Despina and Marianna Afentouli: Two Dynamic Professionals

BY CATHERINE TSOUNIS

Treasures are exhibited at Greek festivals. I saw Dr. Despina Afentouli, a journalist and sociologist, at the Kimisis tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. Dr. Afentouli is a dynamic, international emcee and program speaker at educational, cultural, and political events in New York and across America. A pleasant person with a beautiful smile, Dr. Afentouli is down-to-earth and humble. Whatever event she participates in becomes a success

“Come and meet my sister, Marianna Afentouli, a Byzantine iconographer,” said Dr. Despina. An unforgettable display of icons was set up. Saints such as “George the Dragon Slayer,” the “Archangel Michael in Roman attire with a sword, “Panagia” (Virgin Mary) were some of the created masterpieces.

“I put my heart into my creations,” said iconographer Marianna. Ms. Marianna Afentouli exhibition, titled “Byzantine Art and Symbolism,” attracted an international audience of art enthusiasts who expressed significant interest in continuing the lectures on Byzantine Iconography. Organized by Mrs. Kristen McInerney, the coordinator of Adult Programs at the Nanuet Public Library, the exhibition ran from April 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024.

At the opening event on April 1, Mr. Michael Tribunella, president of the 455th AHEPA “Meteora” Division in West Nyack, New York, delivered a welcome message. AHEPA co-sponsored the exhibition, and Mr. Tribunella honored Marianna Afentouli with the “International Art Excellence Award” for her outstanding contribution and commitment to traditional Byzantine iconography art globally

With an art class entitled, “Introduction to Byzantine Iconography” (theory and practice), the second solo art exhibition of the acclaimed Byzantine iconographer, Marianna Afentouli, was shown on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Gallery of the Public Library of Nanuet.

Dr. Despina Afentouli is frequently heard on 91.5 Cosmos FM radio. Byzantine iconographer Marianna Afentouli work is seen in local New York churches and across the nation.

For more information on the artwork of the Byzantine iconographer, Marianna Afentouli, visit her official website:

www.afentouli.info/