New York, NY.- Over 5.000 book titles, including a significant collection on the history and culture of the Macedonian land, which this year is celebrating its 100 year anniversary since its liberation, are hosted at the lending library of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center.

It is the first library run by a Greek – American organization in New York, and its inauguration was celebrated by Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Pan – Macedonian Studies Center in Whitestone, whereby the library is hosted.The Pan-Macedonian Studies Center library is named after Elias Neofytides, founder of the Center, who did not conceal his emotions, as he was witnessing another dream come true. He happily accepted the congratulations and wishes of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, who referred to the contribution of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center.

Mr. Neofytides expressed his gratitude on the honor of having the library named after him, and thanked everyone who voluntarily worked all these years, devoting time and funds, for the completion of this major project.

Particular mention was made to the late Barbara Papigioti, co-founder of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center, along with Fotis Gerasopoulos and Paul Evangelou.

An honorary proclamation on behalf of the New York State Senate was presented by State Senator Tony Avella, elected to the area of Whitestone, while Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, also from the same constituency, characterized the new library as a “major and significant investment”. On her part, Greek – American, New York State Assemblywoman, Aravella Simotas, said that the library is evidence to the love of Greeks for books and literature.

The new Consul General of Greece, Giorgos Iliopoulos, expressed his great pleasure on starting his tenure in New York with a cultural event, noting the great coincidence of the inauguration ceremony taking place in 2012, the year that marks the completion of 100 years since the liberation of Thessaloniki and Macedonia.

Lastly, the Chairman of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center, Demetris Bozirikis, presented honorary distinctions to the volunteers who worked towards the creation of the library, the recording of its collection and electronic data input, so as to better serve those interested.