Chios Society of Greater Washington D.C. — Past Events

The mayor of Chios participated in the last quarterly meeting of Chian Associations of America and Canada held in April, 2026.

Here is the translated message from the mayor of Chios:

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking online with members of the Chian Associations of America and Canada as part of their quarterly meeting.
We spoke openly about the issues facing Chios, and I answered questions regarding the progress of the projects at the airport, the water supply, and the Municipal Garden—projects that concern us all.
Connecting with the Chian diaspora is always especially meaningful. Their interest in and love for our homeland give us the strength to move forward with even greater vigor.

Here is the original Greek version:
Χθες είχα τη χαρά να συνομιλήσω διαδικτυακά με τα μέλη των Χιακών Σωματείων Αμερικής και Καναδά, στο πλαίσιο της συνάντησης που πραγματοποιούν ανά τρίμηνο.
Μιλήσαμε ανοιχτά για όσα απασχολούν τη Χίο και απάντησα σε ερωτήματα για την πορεία των έργων στο αεροδρόμιο, το νερό και τον Δημοτικό Κήπο — έργα που μας αφορούν όλους.
Η επαφή με τη Χιακή Ομογένεια έχει πάντα ιδιαίτερη αξία. Το ενδιαφέρον και η αγάπη τους για τον τόπο μας μάς δίνουν δύναμη να συνεχίζουμε ακόμη πιο δυναμικά.
Η στήριξη, το ενδιαφέρον και η ενεργή συμμετοχή τους ενισχύουν την κοινή μας προσπάθεια για ένα καλύτερο μέλλον για το νησί.

Here is the translated version of Maria Kaniou-Stefanias, President of
Chios Society of the Greater Washington DC Area:

I, too, would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your extremely active participation, the interest you have shown, and the insightful questions raised during the discussion.
Such discussions are vital, as they strengthen our bonds and reaffirm the importance of close cooperation between the local community and the Greek diaspora for a better future for our Chios. I look forward to our next communication.

Sincerely,
Maria Kaniou-Stefanias
President of:
Chios Society of the Greater Washington DC Area.

Here is the original Greek version:

Θα ήθελα να εκφράσω και εγώ τις θερμές μου ευχαριστίες για την εξαιρετικά ενεργή σας συμμετοχή, το ενδιαφέρον που επιδείξατε και τις εύστοχες ερωτήσεις που τέθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια της συζήτησης.
Τέτοιες συζητήσεις είναι ζωτικής σημασίας, καθώς ενισχύουν τους δεσμούς μας και επιβεβαιώνουν τη σημασία της στενής συνεργασίας μεταξύ της τοπικής κοινωνίας και της Ομογένειας για ένα καλύτερο μέλλον για τη Χίο μας. Ανυπομονώ για την επόμενη μας επικοινωνία.
Με εκτίμηση,
Maria Kaniou-Stefanias
President of:
Chios Society of the Greater Washington DC Area

Here is the photo of the on-site and Zoom meeting of the Chian Associations of America and Canada held in April 2026.

The Chios Society of the Greater Washington D.C. area held its 2026 Vasilopita Luncheon at Wildfire in McLean, VA on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

See the flyer for the Vasilopita Luncheon

Speech Part 1 by Maria Stefanias, President of the Chios Society of Greater Washington DC area

Honorable Eleni Roumel, who is a Chios member, speaks about the Chios fires

Chios members at the Vasilopita lunch

Chios board members at the lunch

The priest blesses and cuts the Vasilopita cake

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The Chios Society of the Greater Washington D.C. area celebrated New Year’s Eve – 2026 at La Casa Restaurant. Music was provided by Achilles Papaefthemiou and Bobby Spyridakis.

Flyer

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The Chios Society of Greater Washington, DC Area celebrated the 113th Anniversary of the Liberation of Chios at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA, on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.

The sold-out Artoklasia Luncheon at La Casa restaurant in VA benefitted The Philoptochos of Chios”

Flyer

Scholarship Awards for Christina Costalas and Lauren Miller

Speech by Maria Stefanias, President of the Chios Society of Greater Washington DC area, & other board members

Chios members at the restaurant

Prayer before the lunch

The restaurant owner who donated free food for the fundraising event

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The Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church announced in its bulletin board on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Artoklasia Service offered to the Chios Society of the Greater Washington D.C. area

The Chios Society of Greater Washington D.C. area held a General Assembly and movie night on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Hellenic Center located in Bethesda, Maryland

Board members, Anthie Zairis, reviewed our excellent financial situation, Angela Costalas gave an update about the Chios scholarship applications due on June 25, 2025, and Bela Feketekuty presented the visitors’ usage numbers for our local Chios website. Maria Stefanias and John Costalas set up the agenda and coordinated the meeting.

Afterward, the Chios members watched the movie, ΚΑΖΑΝΤΖΑΚΗΣ (2017), with popcorn, soda, and pizza. They also reconnected with each other.

See the flyer for the General Assembly and Movie Night

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Chios DC members attended the Greek Independence Day celebration at Saint George in Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, organized by the Hellenic Prometheas society. The Chios DC chapter co-sponsored this event.

See the flyer for the Greek Independence Day celebration at Saint George

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Many Chios members and officers attended the Greek Independence Day celebration at the Hellenic Center on March 25, 2025.

See the flyer for the Greek Independence Day celebration at the Hellenic Center

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The Chios Society of Greater Washington, DC area attended the Greek Independence Day Parade in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Many members marched in the parade.

See the flyer for Greek Independence Day Parade

More information on Facebook about the parade in Baltimore

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The 2025 Vasilopita Luncheon was held at Wildfire in McLean, VA on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

See the flyer for the Vasilopita Luncheon

Speech Part 1 by Maria Stefanias, President of the Chios Society of Greater Washington DC area

Speech Part 2 by Maria Stefanias, President of the Chios Society of Greater Washington DC area

Speech about Chios Scholarship by Demitra Marafatsos, board member

Speech by Vasilios Skordalos
First supreme vice president of the Chios societies of America and Canada Inc.

Speech by Sofia Xouri from the Baltimore Chios delegation

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Another memorable evening! Such an honor to be part of the team presenting Senator Ben Cardin with the Chian Lifetime Achievement Award. He and his team were so hospitable and welcoming. We thank him for his many years of service to our country and wish him all the best!

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