Modern Odyssey

In this Modern Odyssey, Dr. Despina Afentouli discusses with Lou Katsos the enduring ties between Greece and the United States, marking 250 years of American democracy and 205 years since the Greek Revolution. From shared ideals of liberty and democracy to lasting influences in education, faith, and civic life, we reflect on how these two nations continue to inspire one another. Moreover, the conversation explores the role of the Greek diaspora and Philhellenism, as well as the continued celebration of Greek Independence through events such as the Greek Independence Parade in New York this year, taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. on Fifth Avenue. Katsos also reflects on his longstanding leadership within the Greek-American community, with a focus on faith, service, and the preservation of Hellenic heritage. Join us for a meaningful conversation on history, identity, and the enduring legacy of Greek independence - both in Greece and across the diaspora.Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

On the special Modern Odyssey episode, Dr. Despina Afentouli presents highlights from the Gala, and the Pre-Parade Breakfast that lead to the 2024 Greek Independence Parade organized by the Parade Committee of the Federation of the Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

On this Modern Odyssey Special with Dr. Despina Afentouli, the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence is commemorated with the 2023 Greek Independence Parade on 5th Ave. in Manhattan, NY organized by the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater NY. The main theme of the 2023 Greek Independence Parade in New York is the Return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The weather conditions did not stop the Hellenes and Philhellenes from celebrating the outbreak of the Greek Revolution following after about 400 years of slavery under Ottoman rule, which led to the creation of the modern Hellenic state. This anniversary recalls the historic ties between the U.S.A. and Greece, the contribution of both the American Philhellenes in Greece’s struggle for independence and the ancient Greek ideals to the founding of the U.S.A. Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

In this Modern Odyssey episode, the president of the Federation of the Greek Educators of America, Stella Kokoli, discusses with Dr. Despina Afentouli about the Greek Education in the U.S.A., the importance of preserving the Greek Orthodox faith, and promoting Hellenic culture for the Greeks around the world, as well as for the Philhellenes. Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

Dr. Despina Afentouli delivers a keynote address entitled "The Timeless Contribution of Byzantine Art", presenting the importance of the Byzantine Art in the contemporary world and through the ages. The lecture took place on September 14, 2024 and accompanied the exhibition “Byzantium in Kingston” that was presented by “The Lace Mill Arts” Gallery in Kingston, N.Y. throughout September 2024. The exhibition showcased icons and mosaics of the Eastern Orthodox faith from three regional master iconographers, Miltiadis Afentoulis, Marianna Afentouli, and the late Anna Contes Maguire. The President for The Lace Mill Arts Council, James Martin, who was also curator of the “Byzantium in Kingston” exhibition, highlighted that "Byzantium in Kingston" Exhibition and Lecture were one of the most successful events ever taken place at the “The Lace Mill Arts” Gallery in Kingston, N.Y.Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

On this Modern Odyssey Now episode, Dr. Despina Afentouli meets for the first time with the Global Robot Ambassador, Sophia the Robot, at the BronxNet Media + Technology Studios at La Central in the South Bronx, NY.The discussion covers several key issues, including the ethical concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence, the importance of quality journalism, and the synergy between robotic artificial intelligence and human emotional intelligence. Sophia the Robot answers questions in a smart, expressive way and even shares her knowledge of the Antikythera mechanism—the world’s first analog computer. She also recounts her experiences in Greece, noting it as one of the most visited countries she has ever traveled to.This interview includes an excerpt from the September 18, 2024, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Press Conference that took place earlier that day at BronxNet."Modern Odyssey Now" is a shorter version of "Modern Odyssey" episodes with journalist-host and producer, Dr. Despina Afentouli, presenting more current issues and events. Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

On this Modern Odyssey Now episode, Dr. Despina Afentouli focuses on the 69th anniversary of the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) struggle (1955-1959) for freedom from British colonial rule, in an effort to keep the Greek-American and the international community informed and connected. The episode was recorded at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church of Brookville in New York, where a Memorial Service for the EOKA fighters and a cultural event was organized by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), in collaboration with the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and the Consulate General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York."Modern Odyssey Now" is a shorter version of "Modern Odyssey" episodes with journalist-host and producer, Dr. Despina Afentouli, presenting more current issues and events. Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

Internationally accomplished artist, Marianna Afentouli, presented her second solo fine arts exhibition entitled “Byzantine Art & Symbolism'' to an international audience in reception in the Gallery of the Nanuet Public Library on April 1, 2024 at the Nanuet Public Library. The exhibition was organized by the Adult Program coordinator of the Nanuet Public Library, Kristen McInerney. H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was represented by Fr. Michael Palamara, presiding priest of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of West Nyack-New York. The Meteora Chapter 455 president of West Nyack, NY of AHEPA, Michael Tribunella, co-sponsored the event, and honored Marianna Afentouli with the “International Art Excellence Award For her Outstanding Contribution and Commitment to Traditional Unique Byzantine Iconography Art globally”Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

On this Modern Odyssey episode, Dr. Despina Afentouli interviews Atlanta 1996 Olympic Gold medalist, Ioannis Melissanidis, about artistic gymnastics and the power of the dream. The discussion goes on further about the importance of striving for common good causes, such as the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, and human rights protection.Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.

Dr. Despina Afentouli speaks with Rhode Island State Senator Lou (Leonidas) Raptakis about the "25th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum", his public service at Rhode Island State Senate and his presiding at the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, connecting elected officials of Greek origin from around the globe.Modern Odyssey with Dr. Despina Afentouli features interviews with thought leaders, artists, and prime movers on issues that aim to inspire. Just as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca symbolizes timeless values, this program connects contemporary life with human stories worth telling.