FALLS CHURCH, VA – The inaugural Cultural Heritage Award Gala, held on February 14 at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, was a great success. For the first time in its 48-year history, the Hellenic Society Prometheas, one of the most active Greek cultural organizations in the United States, honored three members of the Greek-American community of the Washington, DC Metropolitan area with the Prometheas Cultural Heritage Award. The three honorees were Dr. Nicholas Patronas, acclaimed Neuroradiologist, philanthropist, and writer; Sophia Tsangali, a life-long dedicated teacher and promoter of the Greek language; and the Reverend Steven Zorzos, a humanitarian and great advocate of Greek ideals and culture.

The evening started with a cocktail reception and continued with an elegant dinner. Prometheas President John Yamanis welcomed the guests, including the new Greek Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis and Cypriot Consul Constantinos Constantinou, and addressed the purpose of the Gala and its importance to Prometheas Cultural Society and its mission.

The MC of the event, Elina Karmokolias, introduced Ambassador Alexandridis. “It’s an honor to celebrate with this vibrant Greek-American community, dedicated to sharing and preserving our Greek heritage and culture,” said Ambassador Alexandridis. He congratulated  the Board and the members of the Hellenic Society Prometheas for their “continued commitment and community spirit.”

Karmokolias then began the presentation of the awards. President Yamanis introduced Dr. Patronas, praising his brilliant career at the Deptartment of Neuroradiology at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), his philanthropy, and his dedication to the ideals and culture of Hellenism. Dr. Patronas, in his  acceptance speech, stressed the importance of scientific research, noting that major discoveries are the result of scientific teams working together. He added the fact that these scientific teams are often made up of researchers from countries that are either at war or feuding, and offered the hope that their example may inspire world leaders to strive for peace.

The next honoree, Sophia Tsangali, was introduced by Tony Alexis, who praised her valuable contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Greek language and culture through her over four decades teaching and mentoring young students and adults. He cited her work on celebrating and explaining Greek traditions. Tsangali focused her acceptance speech on the long history of the Greek language, noting its uninterrupted survival for four millennia, its use in the New Testament and its influence on almost all languages spoken in the world.

The third honoree, Reverend Steven Zorzos, was introduced by Kostas Kastanos, who spoke about Fr. Zorzos’ inspiring ministry and his service at the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Washington, DC, for over 40 years, his scholarly credentials, his humanity and generosity of spirit, and his exemplifying the timeless values of the Greek ideals and culture. The beloved Fr. Zorzos delivered his acceptance speech with his characteristic humor, questioning his selection for this award, while praising the other two honorees. Ever the humble priest, he suggested that he was just doing his ministerial service and that his contributions are part of it. He endeared himself to the appreciative audience which gave him a standing ovation.

The celebration concluded with the Apollonia Greek Band, and vocalist Sophia Pelekasis. DJ Theo entertained the guests with his own mix of hits.