AHEPA Delegation Arrives in Greece,



  • Meetings Held in Preparation for 2008 International Convention
  • Chapter Started in Piraeus,
  • AHEPA Affirms Commitment to Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Athens, GREECE — The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation’s 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, arrived in Athens from Istanbul on Saturday to commence the third leg of the 79th Annual AHEPA Family Excursion.

“Our visit with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, was, as always, a spiritual journey to the highest see and holiest center of the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the world,” said Supreme President Gus J. James, II. During the visit, the AHEPA delegation presented His All Holiness with its yearly contribution to the Patriarchate. “We affirmed our ongoing commitment of our resources to end restrictions on religious freedom in Turkey.”

Moreover, before leaving Turkey, the AHEPA delegation visited the U.S. Consul General, for a private reception at her residence.

Athens

Upon its arrival, the delegation visited with various U.S. and Greek government officials. On Sunday, May 20, AHEPA went to Church to celebrate AHEPA Day. The service was well attended and everyone was thankful they attended. On Monday, the delegation met with the Mayor of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis; President of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki; Mayor of Piraeus Panagiotis Fasoulas and the Supreme President attended and officiated the initiation of the newest chapter of AHEPA in Piraeus.

On Tuesday, the delegation will visit with U.S. Ambassador to Greece Charles Ries; Minister of Culture Georgios Voulgarakis and Minister of Economy and Finance George Alogoskoufis . On Wednesday, before departing, the AHEPA delegation will meet with the Minister of Justice Anastasis Papaligouras; Minister of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works Georgios Ath. Souflias and the Latsis Foundation.

All these meetings were in preparation for the upcoming 86th Annual AHEPA Convention in Athens, Greece.

(Posting date 20 January 2007)

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA promotes the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org.

HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.

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