The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-20

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] "Purging and a return to values" Papoulias' Message

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

Speaking to Archbishop Christodoulos and the members of the Holy Synod at the official lunch held in their honour, to celebrate the feast of Orthodox Sunday, the President of the Hellenic Republic referred to the confusion of roles and authorities between Church and State. In addition, Karolos Papoulias personally expressed his wishes to the Archbishop that he may respond to societys demand for purging and a return to the values of Christianity, such as humility and solidarity. Archbishop Christodoulos assured the President of the Hellenic Republic that the Church of Greece knows the roles as defined by the Constitution and the Churchs Charter, and always wishes to remain within the established boundaries.

Unpleasant and Dangerous Consequences

The President of the Republic noted that unilateral violations of the established boundaries between Church and State can have unpleasant and dangerous consequences.

Archbishop Christodoulos also assured Mr Papoulias that the Church will always be at his side, saying; "I pray that God may light your work."

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Celebrations for Orthodox Sunday

[02] Ceremony at Cathedral, attended by Papoulias Celebrations for Orthodox Sunday

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

With a ceremony in the Cathedral, which was attended by the new President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, Orthodox Sunday was celebrated today. Officiating in the Mass was the Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece Christodoulos, and it was also attended by members of the government, MPs and representatives of social bodies. Karolos Papoulias then hosted a lunch in honour of the Archbishop and the members of the Holy Synod. This morning, a festive Mass for Orthodox Sunday was celebrated in the Cathedral Church of St George in Fanari by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The government was represented by the Minister for Macedonia and Thrace, Nikolaos Tsiartsionis, while MP Petros Efthimiou attended for PASOK.

Ceremony in the Cathedral

During the Mass at the Cathedral, the President of the Hellenic Republic read the Creed and the Our Father.

In statements as he left the Cathedral, the Archbishop referred to the significance of todays feast, noting that "the martyrs of the Orthodox faith are examples for us."

Metropolitan Bishop Dorotheos of Samos underlined the significance of the events commemorated today, identifying them with the crisis in the Church, while Metropolitan Bishop Simeon of Nea Smyrni stated that today is a collective day.

The Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda Benaki attended the Mass in the Cathedral, while the government was represented by the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs Marietta Giannakou and the Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas. On behalf of PASOK, MP Christos Papoutsis attended, as did MEP and President of LAOS Giorgos Karatzaferis.

On Kallinikos' Side

An atmosphere of support for Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus was strong at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

Residents of Vartholomios, which is where the Hierarch is from, traveled to support Bishop Kallinikos, who they said had been subjected to immoral attacks.

The Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus described the attack against him as unfair and called on all those who doubt him to find out about his work in Piraeus.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Olympiacos Faces Another Obstacle

By Stathis Petropoulos

"The President will have the last word," stated Dusan Bajevic after the game against OFI 1-1, and it is only natural that every event is left open after this new obstacle in the quest for the title. The "reds" in yet another game, although better, did not manage to win and threw away two points, a fact that makes the lost six points in three games and the result is that they are in third place of the standings. At the same time AEK, in front of 30,000 of its fans, had an easy game against Ergotelis 3-0 and achieved the goal of remaining far from stress and useless adventures. Yesterday, Panathinaikos may have not dominated but it played as needed and with Fanis Gekas as the key player, received the three points of a win and enjoys the loneliness at the top of the standings, as opposed to the other two teams.

Xanthi Trips Over

The 23rd round included many mishaps. Initially Xanthi nearly lost in its home turf and with a penalty, which the administration admitted that it was false, acquired the tie from a better Kerkira. Todays surprise was Apollona Kalamaria who defeated Iraklis in Kaftatzogleio stadium 3-2, with the home team managing to score 3-2 from 3-0 in the last minutes of the game. Ionikos acquired a great win in Nikaia against Aris 2-1 and resulted to the team looking brightly at the future and to sink the Thessalonica team down the standings. In closing, an important win was acquired by PAOK against Chalkidona 2-1, which resulted to giving it a lead in the chase for a place in the UEFA event.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Message to North Korea Rice in Peking

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The U.S. Secretary of State is in Peking, for discussions with the countrys leadership in relation to North Koreas nuclear program, Taiwan, and the European embargo lift in weapons sale in China, which Washington opposes. Concerning the latter issue, in an interview in Seoul, Rice said that the sale of weapons by Europeans is irresponsible, while implying that they will be used against American forces in the Pacific. Also Rice ruled out the event of two-party discussions with Pyongyang and called on the North Korean leadership to make a "strategic choice" and to withdraw its nuclear weapons programs.

"No to Embargo Lift"

"It is the U.S. and not Europe defending the Pacific," underlined Condoleeza Rice and added that South Korea and Japan in cooperation with the U.S. contribute in order for stability in the area to exist.

The EU is investigating the event of a lift of the weapons embargo on China, which desperately seeks the modernization of its military equipment, a fact which causes concern to the U.S.

The U.S. Secretary of State called on the EU to understand the dangers that rise from the last law voted by China during its secession from Taiwan. According to the new law, Peking can use "non-peaceful means" against Taiwan, in the case it attempts secession from China.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

U.S. Calls On South Korea

[05] Foreign Ministry Delegation in Jerusalem Tension in Jerusalem

By Annita Paschalinou

An atmosphere of tension filled Jerusalem today, in the wake of revelations in the Israeli Press on the sale of real estate belonging to the Patriarchy of Jerusalem. About 100 people, members of Arab Orthodox Christian communities, demonstrated outside the Patriarchy, calling for Eirinaios to resign. As the Patriarch was on his way out, some of the protestors threw leaflets with slogans against him. Unsettled by these events, speaking to clergymen, Eirinaios stated that it is an orchestrated attack on himself and on the Patriarchy of Jerusalem by dark circles. Referring to the Vavilis case, he stated that he had been sent from Athens to offer security, underlining that his claims would be proven true. On Monday, a delegation of the Foreign Ministry will arrive in Jerusalem in order to investigate the situation that has been created.

Calling for Eirinaios to Resign

On Saturday, in a Press Conference held by Arab Orthodox Christians called for the involvement of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority and for Patriarch Eirinaios to resign.

The reason for this was the revelations in an Israeli newspaper, according to which fugitive former financial manager of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem, Nikos Papadimas, fully empowered by Patriarch Eirinaios, sold part of the Patriarchys real estate.

Answer from the Patriarchy

In a statement, the Patriarchy of Jerusalem described the empowerment given to the vanished former employee of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem Nikos Papadimas as unfounded and invalid, as it was not issued by the Patriarch in Synod.

The statement notes:

"A purchaser or seller of property of such strategic significance must know that to make such an exchange, it is necessary to have clear consent from the Patriarch of Jerusalem Eirinaios and the Holy Synod of the Patriarchy."

At the same time, it underlines that "any purchaser or seller who has not asked for written permission and consent from the Patriarchy and the Synod, is acting deceitfully and maliciously, which means that any exchange is invalid, beyond probable penal responsibilities."

In conclusion, the Patriarchy of Jerusalem mentions that by initiative of the Patriarch, the Patriarchy has already regained real estate invalidly and illegally sold in the past and has started using its property toward the prosperity of its flock.

Specialists in Jerusalem

Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Giorgos Koumoutsakos notes that Greece wants the "immediate investigation" of the case of the sale of real estate belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, and also announced that a team of specialists who will contribute to the "speedy investigation" of the case will be arriving in the city.

Specifically, Mr Koumoutsakos stated that from the Jerusalem Patriarchates relative announcement it emerges that the sale, if it did occur, was made on violation of rules that coact the function of the Patriarchate and in ignorance of its Synod.

"If all this is proven, they will be illegal actions and manipulation which we of course condemn. They will be actions and manipulations which do not involve the overwhelming majority of Holy Land fathers, who with devotion minister and protect the holy pilgrimage of Christianity and whom Hellenism honors and supports," stated the spokesperson.

According to Mr Koumoutsakos, Greece respects the self-government of the Patriarchate and does not interfere in administrative issues that are adjusted by the legislature and ancient traditions.

"Greece has never disclaimed its ethical duties to the Patriarchate and its flock, and is ready to contribute in cooperation with all interested parties for the speedy investigation of the case with a team of specialists which will arrive in Jerusalem on Monday, March 21," added Mr Koumoutsakos.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] A New Revealing Document "Magna Graecia" and Chrisopigi Relations

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Sunday's Eleftherotipia newspaper

Today, new revelations have surfaced concerning fugitive Apostolos Vavilis action. Sundays Eleftherotipia newspaper published a revealing letter that connects Vavilis and "Magna Graecia" with Chrisopigi Monastery. Specifically, in a "Magna Graecia" memorandum, two of its eight founders, the Archimandrite and professor Neilos also known as Nikodimos Farmakis, state as their address as the Arts Centre of Chrisopigi Monastery, 3A Pirgotelous Street, in Pagrati. Giannis Vlachos, Apostolos Vavilis lawyer, in an interview given to the newspaper stated that his client had a close spiritual relationship with Christodoulos even after his appointment to the Archbishops seat.

Vavilis' Trip to South Italy

Apostolos Vavilis brother, Dionisis is one of the founding members of "Magna Graecia."

Vavilis accompanied by Farmakis and Neilos had traveled to South Italy on the account of the non-profit organization.

He had appeared as monk Rafail Anagnostakis and there are questions if his company knew his real identity and that he had pending arrest warrants in Italy and Greece.

Will Appear at the Authorities

The fugitive, through his lawyer, states in the newspaper that the Athens Archbishopric made the order for Vavilis to travel to Jerusalem.

Mr Vlachos notes that Vavilis has expressed the will to appear at the court authorities and to give all necessary explanations "in order for his life and his public actions, during the last fifteen years to be put in the right context."

According to his lawyer, Vavilis will appear when he feels that "he is not in danger of being a scapegoat, which irrelevant people are trying to burden with their games."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Vavilis Ready to Turn Himself In

[07] Reserved First Place

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos seems to have the total home advantage in this years play off, since only with a miracle will they lose the lead of the normal period. The "greens" easily dominated Olympia Larisa and took advantage to the fullest Amarousios defeat by Iraklis, in Thessalonica. In the next round of games the situation will clear up, since Panagiotis Giannakis team will play its last hope in the derby of the two teams in the forthcoming round.

Top Four and End Battle

Panionios and AEK lost from PAOK and Aris, respectively, and thus the Thessalonica teams came near the first four teams and will be judged in the last games.

In the rest of the games Makedonikos who beat Olympiacos in SEF, is surely in the eight, while the "reds" did not reserve a place. Iraklis and Apollonas wins against AEK and MENT, reserved their stay in A1 and kept what hopes they had left for their presence in the play off.

At the end of the standings, no one can be certain about who will remain. Four teams are asserting the dream. Olympia Larisa, besides its defeat kept a points difference from the next three teams. Panellinios acquired a hopeful win and defeated Ionikos NF in Amaliada, and are now in the same position. In closing, the triplet of fire is completed by MENT, which lost by Apollona and remained last in the standings.

The Results

Ionikos NF vs. Panellinios 79-84

Iraklis vs. Marousi 82-80

Olympiacos vs. Makedonikos 84-85 overtime (78-78)

PAOK vs. Panionios 73-67

Panathinaikos vs. Olympia 88-67

Apollon Patras vs. MENT 91-84

Aris vs. AEK 87-82

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Bad Luck Continues in Herakleion

By Stathis Petropoulos

With several chances in front of Mironas Sifakis nets and with the Cretan goalkeeper being the player of the game, thanks to his blocks, OFI proved how important and difficult the game for Olympiacos was and received the point of 1-1, depriving the "reds" from two points, which possibly could be proven critical in the end of the Greek Cup. The team of Olympiacos is once again faced with its idol that wants them to be better but to not manage to win a game and the substance is that one of the nine "finals" of the teams passed and left valuable lost ground.

Few Chances in First Half

From the beginning, Bajevics players had control of a game that was expected to be tough, and in fact it was with the referee showing yellow cards many times. The good chances of the first half belong to Olympiacos starting in the 24 with Djordjevic and in the 25 when Sifakis made his first great block to a strong a long shot by Georgatos. Before the end of the first half, Georgatos lost another chance to open the score in the 39. In the second half nothing much changed and the "reds" fateful player was Georgatos, since in the 50 lost a new unique opportunity, losing both times the fight with Sifakis. Two minutes later Kafes hit the goalpost in a header he attempted, while one minute before the 60 Sifakis blocked again a shot by Okkas. OFIs defense could not stop the "reds" however Sifakis managed just well since in the 68 he successfully blocked a new attempt by Giovanni.

Defense Beaten, Offense Cleared!

Finally, in the 72 the Cretan goalkeeper was betrayed by his defense, something that seemed a matter of time, since even if he blocked a shot by Okkas, no offender could keep up with Giovanni who got the rebound and opened the score. The good game did not stop there given the fact that following Olympiacos seemed to relax, not offensively but at the other lines of the pitch, which resulted to the Cretans taking advantage and counterattacking, once unsuccessfully and once more ten minutes after Giovannis goal with success, since newcomer Dejanov received a header and tied.

Referee: Kaminaris (Thessaly) Yellow cards: Machlas, Anastasiadis, Stavrakakis, Pitsos, Hadjiadrian, Giovanni, Kostoulas, Okkas, Djordjevic

OFI: Sifakis, Belevonis, Pitsos, Kolitsidakis (80 Dejanov), Thomas, Anastasiadis, Stavrakakis (89 Tzanis), Hadjiadrian, Davidson, Nwafor (87 Triantafyllou), Machlas.

Olympiacos: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis (71 Castillo), Georgatos, Schurrer (84 DAcol), Anatolakis, Kostoulas, Stoltidis, Kafes, Djordjevic, Giovanni, Okkas (80 Pantos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Win in an Empty Stadium

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A goal in the 89 by Theodoridis gave the win to PAOK. In the match behind closed doors, PAOK took the lead in the 15 with Foucini, while Chalkidona had tied in the 21 with Iliopoulos. From then on both teams chased the win, which at the end was acquired by the home team.

Game Split in Two

PAOK made a better start in the first half. After the first five minutes it had three good opportunities to open the score with Mieciel (9), Salpigidis (10) and Megahead (12). The goal came three minutes later for the home team, when Egomitis made a good attempt from the right of the pitch, kicked a centre shot to Foucini, who with a header opened the score for PAOK. Chalkidonas reaction was immediate and six minutes later reached the tie. Geladaris performed a corner kick and Iliopoulos in a good position with a header from the goal area tied for the visitors team. The pace slowed down and the two teams entered the changing rooms at 1-1.

The visitors started better at the second half and lost two good opportunities to take the lead. The first was in the 55 when a header by Zacharopoulos was offside and the second in the 60 when Iliopoulos on his own against Salpigidis caught a strong ball but Geladaris managed to chase away. Everything seemed to indicate that the match will be a tie, but Theodoridis in the 89 beat Ebede and gave his team the victorious three points.

Referee: Terovitsas (Aitoloakarnania) Yellow cards: Megahead, Geladaris

PAOK: Tohouroglou, Egomitis, Koutsopoulos, Udeze, Karypidis, Zografakis, Megahead, Spasic (46 Theodoridis), Foucini (75 Maladenis), Salpigidis, Mieciel (63 Giasemakis).

Chalkidona: Ebede, Geladaris, Sotirchos, Dagas (79 Koutsokostas), Chalaris, Al Jaher, Dimos, Koutsis, Korakakis, Iliopoulos (87 Moyo), Zacharopoulos (82 Korbos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Lymberopoulos' Ease

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The team of Fernando Santos once again remained in second place of the standings, and dominated over the Cretan team 3-0. The other impressing fact, except for the win, was the presence of AEK fans. Nikos Lymberopoulos was the key player with 2 goals 49 and 54, while Milen Petkov opened the score for AEK in the 37.

Fans Were Winners

For 25 minutes the game took place in a mediocre pace, since both teams tried to gain centrefield. In the 26 the good opportunity took place when Assunsao made a shot from the goal area forcing Chaniotakis to block to a corner. AEK began revving up and in the 37 opened the score. Petkov made a strong shot outside the goal area and made 1-0, rousing the fans in OAKA stadium. This was the first halfs score.

In the second half, AEK finished off the game in a few minutes with Lymberopoulos arming up. In the 49 with a personal attempt he doubled his teams goals, while in the 54 took advantage of Katsouranis pass and scored 3-0. From then on, the game was a routine procedure since nothing changed and AEK acquired one more win.

Referee: Vasileiou (Thessaly) Yellow cards: Petkov, Argirakis, Filekovic

AEK: Chiotis, Bourbos (71 Kontis), Malbasa, Moras, Alves, Katsouranis (77 Ivic), Petkov, Soares, Assunsao, Lymberopoulos (84 Konstantinidis), Cesar.

Ergotelis: Chaniotakis, Argirakis, Filekovic, Oikonomakis, Soutzis, Spiridakis, Falemi (56 Mazicumbo), Sylla, Ado, Ogunsuto, Voskaridis (69 Labakis).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Bad Landing for Iraklis

By Stathis Petropoulos

Apollona Kalamaria made a great win of importance and prestige, since it defeated Iraklis in Kaftatzogleio stadium 3-2, in a dramatic game, since Iraklis, even though losing 3-0 in the first half, scored in the 90 3-2 and made a hopeless attempt for a tie. The visitors entered the pitch in better form, besides the fact that they should have had a passive role something that the team of Iraklis acquired, since they did not combine well and gave space to the ball and Dragan Kokotovics players. In the 4 Kalamaria had its first opportunity with Abaris blocking Cleytons shot, while in the 14 opened the score and confirmed their domination, even accidentally, since Muzauis shot bounced on Katsiambis and fooled Abaris. And this was only the beginning.

3-0 in a Relaxed Pace

Iraklis did not react, something that it wanted to do, and did not show that it could, thus in the 33 Pappas with a header shot doubled his teams goals, while a minute before the end of the first half, Muzaui took advantage of Iraklis poor defense after a corner shot by Haxji. In the second half, Savvas Kofidis players reacted, since they entered in better form and in the 49 Katsiambis saw the goalpost end his teams attempt to recuperate. This was Iraklis only good moment until that point, since the visitors took control. However, in the 73 Haxji received a yellow card for the second time and left Apollona with ten players, something that the opponents took advantage of. They took control but delayed and managed to score 3-1 in the 86 with Papapostolou and made the final 3-2 in the 90 with Lagos.

Referee: Tsacheilidis (Piraeus) Yellow cards: Lagos, Fortuzi, Haxji Red: 73 Haxji (2nd yellow)

Iraklis: Abaris, Snaucer, Seghiri, Katsambis, Papazacharias (45 K. Kapetanos), Poursanidis (84 Papapostolou), Drougas, Epalle, Fortuzi, Ioannou (63 Keita), Lagos.

Apollon Kalamaria: Karatziovalis, Haxji, Fitanidis, Nikolopoulos, N.A. Papadopoulos, N.Ch. Papadopoulos, Cleyton (75 Nikolopoulos), Iliadis, Petkakis, Pappas, Muzaui.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Ionikos Takes A Breath

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Ionikos fulfilled its aim and made an important win 2-1, against Giorgos Chatzaras team and escaped the relegation zone against a team with the same aim. From the other side, Aris did not acquire a point and remains struggling in the dangerous end of the standings. The goals of the match were scored by Issa 54, Gavrilopoulos +90, and Gogolos 68.

Derby with One Winner

The first half was quite dubious since both teams entered the pitch determined to take the lead. They did not manage to do so, since both goalkeepers and the chances missed made the first half end 0-0. Specifically, Aris lost a good chance in the 15 when Nebegleras passed to Lazanas who besides the projection did not manage get in the course of the ball. Ionikos answered back in the 20 with its best player, Oliver Makor who caught a strong ball, forcing experienced Pourliotopoulos to a nice block.

The second half began with a goal for the "blues." In the 54 Makor made a foul shot, the "yellows" goalkeeper did not manage to block and Issa with a close projection made 1-0. The visitors reacted and 14 minutes later reached a tie. In the 68 Gogolos scored 1-1 after a foul shot by Nebegleras. Everything indicated that the match will end with a tie, but Gavrilopoulos had the last word. Ionikos offender in the extra time of the game passed the ball closely and gave his team an important win.

Referee: Skoufitsas (Athens) Yellow cards: Issa, Nebegleras

Ionikos: Beqaz, Lettieri, Maggos, Issa, Natsouras, Gavrilopoulos, Ucar, King, Makor, Tsimblidis (71 Guzman), Coimbra.

Aris: Pourliotopoulos, Kallimanis (54 Kouemaha), Gogolos, Koltsidas, Papadopoulos (70 Markomichalis), Passalis, Naidos, Murawski, Ekwueme (46 Enogue), Nebegleras, Lazanas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Twenty-Nine People Dead Bloody Explosion in Mosque

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters

On Saturday night, at least 29 people were killed and 40 injured in the southwestern part of Pakistan, from a bomb explosion at a religious gathering near a Muslim mosque. The explosion occurred when food was being served to followers, after a ceremony in a mosque in Gandhawa, a town 350 km east of Quetta, capital of the southwestern province of Baluchistan. It is the biggest but poorest province of the country, while it suffers from violent incidents between Sunnis and Shiites and ethnic minority militants who seek their independence. However, the Foreign Minister ruled out the event that they are behind this attack. Until now, no organization has taken formal responsibility of the act.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Bronze Diving

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

Great performances and medals for Greece. Giannis Gavriilidis and Sotiris Trakas came in third place amongst 10 pairs in the 10m sychronised diving event on the 3rd day of events of the FINA World Cup, which is being hosted in Madrid, winning the bronze medal. After an excellent performance, the Greek divers had a total of 299 points, allowing them to climb onto the podium. A good performance was also put on by Giannis Gavriilidis along with Alexandros Manos, who, despite competing together for the first time in the 3m synchronized event, came in 5th place amongst 11 pairs, with 280 points. Finally, Christina Tsiripidou, who competed in the 3m individual event, did not manage to do as well as her fellow athletes, and with 192 points came in 22nd place amongst 28 athletes.

Translated by Millie Williams

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