The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) celebrated its Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner at The Grande Bretagne in Athens on December 10, 2024. The event, marking the culmination of AHI’s anniversary celebrations, honored two distinguished recipients for their contributions to Hellenic culture and public service.
U.S. Ambassador to Greece George James Tsunis received the AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award for his efforts in strengthening U.S.-Greece relations. Tsunis, who has served as ambassador since 2022, is the first non-career appointee in this role in a century. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for Greek contributions to democracy and emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom and equality.
Athanasios J. and Marina Martinos were presented with the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement & Philanthropy Award for their contributions to the maritime industry, philanthropy, and support for Orthodoxy and Hellenic culture. The couple shared their life and philanthropic efforts through a video presentation, highlighting their support for Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
AHI President Nick Larigakis acknowledged the Institute’s anniversary events across the U.S., Cyprus, and Greece and recognized the AHI-Athens Chapter’s leadership. He praised the honorees for their personal, professional, and philanthropic accomplishments, emphasizing their embodiment of Hellenic ideals and their influence on shaping the future.