Greek Community Celebrates Harry Agganis and Greek Heritage Night at Fenway Park
George D. Behrakis and Cathy Sakellaris
On Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 the Greek Community along with the Boston Red Sox celebrated Greek Heritage Night at Fenway Park. The celebration took place before the home game against the Los Angeles Angels and was sponsored by the Alpha Omega Council.
June 27th, 2018 marked the 63rd Anniversary that the great Harry Agganis tragically passed away. Charlie Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had proclaimed Wednesday, June 27th as “Harry Agganis Day” in Massachusetts. Other “On Field” Dignitaries included Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and Consult General of Greece in Boston, Stratos Efthymiou.
The grandnephew of the late Harry Agganis, Mr. Greg Agganis, was presented with a plaque that will be permanently displayed at Fenway Park and was followed by a video tribute to the baseball and football star. The Honorable Haris Lalacos, Ambassador of Greece to the United States along with Greg Agganis each threw out a ceremonial first pitch.
The Boston Red Sox then honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the Greek American Community of New England. The honorees included: George Behrakis, philanthropist, who is a Chairman Emeritus of Leadership 100; Cathy Sakellaris, community leader, a longtime member of Leadership 100; Maria Stephanos, WCVB Channel 5 Co-Anchor and Dr. George Theodore, Orthopedic Surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Red Sox Staff Physician.
Soloist, Aggeliki Psonis and the Youth Choir under the direction of Nektaria Sofou-Boustris of Saint Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church of Braintree, Massachusetts performed the American National Anthem.
Greek Dance performances by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Dance Group, Pan-Cretan Association of America and the Dancing Zorbas took place on Jersey Street and at the VIP reception.
Jim Demopoulos of Arlington, MA an avid Red Sox Fan was recognized as the “Season Ticket Holder of the Game”. Demopoulos is a proud season ticket holder for the past 50 years.
Members of the Lynn ROTC along with the Boston Evzones acted as the Honor Guard during the ceremony.
