitable work of the Club. He emphasised the successful venture of the 2024 edition of the Calendar/desk diary, a notable publication printed for the 14th consecutive year and distributed free of charge to Members, Member Shipping Companies, and Businesses related to the wider shipping industry. He thanked all sponsors of the event for their donations and their support for the Club. He wished all present, a Prosperous New Year, full of Success and Good Health.
Following his address the event continued with the presentation of honorary plaques to: Prof. Stamatios Krimizis for his contribution to Astrophysics; and to Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos and Mr. Simos S. Palios for their contribution to the Greek Shipping Industry. Their achievements were set out and praised by the distinguished journalist Mr. Minas Tsamopoulos, who performed excellently his role as Master of Ceremonies as well as greatly contributing to the event!
The Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Oinousses and Psara officiated and blessed the Vassilopita! The golden sovereign was won by Ms Mando Christakopoulou, Insurance & Claims Assistant at Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.
The US Ambassador in Greece Mr. George J. Tsunis presented the Award to Prof. Krimizis. Ms. Domna Michailidou, Greek Minister of Labour,, presented the Award to Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos. Finally, Mr. Simos S. Palios received his Award from Mr. Christos Stylianidis, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. Afterwards, a reception with light food and drinks was enjoyed.
Afterwards, a reception with light food and drinks was enjoyed.
Moreover, the following honoured the event with their presence:
Semiramis S. Paliou (President of Helmepa), Leonidas Manolakos (Deputy Governor of Attika/ Alternate Prefect of Political Protection and Coast Guard Policy), Νοtis Mitarakis (MP at the Hellenic Parliament for Nea Demokratia for the Prefecture of Chios), Stavros Michailidis (MP at the Hellenic Parliament for PASOK-KINAL for the Prefecture of Chios), Pantelis Bournias (Deputy Governor of North Aegean Islands), Fani Palli-Petralia (former Minister at the Hellenic Parliament), Radm (HCG) Georgios Skandalis (Director General of Shipping Directorate), Captain (HCG) Antonios Doumanis (Director of Seafarers’ Training Directorate), Radm Rt (HCG) Dimitrios Tsiadis, Radm (HN Rt) Stelios Kostalas, Radm (HN Rt) Konstantinos Katagas, Georgios Daniil (Mayor of Oinousses Island), Prof. Seraphim Kapros (Chairman of the Department of Shipping & Business Studies of the University of the Aegean – Director of the MBA in Shipping), Markella Varoni (President of Chian Association in Attika), Costis J. Frangoulis (President of International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus), Danae Bezantakou (A’ Vice President of International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus), Panagiotis Gigis (President of PEPEN), Charalampos Sarantitis (President of LAEN), Ilias Hatziefraimidis (President of WIMA), Andreas Karagiorgis (President of Psara Island’s Brotherhood) and Ioannis Gialas (President of Union of Vrontadoussians in Attika – EVAT).
Club President Capt. Antonis Pitsilos and the Board of Directors warmly thanked all guests, sponsors, members and friends for honouring the Club with their presence, wishing them all a year full of Health and Progress!
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All pictures by Katerina Nomikou.-
