Friends of the Gennadius Library Gather for Kathara Deftera at Kellari Taverna
Library Director Maria Georgopoulou with guest James Jordan
The bitter cold weather did not keep a large crowd from enjoying the warmth and good cheer inside Kellari Taverna in New York City on March 3, 2014 as friends of the Gennadeion gathered for the library’s primary fundraising event in the U.S. Kathara Deftera, or Clean Monday, marks the start of Lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar, and the Lenten meal prepared by Chef Gregory Zapanatis was both simple and elegant.  Guests dined on a variety of sumptuous dishes, including giant prawns, calamari, octopus, and several traditional vegetable and dessert dishes. Good Greek wines flowed throughout the evening and musical entertainment was provided by Gregory Maninakis and his trio. Vice chairman of the Gennadius Library Overseers Nassos Michas welcomed the crowd, then paid tribute to its former vice chairman Ted Athanassiades, who passed away suddenly last month. He reminded the audience that it was Mr. Athanassiades who started the tradition of the library’s Clean Monday event, which is now in its 14th year. Consul General of Greece Georgios Iliopoulos was on hand with welcoming remarks as well as Library Director Maria Georgopoulou, who spent a few moments talking about the new West Wing expansion project for the Library. The Library would like to thank all the co-chairs, patrons and friends for making this event possible. All proceeds from the evening contribute toward the operating expenses of the library.