A group of renown Russian classical musicians and the Felix Swing Band performed …miracles! Former New York Governor George Pataki was among the honorary guests. "Despite all disagreements that inevitably appear between states, it is very important that Russia and the United States keep their close relationship and the United States understand the need for Russia to be strong and flourish," he noted during his welcoming remarks.

The Honorary Committees of the event included Russian Senator Mikhail V. Margelov, Senator Roy M. Goodman, President and CEO of the UNDC, Yuri V. Ushakov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the USA, Louis F. Bantle, Chairman Emeritus of UST, H.E. Vitaly I. Churkin, Russian Ambassador to the UN, Sergey V. Garmonin, Russian Consul General in New York, Andrey P. Dolgorukov, Trade Representative of Russia to the US, Zurab K. Tsereteli, President of the Russian Academy of Arts, Andrey Z. Martirosov, CEO of UTair Aviation, Rick Shannon, President of AmeRussia Co and Dr. Eugene Zubkov, Director of the House of Hope.

Personalities of Cyril E. Geacintov’s caliber, former US Undersecretary of Commerce and President of the Russian Nobility Association (his family’s roots are traced in the 13th century Epirus,) along with a roster of internationally acclaimed artists such as Pianist Ilya Itin, Bass Mikhail Svetlov, Cellist Borislav Strulev and Soprano Anna Shaffa, among others, made the celebration an event to remember. The Russian Greek Orthodox Catholic Church in America was represented by Metropolitan Bishop Theodosius and Protopresbyter Alexander Abramov.

Russian and American officials, New York City and State Administration representatives, members of the diplomatic corps of New York, businessmen, leaders of the Russian-speaking community, renown scientists, writers, artists, sportsmen, and journalists of the leading newspapers and magazines were also present.

Senator Mikhail Margelov and Philanthropist Louis Bantle, founder of the House of Hope, were honored with the 2007 Day of Russia in New York Special Award for their outstanding contribution to the development of the bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.

«We have a sincere hope that this event will make its positive impact on the strengthening and development of Russian-American relations in all areas and will create a good tradition for long years to come not only in New York, but also in other great cities of the United States,” Ioori Smirnov, President of Globe PR Group, said addressing the guests.

“It is estimated that more than a million people living in New York trace their roots in Russia,” said Consul General of Russia in New York Sergey V. Garmonin, - a charismatic and energetic diplomat who was key to the event’s success - in an interview with NEO. “We are so proud of them and of their accomplishments. This celebration and other events that are in the offing are just a token of appreciation and an open invitation to join us in forging a stronger US-Russia relationship, based on real people. There is a huge potential for development that in the end can only be beneficial to all.” He also invited Greek American businessmen to look to Russia for new opportunities. “Our relationship is over a millennium old and there are so many things that we share. You are always welcome in my country, as other.

ДEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS
dondemetrio@neomagazine.com