AHEPA E-News Volume 16, Issue 12 | Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Greek Independence Celebrations Begin in Earnest

Greek Independence Day celebrations made a triumphant return in Philadelphia, Tarpon Springs, and New Jersey over the weekend--the first ones since the onset of the pandemic. Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas, Maids of Athena Grand President Maria Ana Pantelous, and Daughters of Penelope Grand Governor Zone II Dorothea Williams were on-hand for the celebration in Philadelphia. The annual Greek Independence Day parade held March 20 featured Supreme President Kokotas, Grand President Pantelous, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as Centennial Marshals. The Evzones marched in the procession down the Ben Franklin Parkway. The weekend of celebration included a pre-parade dinner and a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. In Tarpon Springs, the Florida AHEPA Family of Citrus District 2 participated in the annual Greek Independence Day parade, which also was held March 20 (pictured at right, center). Ahepan and Mayor Chris Alahouzos issued a proclamation to mark Greek Independence Day. AHEPA Bergen Knights Chapter 285, Tenafly, N.J., and the city of Englewood Cliffs, held a Greek flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Greek Independence on March 20 (pictured at right, bottom). Ahepans, local first responders, Boy Scouts and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian GOYA dancers and children participated. Ζήτω ή Ελλάδα!

PSP Horiates Honored by Philly Federation of Hellenic Societies AHEPA congratulates Past Supreme President and Board of Trustees Vice Chairman George G. Horiates for being the recipient of the 2022 Eleftheria Award from the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia. More than 400 people attended. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros presented the award to Horiates at the Federation's pre-parade dinner to commemorate Greek Independence on March 19, 2022. "We congratulate Brother Horiates on his well-deserved honor," Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said. "He has worked relentlessly and feverishly to defend and promote Hellenism worldwide, but this is an especially meaningful recognition coming from his hometown community of Hellenes from the Delaware Valley. Axios!" The National Herald coverage

Senate Foreign Relations To Take Up Greek Independence Resolution Today The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will take up a resolution to commemorate the 201st anniversary of Greek Independence at its business meeting today. The resolution, S.Res.547, is sponsored by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Barrasso (R-WY). It has 31 co-sponsors. "We appreciate Senators Menendez and Barrasso for taking the lead on this resolution, and we look forward to it passing favorably out of committee and eventually by the U.S. Senate," Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said.

Appeal for Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Since opening the Emergency Relief Fund to collect donations for Ukrainian aid, AHEPA Global Headquarters is proud to report that once again, our chapters have answered the call. Retired Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias, PST, reported his chapter, Peter N. Derzis Chapter 438, Falls Church, Va., was able to collect over $2,500 from their community to contribute to the AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund. We encourage all chapters to raise funds in their communities for this worthy cause. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend their country from a brutal, devastating, and unprovoked invasion by Russia. We hail the Ukrainians’ defense of democracy and freedom. The humanitarian ruin and loss of life has been catastrophic. More than 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion. These are staggering numbers not seen since World War II. The Order of AHEPA stands in solidary with Ukrainian refugees and families. The AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund is open to receive donations for humanitarian aid to assist the people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. read our full appeal

Supreme Convention Pre-Registration Form Released

The 2022 Supreme Convention pre-registration form is available from AHEPA Global Headquarters. Please note that in order to register as a Delegate or Alternate, your chapter must report you as one. If you have not been reported as a Delegate or Alternate, you will be charged the guest price, so please coordinate with your chapters early. Download Registration Form

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Call for Applications | AHEPA Journey to Greece

During our 100th Anniversary, we are proud to offer emerging leaders the exciting opportunity to participate on our premier educational program, Journey to Greece. Established in 1968, the Journey to Greece program provides an opportunity for our youth to visit Greece and earn six college credits in the process. This year, we are proud to work with Webster University in Athens for a 17th year.  The 2022 Journey dates are July 5 to 30. Learn More Apply Today!

Deadline Approaching! 2022 National Scholarship Application Open

The AHEPA Educational Foundation has made the 2022 National AHEPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Application available on the AHEPA website. Please visit the link to learn about eligibility criteria for the scholarship as well as the scholarships available this year. The deadline to submit an application for the 2022 AHEPA Educational Foundation Scholarship is March 31, 2022.

Apply Today

AHEPA 100th Anniversary Virtual 5K

Celebrate AHEPA's centennial anniversary by participating in a Virtual 5K! This race is ideal for walkers or runners!  Safely complete the challenge your way and at your pace. Even on a treadmill. And you decide when and where anytime until June 15, 2022. Participate in this event as an individual, a small group, or as a chapter! Proceeds go to the AHEPA 501(c)3 Foundation. more info

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AHEPA Supports the Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum AHEPA is proud to be a supporting organization of the 23rd Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum, announced Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. The forum will be held at The Metropolitan Club, New York City, April 11, 2022. This year's theme is "A New Era -- A New Direction for Greece. Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the Keynote Speaker (via videocast). The "Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum" is an International Summit about Greece hosted in New York, organized in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange and major global investment banks. It is the longest running investment forum about Greece abroad, engaged in a systematic effort to promote Greece as a business and investment destination to a global audience. learn more | register here

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

March  23 | Greek Independence Celebration Flag Raising at New Jersey Statehouse, Trenton 25 | Greek Independence Day! 28 | Man of God 2nd Showing 31 | Deadline: National Educational Foundation Scholarship application April 11 | Capital Link Forum, "A New Era - A New Direction for Greece," New York City

Greek American News Digest  Editor's Note: Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members  'What I saw, I hope no one will ever see' says Greek diplomat returning from Mariupol Reuters (March 21) Greece’s consul general in Mariupol, the last EU diplomat to evacuate the besieged Ukrainian port, said on Sunday the city was joining the ranks of places known for having destroyed in wars of the past. read more Issues between Greece, Turkey being put on ice Ekathimerini (March 20) With the war in Ukraine upsetting regional balances and realigning NATO’s orientation, the pending issues dividing Greece and Turkey are temporarily being put on ice in the name of the transatlantic Alliance’s cohesion. read more Cyprus offshore appraisal confirms Exxon gas find -energy ministry Reuters (March 21) An appraisal drilling for hydrocarbons off Cyprus has reaffirmed a reservoir of high quality gas in an area licensed to ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum, the island's energy ministry said on Monday. read more 10 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Greece Travel + Leisure (March 21) With its historical charm, gorgeous beaches, delicious foods, and always friendly people, Greece is a perennial favorite travel destination. It's a place where relaxation and renewal reign supreme. read more Acclaimed Documentary “King Otto” Premiering March 23 on Red Carpet at Museum of Modern Art The Pappas Post (March 17) “King Otto,” an acclaimed documentary film about the miracle triumph of the Greek national soccer team at the 2004 Euro Cup, will have a red carpet premiere in New York City on Wednesday, March 23, at the Museum of Modern Art. read more

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