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You Are What You Where When
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

You Are What You Where When

Chris (Christos) Anastasiou Zervas was born in Prosimni, Argolidos, in the Greek Peloponnese. His birthdate varies depending on the document used. Chris Zervas uses these simple words give meaning to how our beliefs and culture have made us what we are today.

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And I Said, “Why Not?”
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

And I Said, “Why Not?”

Pictured here, with love birds in hand, Tony and Zoe Okos were married in 2017 but had known each other since their childhood days in Greece. Their lives are linked through centuries of relatives and historical figures. Zoe’s allegiance, family, children and grandchildren are in Greece while Tony’s is totally in America.

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The Priest With Many Parishes
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

The Priest With Many Parishes

Since his ordination in 1966, Father John Angelis has served in 12 different parishes during 56 years as a Greek Orthodox priest, most of them after he retired in 2007. He and Presvytera Anna continue their service via ZOOM from their home. In his words, “It has been a blessing for us to get to know and serve so many people. Praise be to God."

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Distant Yet Close Siblings
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

Distant Yet Close Siblings

Michael Peter Kazaras was born on September 28, 1940, in North Bronx, New York, and lives in Kirkland, Washington, with his wife Lisa. Michael’s sister, Joann Veloudis, also born in the Bronx in 1942, lives in the Athens suburb Holargos with her husband Stamos. Joann’s son, Evangelos “Evan” lives in San Jose, California, and daughter Maria lives near her uncle Michael in Bothell, Washington. It was a special opportunity to have all of them together for this interview on November 18, 2022.

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Two for the Museum
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

Two for the Museum

 Since 2009, John and Joann Nicon have been conducting video interviews with Greeks and Greek-Americans in Washington State.  With the help of many others, stories from those interviews have been shared worldwide.   Now, here is a little information about John and Joann and their work with the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State.

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The Flying Educator
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

The Flying Educator

Nick Cosmakos’s aviation career really began at 16 years of age when his parents gave him a $200 gift certificate to a local flight school. Now, with over 40 years as a pilot, he continues his career training those who fly the skies for Alaska Airlines.

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A Military Historian
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

A Military Historian

Constantine “Gus” George Chamales retired as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army after a 21-year career. In retirement he has managed the military ministry of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, Washington, a task that documents and honors those Church members who have served their country. With a deep interest in history, he has also been able to trace his family back to the 1700s.

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We Like the Old Stuff Better
Exhibit Greeks of Washington Exhibit Greeks of Washington

We Like the Old Stuff Better

They may not be Greek but, wherever live Greek music is played in Washington State, Hank Bradley and Cathie Whitesides will most likely be part of the group.

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To Suit the Occasion
Exhibit Greeks of Washington Exhibit Greeks of Washington

To Suit the Occasion

Steve and Anna Athan spent over 30 years combining hard work and his tailoring skills to achieve a successful career in Seattle, Washington.  They share their stories of growing up on farms in Greece and their experiences in America.

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It’s Always Been Mary
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

It’s Always Been Mary

Mary George (nee Courounes) has held on tightly to her Greek heritage while living in Seattle, Washington, almost her entire life. She and her husband Harry have experienced the best of both Greek and American lifestyles.

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