Spring with Greek culture

Dear Friends of Greek Culture,

Spring is here and the cherry blossom is at its peak.  We hope that you will find our upcoming Spring events interesting and that you will attend as many of them, as possible. From our March cultural calendar the Theodorakis-Neruda event on March 22nd, was postponed and will move to a later date, while a new event was added with the St. Catherine’s Monastery lecture, on Monday, March 26th.

In April, the Greek Orthodox Easter is one of the most sacred observance in the Greek Orthodox faith, while Easter customs remain some of the most traditional in modern Greek life. Easter preparations begin on Holy Thursday when the traditional Easter bread, tsoureki, is baked, and eggs are dyed red (red is the color of life as well as a representation of the blood of Christ). From ancient times, the egg has been a symbol of the renewal of life and the message of the red eggs is victory over death. On April 5th, come and learn more about Greek Easter traditions and cooking from Diane Kochilas, one of the world's foremost authorities on Greek cuisine.

For more of information on Greek culture, along with the Photo of the Day, well-kept old recipes, secrets never revealed before on wellbeing and longevity, hot destinations off-the-beaten-track, event invitations and special offers you may discover, enjoy and share with others by "Liking us" on our new Facebook page dedicated to Greek Culture in the US. Below and attached, you will find a brief schedule of upcoming Greek cultural events, while more detailed announcements will follow in the next few days. Thank you all for your continuous support and I look forward to seeing you at any of these future events.

Dr. Zoe Kosmidou
Minister Counselor
Cultural Affairs
Embassy of Greece

"The Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai: Conservation of the Sixth-Century Mosaic of the Transfiguration”

Lecture by archeologist Roberto Nardi, founder of the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica and the Archaeological Institute of America Kress Lecturer 2010-2011. Listen to the fascinating story behind the conservation of the delicate jewel of early Byzantine art, which until recently was close to collapse. The lecture will feature remarks by Dr. Zoe Kosmidou, Cultural Counselor and USA
Office Director, Hellenic Foundation of Culture and Prof. Mohamed Helmy ElBorai, Cultural Counselor and Director, Embassy of Egypt, Cultural & Educational Bureau.

Mon. Mar. 26, 2012 @7pm
At The Embassy of Italy
Auditorium- 3000 Whitehaven Str. NW
Washington, DC.
RSVP here

"An Afternoon with the Goddesses"

An Afternoon with renowned Greek author and performer Agapi Stassinopoulos. Stassinopoulos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She is a veteran of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in
London and a member of the Young Vic. While her sister, Arianna Huffington, was doing research for her book about Greek mythology, Agapi’s love for the gods and goddesses was ignited and led to two books of her own: Conversations with the Goddesses and Gods and Goddesses in Love. She also performed a one-woman show and a PBS special. She writes for The Huffington Post, and her latest book is entitled Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love. Organized and benefited by the Hellenic Heritage Museum and Archives of Maryland.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. with light refreshments provided by Ikaros Restaurant. Tickets are $45 each and available by advance sales only. To reserve your seat, send a $45 check, payable to the Hellenic Heritage Museum and Archives of Maryland (HHMA of MD), to:George D. Lintzeris (3543 Newland Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21218)

Sun. Apr. 1, 2012 @5pm
At The University of Baltimore
Langsdale Library Auditorium
1420 Maryland Ave, Baltimore MD
(Oliver Street Entrance)

For reservations email: Aglae Economides at or call her at 901.233.5725.


"Burning Heads" (To Gala) - Film Screening

Based on the hit stage play "To Gala" by Vassilis Katsikonouris, "Burning Heads" offers an insightful perspective into the life of a family of immigrants living in today's Athens. Lefteris, a 20 year old bordering on schizophrenia, is indulged by his overprotective mother Rina as he lives life through his memories of childhood in the Russian countryside. In contrast, his older brother Antonis rejects his roots and follows his ambition as he prepares for a new life with his boss' daughter Natasa. When Antonis brings home his Greek bride-to-be, the family dynamics are unravelled as each one is forced to face reality and deal with the issues that haunt them.

Wed. Apr. 4, 2012 @8pm
At The Avalon Theater
5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC.
For tickets and more information visit : www.avalon.com

"The Greek Orthodox Easter Traditions, Greek Diet and Products"

Learn about the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions and meet acclaimed cook-book author and one of the leading authorities on the Greek diet, Diane Kochilas. Ms. Kochilas will talk about the benefits of the Greek Diet and how to incorporate Greek products into your own dietary regimen. Joining Diane will be representatives of the distinguished food retailer Dean & Deluca who will highlight their Greek food products which include 18 authentic products from Navarino Icons' small producers in Messinia, Greece.

In collaboration with Costa Navarino a prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek historic region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese.

Thurs. Apr. 5, 2012 @6:30-8:30pm
At The Embassy of Greece
2217 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC.
RSVP:

"Like us" on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreekCultureUS
Follow us on Twitter: @GreekCultureUS
Follow our blog: www.greekcultureintheus.blogspot.com/