Honor Greek Community Leaders

Senate Resolution No. 1180 BY: Senator STAVISKY COMMENDING the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495 of the Order of AHEPA upon the occasion of its 36th Annual Dinner Dance, and paying tribute to Theodore A. Stamas, this year's honoree WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495 of the Order of AHEPA upon the occasion of its 36th Annual Dinner Dance, and to pay tribute to Theodore A. Stamas, this year's honoree; and WHEREAS, Theodore A. Stamas is the organization's long-time past Chapter President who is currently serving as the Empire State District No. 6 Governor; and WHEREAS, The Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495, under the luminous leadership of President Dimitrios Skartaiaris, is the local chapter of the American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) Empire State District No. 6; and WHEREAS, AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922, in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th Century American society; today, it is the largest Greek-American fraternal organization; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, AHEPA has played a pivotal role in bringing Greek-Americans into the mainstream of American life, and promoting the ideals of Hellenic culture; this vital organization has also launched significant philanthropic and educational initiatives which have benefited both the Greek-American community and American society as a whole; and WHEREAS, Through its Charitable Foundation, AHEPA has been able to fulfill the philanthropic portion of its mission and serve the community by making donations to numerous worthy causes and endeavors such as the AHEPA Hospital Project, the Veterans Committee, and a Bone Marrow Registry; and WHEREAS, Theodore A. Stamas is a second generation Ahepan; his father, the late Andreas T. Stamboulidis, was a Supreme Governor on the national level of the organization and also served as Chapter President of the Hermes Chapter No. 186, originally located in Manhattan; and WHEREAS, Andreas T. Stamboulidis was also the founder of the Parthenon Chapter No. 495 which was established on March 12, 1981, in Whitestone, New York; following his death, the Chapter name was changed to the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495; and WHEREAS, In January of 2000, Theodore A. Stamas joined the AHEPA; for the last 12 years, he served as Chapter President of the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495; and WHEREAS, Since 2009, Theodore A. Stamas has been a member of the Empire State District Lodge and currently, serves as District Governor of the largest district in the AHEPA domain with approximately 1,400 members; and WHEREAS, As a leader, Theodore A. Stamas has been strongly committed to the ideals and mission of the AHEPA toward promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family; he is a faithful congregant of both the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone, New York, and Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in Greenport, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role in the AHEPA, Theodore A. Stamas has held the position of President of the Board of Trustees of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Long Island Chapter for the last eight years; and WHEREAS, Theodore A. Stamas is a graduate of Queens College of the City University of New York and St. John's University School of Law; he is admitted to practice in the Federal and State Courts of both New York and New Jersey; and WHEREAS, For the last 33 years, Theodore A. Stamas has served as a practicing trial attorney; in 1994, he founded The Law Offices of Theodore A. Stamas which focuses on litigation involving accident cases, insurance law, medical malpractice, construction law, real estate and business transactions; and WHEREAS, Well-respected by his peers, Theodore A. Stamas has presented lectures at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Bar Associations and at Continuing Legal Education seminars; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Irene, and his three children, Andrew, Lea and Sophia, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495 of the Order of AHEPA upon the occasion of its 36th Annual Dinner Dance, and to pay tribute to Theodore A. Stamas, this year's honoree; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dimitrios Skartaiaris, President, Andreas T. Stambouilidis Parthenon Chapter No. 495, and Theodore A. Stamas.