On Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 7 pm Greek time, the 5th anniversary of a special newspaper was celebrated with particular splendor, and with the online participation of numerous of our compatriots.
I am particularly moved, but also happy to be given the opportunity to participate today in the 5th anniversary of a Greek newspaper, in combination with a radio station in Florida. It is Greek News and Radio FL.
It is the work of an exceptional Greek woman, with a capital E, who offers invaluable services to her homeland. My remarkable friend, Yianna Lazarou.
This newspaper is, without exaggeration, an umbilical cord that connects our expatriate compatriots with what is happening in Mother Greece. May they not forget, for a moment, their roots, our expatriate children. May the inhabitants of this country realize that apart from them, there is a parallel world spread throughout the globe, with a heart that beats to the rhythms of Greece. Although it is unnecessary to emphasize self-evident issues, I do so because they are often forgotten.
For Greece, our compatriots around the world constitute an incalculable force, which greatly magnifies its initially small size. Greece, through its own children, is constantly present everywhere, at the ends of the earth. As the Greece of ancient times, on which Western civilization was based. But also as the Greece of modern times, whose continuous and often tragic adventures drive its own children away from it.
But, every time she is in danger, which unfortunately happens to her often, in addition to her own voice, that of her estranged children is also heard thundering.
This is certainly not the time to repeat what I emphasize at every opportunity. Namely, that unfortunately our country has not appreciated to its true extent, which is truly incalculable, the power offered to it by Greeks abroad, which would be infinitely greater if there were a plan on its part to utilize this inexhaustible power.
But, today is the day of the Greek newspaper, founded in distant Florida by the truly invaluable activism, ideas and love for her homeland: Gianna Lazarou.
The 5-year-old newspaper is a Greek newspaper of high standards and numerous missions. The establishment of a newspaper is an extremely difficult task. Think how infinitely more difficult it becomes when it is attempted in a foreign country, with the aim of maintaining close ties between Greece and the diaspora.
The quality of the newspaper is, from every angle and if you look at it, simply excellent. I confess that I have some inhibitions to promote it, as it deserves, because I also participate, with my articles, very actively in it. For this reason, and I will suffice to say that it deserves to come into the hands of every Greek woman and every Greek man, so that each one can judge for himself, its quality. But also beyond this, its high mission. I repeat, that I see it, and I want to believe that I am not the only one, as the umbilical cord, that keeps this relationship alive, between the Mother and her children.
Up until now, in these 5 years of her life, the one celebrating today has not had, and as far as I know has not asked for, protection and support from Mother Greece. I believe, and without having asked Gianna beforehand, that from now on it is imperative that we all support her in whatever ways each of us can. The work she is doing is of high patriotic standards.
Happy Birthday, newspaper of all Greeks. May you live and prosper in the years to come.
Maria Negreponti – Delivani
Doctor of State Doctorate of Sorbonne University
Former Rector and Professor at the University of Macedonia
Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy of Sciences
President of the Demetrios and Maria Delivanis Foundation
