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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas: Biggest property tax increases over 20 years

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas today released a study which reveals the properties in Chicago and the suburbs with the largest property tax increases since 2000, dramatic examples of how the tax burden has soared on homeowners and businesspeople.
Called “The Top 50,” the report lists the 50 Property Index Numbers (PINs) with the largest tax increases from 2000 to 2019 in Chicago and the suburbs, both residential and commercial.
Every property owner can see how much their property taxes have grown over 20 years by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com.
The report is a new chapter in “The Pappas Study,” an unprecedented study that shows the county’s tax bills virtually doubling over 20 years, an increase that is nearly triple the 36 percent rise in the cost of living index.
A copy of the news release is attached and posted here.

Introducing "The Pappas Study"

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas on Monday released an unprecedented study of property taxes that shows the county’s tax bills virtually doubling over 20 years, an increase that is nearly triple the rise in the cost of living index.

“The Pappas Study” is a painstaking examination of tax bills on Cook County’s 1.7 million parcels of property that shows the increase of total taxes over the past 20 years, and allows taxpayers to see the increases in bills on their homes, businesses and land.

Treasurer Pappas has revamped cookcountytreasurer.com so that property owners can look up the history of their tax bills going back to 2001.

The Pappas Study

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, Athena Schools of Chicago celebrated the graduation of its students for the school year 2021-2022.  It also celebrated the 100 years of Asia Minor marking the catastrophe of Smyrna, one of the great cosmopolitan metropolises of the Mediterranean Sea.  The students sang many songs and upper-grade students danced the famous “Kalamatiano” dance.  Present at this beautiful event were the Consul General of Greece, Hon. Emmanuel Koubarakis, Greek community members, and all students' parents.  Congratulations to teachers, Julia Stergiou, Helen Georgakopoulos, Chrysa Tsikrika, Carolina Panagiotopoulou, Demetrios Georgakopoulos, Vasiliki Tsiantou, and Zafiris Makridis.  Also, Christina Kokori, a teacher of traditional Greek dances, and Sofia Livaditi covered the program's musical aspects.

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

Children from all classrooms of Athena Schools, singing the National Anthem in the presence of the Principal, Demetrios Georgakopoulos, and teacher, Helen Georgakopoulos

ATHENA SCHOOLS CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

Hon. Emmanuel Koubarakis, Consul General of Greece in Chicago, presenting the Diplomas to the students, in the presence of Demetrios Georgakopoulos, Principal of Athena School, and teacher, Caroline Panagiotopoulou

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE was celebrated in Chicago on May 22, 2022, in the Greek Town.  Crowds of people flocked the surrounding streets to watch the parade for the first time after two years following the coronavirus pandemic.  The parade celebrates the rich Hellenic identity and culture in Chicago.  It was presented by The Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations. A great number of floats with participants from schools, churches, and different organizations, marched through Halsted Street.  The Parade was attended by the Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, the Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, the Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Hon. Emmanuel Koumbarakis and other dignitaries from the Greek-American community

From left to right, Theodore Sepsis, George Bovis, James Ascot, Andreas Cangellaris, and Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of the Chicago Greek Press.

From left to right, Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot and Kostas Zografopoulos

From left to right, Nick Tiniakos, Mark Tiniakos and Jason Quaglia, Joint C.ivic Committee Italian Americans

From left to right, Kostas Chaniotakis, his grace Timothy and Maria Pappas.

James Kopsias Family attending the parade

Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher-Editor of Chicago Greek Press with a representative of United Hellenic Voters of  America

St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago marching in the Greek Independence Day Parade


St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago marching in the Greek Independence Day Parade 

At City Club of Chicago, The Hon. Fritz Kaegi, Cook County Assessor with Mark V. Tiniakos,  Publisher and Editor of the Chicago Greek Press.

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

At City Club of Chicago, Mike Quigley, member of Congress with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of the Chicago Greek Press.

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

On June 11, 2022 the Association Neo Kyma Messinias held a cocktail party at the North Branch Restaurant in Glenview Illinois. Shown above is the governing board and some members of the Association

Photo by Ted Lambousis

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

FATHER CHRISTOS J. VAGIAS 1935-2022

Rev. Father, Christos J. Vagias, a former priest of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, passed away recently in the Village of Mikrospilia, his hometown, in Arta, Greece.  He served at St. George for over 35 years.  From the first moment at the church, he was determined to organize the community of St. George and he worked diligently with perseverance and self-sacrifice for all the years without counting effort and toil.  He worked for the Greek Christian ideals.  A brilliant preacher of the Greek language, he preached the word of God in plain Greek that was understood by the common people.  His sermon spoke to the hearts of the Greeks who gathered to hear him every Sunday.  Over the years, St. George and Father Vagias, synonymous with the Christian faith, unchanged from the influence of English, became a deacon for the preservation of the Greek-Christian faith. The expansion of the building complex with the addition of the Gymnasium and a Community for social events is due to the perseverance and hard work of Father Vagias. Under his guidance, the community of St. George raised funds and with the personal work of its members, a new building was formed that covered the constant needs of the community. Throughout his ministry, Father Vagias offered support, help, and comfort to anyone in need.  He is survived by Presbytera Konstantina, his three children, Ioannis, Sotiris, and Nektaria, and his grandchildren. 

Rev. Fr. Christos J. Vagias with late Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and Sotiris Vagias

Rev. Christos J. Vagias with Mark V. Tiniakos, former Board Member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.

Left to right:  Christos J. Vagias, His Eminence Metropolitan Athinagoras of Mexico and Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Johnson. 

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

Christos J. Vagias was named Chaplain of the Chicago Police Department by Matt L. Rodriguez, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. 

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

Remembering Nikos Pentzaropoulos, the amazing goalkeeper of the Panionios Football Team in Athens, Greece, who was highly recognized for his excellent ability and performance.  He was born in1927 and passed away in 1979 following his battle with cancer.  He started football at the age of thirteen in his neighborhood team and with the great talent he had, he was immediately placed in the first team of Panionios, and in1948 he was called to the National team. He was nicknamed “Hero of Tampere”, after a legendary performance with the Greek Olympic team in a match that took place in the city of Tampere in Finland during the Summer Olympic Games of 1952.  While in Tampere, he was given the chance to sign a contract and start training with the Inter Milan team.  He made the decision and in August 1952 he traveled to Milan, signed the contract, and started training with the Inter Team.  Unfortunately, certain things went wrong and Nikos, very disappointed with the circumstances, had to return to the Panionios team.  Apart from being a football player, Pentzaropoulos was also a field jumper with excellent performance, and also, played volleyball and basketball. 

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

Nikos Pentzaropoulos

 Paul Bezanis, Parade's security for ENOSIS for many years with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of Chicago Greek Press

Left to right:  Aaron Del Mar, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (R), Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of Chicago Greek Press, Gary Rabine, Candidate for Governor of Illinois (R), at the Knights of Columbus regular meeting

Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of Chicago Greek Press (left) with Richard Irvin, Mayor of Aurora, at the Polish American Police Association of Chicago and Illinois Award Banquet

POLISH AMERICAN POLICE ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS AWARD BANQUET

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Polish American Police Association of Chicago and Illinois, celebrated their 56th Annual Awards Banquet at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, Illinois.  During the event, the newly appointed President of the Association, Thomas A. Siega, thanked all those who have shown their support for the Organization and their accomplishments.  The individuals who were honored for Persons of the Year were Detective Adam Wazny, Law Enforcement, Chicago Police Department.  Officer John Cebulski, Law Enforcement, Aurora Police Department.  Officer Steven Kotlewski, Bensenville Police Department.  Officer Kenneth Tworek, Oak Park Police Department.  Officer Michael Kocerka, Chicago Police Department.  Sergeant David Rucci, Chicago Police Department.  The Civilian Persons of the Year were Malgorzata Kot and Richard Owsiany.  Among the attendees were distinguished politicians and candidates.

( from left to right )

1st Congressional District

Candidate Jeff Regnier, 38th Ward Alderman Nicholas Sposato, Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald, 15th Ward Mayoral Candidate Raymond Lopez are amongst the 510 guest at the Polish American Police Association (P.A.P.A.) annual banquet at the White Eagle Banquet Hall.

1st Congressional District Candidate Jeff Regnier, Local Businessman James A. Viola and Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald.

Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald, 41st Ward Committeewoman 

Amy Kessem and 1st Congressional Candidate Jeff Regnier.

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG


On March 25, 2022, the Wreath Ceremony and the Annual Raising of the Hellenic Flag took place at the Richard J. Daley Center Plax in Chicago, Illinois.  The Ceremony was attended by many officials of the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago Cook County, and of the Greek Orthodox Church.  Following the Ceremony, Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, held a Reception in her office at the County Building

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG

Pictured left to right are:  Hon. Iris Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.  Hon. Jesse G. Reyes, Judge at the Illinois Appellate Court.  Hon. Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer.  Hon. Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.  Hon. Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of the City of Chicago, and Hon. Mariyana Spyropoulos, Commissioner of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

RAISING OF THE HELLENIC FLAG

His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidoforos of America

Hon. Emmanuel Koumbarakis, Consul General of Greece in Chicago

Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of Hellenic American Leadership Council

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America with Mark V. Tiniakos, 

Publisher-Editor, Chicago Greek Press

Faternal Order of Police Lodge #7 President & Mayoral Candidate John Catanzara Jr., Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald and 1st Congressional District Candidate Jeff Regnier 

1st Congressional District Candidate Jeff Regnier, Polish American Police Association President Tom Sieja, Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald 

Mayor Candidate, Raymond Lopez and Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of the Chicago Greek Press

From left to right, Grand Knight Dennis P. Fitzgerald, Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of the Chicago Greek Press and 1st Congressional District Candidate Jeff Regnier. 

visit greece

Athens, Constitution Square

Athens, Constitution Square

Athens, Constitution Square

Island of Rhodes

Athens, Constitution Square

Athens, Constitution Square

Corfu (Kerkyra) island

Athens, Constitution Square

Naoussa in Paros island

Naoussa in Paros island

Naoussa in Paros island

Naoussa in Paros island

Santorini island

Naoussa in Paros island

Santorini island

SKIATHOS ISLAND

Naoussa in Paros island

Santorini island

ZAKYNTHOS

KEFALINIA ISLAND

KEFALINIA ISLAND

KEFALINIA ISLAND

KEFALINIA ISLAND

KEFALINIA ISLAND

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

SUMMER VACATION

Rev. Fr. Panagiotis K. Malamis of St. Athanasios and John Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago 

and Presvytera Theodora, recently departed for a month-long trip to Greece.  It is a well-deserved 

trip following Fr. Malamis’ hard work at the Parish. We wish them a happy and safe trip and may 

the Lord bless their journey.

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

Good Afternoon Friends and Members of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople, 

This is a reminder about our upcoming event, the Commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople.  

The event will take place tomorrow at the new Holy Trinity church at 7pm.  Archon Dr. George Demacopoulos will present to us "From 1453, to the Third Rome to the Invasion of Ukraine".  He will share his insights with us on his recent interview with a Moscow Patriarchate insider on the inner workings of the the Moscow Patriarchate and its role in the invasion of Ukraine.  More information is provided on the attached flyer.   

Please join us for an informative evening on the world's current events and how they affect our Ecumenical Patriarchate.  Then stay for fellowship and refreshments provided by the Holy Trinity Philoptochos. 

For those who cannot join us in person, please click on the link below to be directed to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago home page where the event will be live streamed.   

http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisofChicago

Thank you!  

Hellena K. Chrones

President

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

Hellenic Society of Constantinople

                Photo by Ted Lambousis

Hellena K. Chrones President Hellenic Society of Constantinople

                 Photo by Ted Lambousis.

St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriachate.

              Photo by Ted Lambousis. 

Memorial services for the Hellenic Veterans were held May 30, 2022 at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois. 

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Remembering great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day of March 25th in Chicago.


Left to right are Irene Pentzaropoulou, Vice Consul of Greece.  Hon. Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois.  Demetrios Zevelakis, Consul of Greece, and Thomas Stavrides, Vice Consul of Greece.

Wedding Anniversary

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Presvytera Theodora accepts flowers from the ladies of Philoptohos Society.


Recently, Fr. Panagiotis Malamis and Presvytera Theodora, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at St. Athanasios and John Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.  The celebration was held at the Church Hall and was attended by their children and grandchildren.  Father Malamis, has previously served the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios in Elmhurst, Illinois, for 35 years.

Great memories with friends at a reception, celebrating and honoring the Greek Independence Day

Rev. Fr. Panagiotis Malamis and Presvytera Theodora, surrounded by family members

Rev. Fr. Panagiotis K. Malamis with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor 

of Chicago Greek Press

General, Ioannis Metaxas, Prime Minister of Greece with King George B, and Marshal, Alexandros Papagos, along with Crown Prince of Greece, Paul B', during the Greek-Italian War in 1940

Recently, Mark V. Tiniakos of the Chicago Greek Press, met with the Honorable

Charles P. Kocoras, United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, and

talked about current and passed issues of interest. The Greek-American community

has honored Judge Kocoras multiple times over the years with multiple awards for his

many services and achievements.

The Honorable Charles P. Kocoras and Alex Pappas. He enjoyed his first trip to

Greece and now works in New York.

The Honorable Charles P. Kocoras with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor and of the

Chicago Greek Press

Picture left to right: John Kasss, former reporter of Chicago Tribune with Dennis Fitzgerald, Grand Knight,

Picture left to right: John Kasss, former reporter of Chicago Tribune with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of Chicago Greek Press.

In 1997, I had the blessing to meet with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew when he visited the Chicago area and I met him at the Chicago Metropolis, located at 40 East Burton Place, Chicago.  A special reception was held at the Metropolis to honor him.  The late Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and other high-ranking church officials welcomed the Patriarch.  Also, distinguished members of the Greek community attended the reception.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with Mark V. Tiniakos, Publisher and Editor of Chicago Greek Press.

Remembering Great Memories with old Friends

Knight of Columbus 

St. Michael the Archangel 

Officers for 2022 - 2023

Annual Picnic at Casa Italia in Stone Park

Remembering Great Memories with old Friends

On June 19, 2022, Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, and Pastor, John Harrell, the President of Black Men United, took part in a giveaway at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Pearson in Chicago, celebrating Father's Day. 


Pictured left to right:  Pastor John Harrell with Maria Pappas


Remembering Great Memories with old Friends

Remembering Great Memories with old Friends

Remembering Great Memories with old Friends

Picture left to right: Mark V. Tiniakos, Editor and Publisher of The Chicago Greek Press, The Late Hon. James A. Geroulis, Judge of Circuit Court of Cook County, Constantine L. Tsokos, Consul of Greece in Chicago and former Ambassador. 


Knights of columbus police council #12173

Members of Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Archangel, Police Council #12173 who advanced to 4th Degree on February 22, 2020.

.

Αχ, καφεδάκι COFFEE MUG

https://www.gearbubble.com/kafedaki2

Members of the St. Michael the Archangel Police Council 12173 praying for law enforcement members at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park

Members of the St. Michael the Archangel Police Council 12173

Mark V. Tiniakos, Editor and Publisher of The Chicago Greek Press with Governor JB Pritzker

Mark V. Tiniakos, Editor and Publisher of The Chicago Greek Press, with the late Christodoulos, Archbishop of Athens and all Greece

Mark V. Tiniakos with Hon. Attorney General for the State of Illinois Kwame Raul

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