COVER STORY
? ? ? ? ??? ?
Former PAA President George Chryssis
As president, he developed and supported visionary programs and projects that continue today, and he helped position our organization to
successfully move into the 21st century.
He said, “We must realize that education is
knowledge and knowledge is power,” and gave priority to the education and cultural development
of our children and grandchildren. During his
term as president, he emphasized proper development of the Pancretan youth and adult chapters
through leadership workshops.
He raised the funds to erect the statue of Spyros
Kayiale in 1998 at historic Akrotiri, Crete.
He envisioned the advancement of the PAA
through technology, by creating the first website
for the organization, implementing dramatic format changes for our magazine, and by planting
the seed for a national headquarters.
On the national front, George took an active
role in supporting Greece’s position during territorial claims by Turkey, and was instrumental in
passing a resolution in the U.S. Senate and House
of Representatives for the recognition of the Battle of Crete as a pivotal battle of World War II.
As a community leader and activist he was a
strong supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church,
12
KPHTH | October 2013
vested as a fellow Archon on March 5, 2000, as he was
conferred by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of
America. Shortly thereafter he became a member of
the Leadership 100. He has served the church in many
capacities as well—as a Trustee of the Hellenic College
and Holy Cross School of Theology.
A successful entrepreneur and businessman, he published several successful technical books and a few on
poetry, as well as many articles in journals, magazines
and newspapers.
We are proud to have had George lead the Pancretan
Association, and owe much to the visions of our dear
president, friend and fellow Cretan.
In his last “President’s Message” in our organization’s
monthly magazine, George began his message with: “I
thank God that I was born a Cretan.” He felt strongly
that it was every member’s responsibility to help preserve and perpetuate our civilization, culture, ethnic
identity and organization.
He ended his last message with: “You have touched
my heart… I will miss you.”
I know I speak not just for the PAA, but for all of
his friends, family and those who knew him: You, too,
George Christopher Chryssis, have touched our hearts.
We will miss you, too. K
In his own words
At sunset he gathered his papers
folded his thoughts and feelings
and packed his suitcases for the voyage.
On the road he paused and looked back.
He remained silent. He smiled only.
He saw little paper flags fluttering
green, red, blue — various colors.
He has performed his duty fully.
He has done what he had to do — nothing less.
On nature’s lips he painted
a large “thank you.”
Then he picked up his suitcases
and headed eastward, where tomorrow
the sun will rise once more.
Far off, on the horizon, he sees young people
dancing and laughing.
Sure for the future now
he let himself be carried away by the sound of a lyra
into a voyage full of hope.
George Chryssis included the above poem in his final message
to PAA members as president. It was originally published
in the June 1997 issue of KPHTH Magazine.