All Photos Courtesy
Jay Wise Photography
43rd Biennial National Convention
The Cretans of Akron, Ohio, Host a Memorable PAA Event
June 29-July 5, 2013
T
he PAA 43rd Biennial Convention’s activities officially started on June 29, in Akron, Ohio. Convention attendees received a warm welcome by the
members of Cretan Association of Akron. Upon arrival attendees were greeted by Convention Chairperson Noula Kountis, Co-Chair Mike E. Detorakis,
Akron Cretan Association President Demetri Kountis, District 3 Governor Maria Vamvakis; officers and
members from District 3 and by our National Board
Officers and President John Manos. Guests were
treated with Cretan delicacies, cheese, rusks, olives,
raki and Cretan hospitality. Later that evening, participants met friends from around the United States,
Greece, Canada and Australia during Welcome Night
at Annunciation Church’s Greek Community Center.
The Giorgios Mathioudakis Orchestra, consisting
of IIias Piteris, Giorgios Hatzidakis and Stamatis Papadakis, provided lyra and laouto music direct from
Crete. The Akron Cretan Dance groups sang the legendary song “Pote tha kanei ksateria” and then lifted
the spirits of the attendees with their dances and
“figoures.” Kalitsounia prepared by the Akron Cretan
Ladies were served to everyone immediately following the performances. Vrasto and Pilafi was served after midnight. Dancing continued into the early morn-
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KPHTH | SEPTEMBER 2013
ing in the Hospitality Room at the Sheraton Suites.
On Sunday morning, members and guests attended
Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox
Church in Akron, Ohio. Father Jerry Hall and Father
Andrew officiated. Following the liturgy, the Pancretan Association honored the deceased by having the
priests chant the trisagion in memory of former PAA
Presidents George Chryssis and George Pologeorge.
The PAA then offered an Artoklasia—the blessing of
the five loaves—in good health of the organization.
After church services, guests attended a traditional
Cretan Picnic. Guest turnout surpassed every expectation. More than 500 people were welcomed with
Cretan hospitality, great food and one of the most
beautiful summer days in Ohio! District 3 PYA youth
provided craft and learning activities for the youngest of Cretans at the convention picnic. “Kerasmata”
during the afternoon included homemade loukaniko,
watermelon and, of course, raki.
Later that evening, CAN hosted a reunion of former
PYA officers, the ’93 Odyssey participants, and offered
an opportunity for friends from around the United
States to reminisce and reconnect. Dancing continued
into the wee hours of the night at the Sheraton in the
Hospitality Room.