Hellenic Cultural Commission Presents
its Mission for the Future

By Joe Keane, Chair, Hellenic Cultural Commission
In the not so distant memory, the Hellenic Cultural Commission (HCC) was the accepted thought-leader dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the Greek contribution to Western civilization. More recently the AHEPA Educational Foundation has taken up the mantle by providing scholarships to students to allow them to afford higher education. The encroachment of multi-culturalism in American education has made it necessary to resurrect the HCC, so that we might reclaim the rightful position that is the Greek contribution to Western Civilization's impressive and multifold achievements.
With this as our objective, we have adopted the following simple but powerful mission statement:

"The Hellenic Cultural Commission will encourage, collect, disseminate and sponsor activities that educate and promote the ideals of Hellenism."

With all humility, the HCC sees its mission as the heart and secret to AHEPA's growth and membership outreach program. With more interfaith marriages, and added distractions for younger generations, AHEPA needs a message that everyone can rally around. That message is education and Hellenism. The Greek commitment to education is legendary, so let me bring the message of Hellenism into focus:

Principles of Hellenism

  • The importance and worth of the individual
  • The concept of liberty and freedom for all
  • A commitment of service to our community and fellow man
  • An appreciation for the gifts we have received from our creator
  • The value of seeking the truth and being guided by it
  • The principle of democracy allowing all citizens to govern themselves
  • Awareness of perfect beauty leading us to higher aspirations
  • Use of ethics as a guide in everything
  • The importance of learning

We need your support to project Hellenism. The Hellenic Cultural Commission is a char-tered committee of the AHEPA Educational Foundation. Present donations to the Foundation are committed to scholarships. The HCC needs your support to achieve its objectives which are much more than just scholarships. If every member sends in only $5, which is a tax deductible contribution, our achievements will make you proud. If you can do more, please do so.

Do whatever you can and we will do the rest.


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 brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. 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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