Maliotis Cultural Center: A “Hub of Hellenism and a Beehive of Orthodoxy”

“Panhellenic Post” – February 25, 2025

Interview with Panhellenic Post and Dr. Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis by Chrysoula Kourkounti, Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center

Chrysoula Kourkounti, Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center, gave an interview to Panhellenic Post and Dr. Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis. She spoke with Dr. Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis about the Center’s significant cultural initiatives. 

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has highlighted the importance and contributions of the Center, describing it as a “hub of Hellenism and a hive of Orthodoxy.”

Over the past five years, the Center has hosted distinguished artists and creators who have presented their work. It continues to rely on supporters of Greek culture and major sponsors to ensure a prosperous future.

The interview is as follows:

Question: Tell us a few words about the history of the Maliotis Cultural Center.

Answer – Chrysoula Kourkounti: The Maliotis Cultural Center began operating fifty years ago, thanks to the generous donation of Kostas and Mary Maliotis, who envisioned the creation of a cultural center within the grounds of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology—one that would serve the needs of the Greek-American community. Throughout its many years of operation, the Maliotis Cultural Center has hosted numerous distinguished creators and artists.

In 2020, a new era of renovation and revitalization began under the leadership of former President Mr. George Cantonis, with the support of dedicated staff and volunteers.

That same year, I also assumed my role as Executive Director. My primary focus was overseeing the repair of neglected facilities, cataloging and preserving stored works of art, and creating new multi-functional spaces. Today, the Center hosts a variety of cultural events and gatherings.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has praised the Center, describing it as a “hub of Hellenism and a hive of Orthodoxy” in the United States, emphasizing its significance.

This significance was further highlighted in the fall of 2024 with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Benaki Museum—the first agreement of its kind that the museum has signed with an institution outside of Greece.

Since the summer of 2024, a permanent photographic exhibition from the Benaki Museum on the first modern Olympic Games in Athens has been prominently displayed in the Center’s foyer.

Additionally, the Maliotis Cultural Center has established collaborations with the Massachusetts Cultural Council; Boston-area universities such as Harvard, Boston University, Boston College, Tufts, and Emmanuel College; as well as academic institutes and prominent institutions in Greece, including the Gennadius Library. It also maintains partnerships with church organizations and the Greek-American community.

Q: You mentioned that the Center hosts various cultural events and gatherings. Would you like to tell us about some of them?

A: Over the past five years, distinguished artists have presented their work at the Center. Notable performances include Dimitris Lalos with “Hector’s Catharsis” and “Alcestis”, Foteini Baxevani with “The Lady of Ro” by Giannis Skaragas, and Alkinoos Ioannidis, who engaged with the audience through music and conversation about art.

Other memorable events include:

• The Greek Contemporary Film Festival

• A presentation of the work of award-winning Cypriot poet Kyriakos Efthymiou

• A lecture by distinguished American philhellene Professor Curtis Runners on rare Greek books from his collection, co-organized with the Gennadius Library in Athens

• A lecture by Dr. Nikoletta Tsitsianoudi-Mallidi from the University of Ioannina on teaching Greek during times of crisis

• The exhibition “Greek Heads” by renowned sculptor George Petrides

• The “Anatoliama” musical performances featuring virtuoso Greek clarinetist Manos Achalinotopoulos

• Photography exhibitions “Cyclades” by Elena Borsein and “All Faces of the Parthenon” by Petros Galanis

• A fashion show by Greek fashion houses Parthenis and Tsigaros

• An open discussion with acclaimed Greek-American director and TV producer George Pelecanos

• A lecture on the Mediterranean diet by Dr. Stefanos Kales, professor at Harvard University

• Presentations by renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall and MIT’s Dr. Kostis Daskalakis on artificial intelligence

• The exhibition “The Greek Revolution Through the Eyes of Americans”, marking the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, prepared by faculty from Hellenic College and Stockton University

• The photography exhibition “The Good Shepherds” from the Jewish Museum of Greece, highlighting the rescue of Greek Jews during the German occupation by Orthodox hierarchs in collaboration with Greek Chief Rabbis—organized with support from The Hellenic Initiative, the Behrakis Foundation, and the Greek and Israeli Consulates in Boston

• A screening of the film “The Murderess” followed by a discussion with its creators, Eva Nathena (director) and Karyofyllia Karabeti (actress).

In May 2024, the 10th International Summer University for the Teaching of the Greek Language in the Diaspora was held at the Center, organized by the program’s founder, Dr. Nikoletta Tsitsianoudi-Mallidi, in collaboration with the University of Ioannina. In May 2025, the 11th International Summer University will take place at the Maliotis Center, focusing on Greek Diaspora Media and the Challenges for the Greek Language and Culture.

Currently, visitors to the Center can admire an exhibition on the cultural heritage of the monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos, presented in collaboration with the Friends of Mount Athos in America and Princeton University.

Finally, the Center’s activities include Greek dance classes, traditional Greek music lessons, and Greek language courses for students of all levels. The Center also hosts daily classes and academic events for Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Q: As we conclude our interview, how do you see the future of the Maliotis Cultural Center?

A: I view it with optimism and look forward to seeing it grow further, both in terms of the programs it offers and its infrastructure. Growth and the ability to seize new opportunities, of course, require the united support of all friends of Greek culture and major sponsors to ensure a fruitful future.