|
The
AHEPA Family Mourns The Passing
in 2000-2001. "Through his eloquence and strong yet gentle leadership, Brother Economy inspired us with his zest for Hellenism, his love of the AHEPA and its principles, and his compassion for all people," said Supreme President Franklin R. Manios. "His contributions to the community will always remind us of his passion, dedication, and commitment to Hellenic values. Our deepest sympathies are with his lovely wife, Athena, and his extended family." Brother Economy held numerous offices during his AHEPA career and just concluded a three-year-term on the Board of Directors in July 2004. He also served two terms as Supreme Secretary and most elective offices at the district and chapter levels. In addition, Brother Economy served as President of the AHEPA Centennial Foundation, Inc., the entity responsible for the building and dedication of the Tribute sculpture to Olympism in 1996. The sculpture rests in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park and celebrates our ancestors’ gift to humanity. Furthermore, Economy is credited for being the force behind the dedication of the George C. Marshall Statue on the grounds of the American Embassy in Athens in 2000. Brother Economy was a 30-year member of AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1, Atlanta and served on the Board of Directors of AHEPA One, Inc., Atlanta Chapter’s senior citizens housing complex. In 1995, Brother Economy received the National “AHEPAN of the Year” Award. He was also active with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America being recently appointed to serve on the Archdiocesan Council. In 2001, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I made Brother Economy an Archon of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. He also served the Metropolis of Atlanta and the Board of Trustees of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Atlanta. Economy was President of Zomma Enterprises, Inc ., an athletic sportswear printing company he established in 1975. A native of Atlanta, he was the son of Efstathios Economopoulos of Messinia, Greece, and Evthoxia Petkas Economopoulos of Peramos, Asia Minor. He is survived by his wife Athena, brother Othon and sister-in-law Alice; brother-in-law George Gavalas and wife Vicki; and nephews and nieces. Funeral arrangements are being finalized. We leave with the Greek-American community Brother Economy’s thoughts on Hellenism: “In trying to define Hellenism, we must first understand that a simple definition of this word would be a grave injustice. To properly define Hellenism one would need a scholar to explain it’s origins, an artist to draw on it’s beauty, a poet to describe it’s heart, and a theologian to explore it’s soul. Simply put, Hellenism is the basis for man’s humanity to his fellow man. Each and every one of us can by right of birth claim the title of human being. By subscribing to and projecting the principles of Hellenism, we can add one very important prefix to that title—civilized." May the memory of Johnny N. Economy be eternal. #
# #
|
