On January 26th, 1998, the "
Enossi Smyrneon" (Union of people from Smyrna) organised at the Hilton Hotel a ceremony for the official cutting of the "Smirnaiki Basiliopitta" (New Year's pie) and the distribution of the awarded honorary prizes.
The "Enossi Smyrneon", within the framework of the honorary prize awarded every year to outstanding personalities originating from Asia Minor, this year honored the President of FHW, Mr. Lazaros Efraimoglou, with a special honoring diploma for his initiative to set up the Foundation of the Hellenic World. The diploma was given to Mr. Efraimoglou by the President of the Union, Mr. Taki Veziryianni.
The event opened with Mr. Veziryianni's greetings and presentation of biographical information about the Foundation's president, with particular mention of the Foundation and its objectives.
Following this, in his speech, Mr. L. Efraimoglou mentioned that the first exhibition at the Foundation's Cultural Centre on 254 Pireos street will be inaugurated in early March 1998, and stressed:
"This will be our first contact with the general public ... and I anticipate it will warm the hearts of people of all ages, because it is a hope for a better future". The Foundation's president wrapped up his speech saying: "Know Thyself, taught the Ancients in Delphi. Knowledge of history, the lively contact with our roots is what the Foundation you are honoring offers".
