AHEPA E-News
Volume 17, Issue 36 | Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Supreme President: Sarbanes Will Be Missed
Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos has issued the following statement upon U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes’ (D-MD) announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2024:
"We are grateful for U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes’ near two decades of public service in the U.S. Congress as a champion of the American Hellenic community and as a dedicated public servant to the constituents of Maryland’s Third Congressional District. His staunch advocacy for the policy priorities important to AHEPA’s mission—foreign and domestic—will be missed greatly.
"Moreover, we are proud to call him a Brother Ahepan. He has been by our side during some of our Order’s proudest moments in recent history. The presentation of the Pericles Award to Civil Rights Icon John Lewis, whom he introduced, in 2015, and our participation at the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights, come to mind.
"We are grateful for his appreciation and passion for volunteerism and service as demonstrated by his "Hellenism in the Public Service" campaign. The campaign aimed to shine a light on those ideals that we, as Ahepans, hold dear.
"We wish him all the best in his next endeavor. We are confident that he will continue to contribute to the betterment of society."
AHEPA Hosts Meet-and-Greet for Pappas
A meet-and-greet event was held in NYC on Monday, October 30, in honor of U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH). Ahepa organized the event to express gratitude to the new co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus and to Congressman Pappas for his recent efforts to hold Turkey accountable. In a recent letter sent to Secretary Blinken, co-signed by many in Congress, Congressman Pappas demanded action regarding Turkey's support of Hamas.
The event was attended by Ahepa Board Chair Nick Karacostas, Vice Chair George Horiates, and D6 Governor Peter Ragousis, among many others. Philip Christopher of PSEKA delivered gracious remarks emphasizing the importance of Ahepa to the audience.
AHEPA Hellas Chapters Distribute €40,000 in Aid In Wake of Catastrophic Storm Daniel
In the wake of Storm Daniel, the natural disaster that caused billions of dollars of damage across Greece, Libya, Turkey, and Bulgaria, AHEPA Hellas District 25 demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting communities in need.
As of today, assistance valued at €40,000 has been distributed to various sectors across the Volos region.
Distribution of 1,200 sandwiches as an immediate measure of support to the residents of Palaio Limenarchio in Volos City
Provided provisions of water, food, clothing and essential items to the residents of Volos
Distribution of 110,000 units of medical supplies to Achilopouleio Hospital to cover the increased needs of the region
Provided two pallets of water to the Police Directorate and Fire Service of Magnesia to cover the needs of crews operating on a 24 hour basis.
Dispatch and distribution of nine pallets with water, food and essential items for flood affected residents in the South Pelion Municipality
Dispatch and distribution of two pallets with water, medication, masks and gloves to the Health Center of Argalasti.
Restoration and Painting at the 9th Elementary School and the 9th Kindergarten of Volos.
Donated 18 units of library furniture, desks, a large photocopier, four new-generation computers, a large refrigerator and a heating chamber to the 9th Elementary School and 9th Kindergarten of Volos.
Looking forward, AHEPA Hellas District 25 and its chapters are exploring initiatives that will allow for the restoration of two more schools, one in Velestino and one in the Larissa region. They also hope to refurbish the infrastructure of a nursing home. These initiatives are a testament to the steadfast support AHEPA Hellas and its chapters are providing to ensure the wellbeing and sustainability of local communities amidst challenging times. They remain dedicated to mobilizing resources and extending help wherever it is required.
U.S. Representative Norcross meets with AHEPA
On October 26, AHEPA Family members had the opportunity to meet with US Representative Donald Norcross, representing the 1st Congressional District of New Jersey, in Haddonfield. The reception, in honor of the Congressman, who is also an Ahepan, was graciously hosted by fellow Ahepan Nikitas Moustakas. Notably, Nikitas also serves as a council member in the neighboring town of Mt. Laurel. The event featured the presence and remarks of PSP George Horiates, Vice Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees.
AHEPA Commends Bipartisan Call for Turkey to Stop Supporting Hamas
AHEPA commends bipartisan congressional action to urge the U.S. Department of State to hold the Republic of Turkey accountable for its role in supporting and facilitating the operations of Hamas, announced Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos.
Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) led the effort to secure the support of 45 colleagues on a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken that requests the State Department demand the Turkish government to act on six measures pertaining to Hamas. One of those measures is to formally designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
“We commend the leadership of Congressmen Bilirakis and Pappas and sincerely thank the legislators who supported it,” Supreme President Tsivicos said. “Turkey is a failed NATO ally in many ways, one of which is evidenced by its cozy relationship with Hamas. The letter demonstrates the extent of this relationship in excellent detail. We call upon Secretary Blinken to take the appropriate steps to hold Turkey accountable per the measures presented by the lawmakers.”
“We further encourage the community to share the letter with their elected representatives,” Tsivicos added.
The letter comes in the wake of Turkish President Erdogan’s refusal to acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Read the letter
Joint Caucus Condemnation Applauded
AHEPA also applauds a joint bipartisan congressional caucus condemnation of Turkish President Erdogan’s remarks on Hamas, announced Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos.
The co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, Armenian Caucus, Israel Allies Caucus, and the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance Caucus, issued the statement of condemnation on Oct. 27.
Read it here
Supreme President Presides over Mass Initiation
Supreme President Savas Tsivicos presided over a double-region mass initiation in Cherry Hill. Hosted by Camden 69, these initiations represented four different states in regions 2 and 3.
In attendance were Supreme Counselor Themis Frangos, Host Supreme Governor Dimitri Rozanitis, and Region 2 Supreme Governor Georgios Comninos. Additionally, the President of the newly formed Ahepa chapter in Ukraine and the Honorary Consul of Greece to Gherson in Ukraine, Pantelis Boubouras, were present, along with Ahepa Europe District Warden Andreas Zapounidis.
The Supreme President expressed his gratitude to the visiting chapters, welcomed the new initiates, and extended his appreciation to D5 Governor Koninis for his dedicated efforts.
Furthermore, the Supreme President presented a Heroes Medal to Brother Boubouras. The President of the Ukraine chapter shared accounts of the challenges faced during the conflict in Ukraine and expressed deep gratitude to Ahepa for its unwavering support of Hellenism in the country.
The Sons of Pericles Announce New Project
Sons of Pericles Supreme President Alec Economakis announced that the SOP Supreme Lodge is now collecting recipes for the second installation of their Daughters & Sons Cookbook, a collaboration between Sons of Pericles (or former Sons of Pericles) and Daughters of Penelope members that they plan to make available in Spring of 2024. The submission period ends on January 31, 2024. Please consider submitting your favorite recipe today!
Participate in the SOP Cookbook Project
Digital Issue of Fall 2023 The Ahepan Available!
Hot off the electronic press!
The Fall 2023 Issue of The Ahepan magazine is available now! Read all about Supreme Convention in Las Vegas and everything that's happened in the AHEPA realm in the last quarter!
The Ahepan Fall 2023
While It Lasts! Get Your AHEPA Centennial Merch
Get it while it lasts!
AHEPA centennial commemorative merchandise is available that includes a commemorative coin and stand and decanter set.
Years of service and chapter officer pins, award plaques, and AHEPA t-shirts, watches, patches, and more!
Check it all out in the AHEPA Marketplace catalog.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
November
4 | 100th Anniversary Celebration for AHEPA Chapter 30, Baltimore, Md.
11 | 100th Anniversary Celebration for AHEPA Chapter 25, New York, N.Y.
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
Ancient building and treasures from sunken city discovered underwater in Greece
CBS News (October 30)
Archaeologists have made an important discovery while exploring Salamis, a small island off the coast of Greece near Athens where a now-sunken city once stood. Scientists found a partially submerged building as well as a variety of marble treasures dating back to the 4th century B.C., the Greek Ministry of Culture announced while unveiling the striking new findings from an extensive underwater excavation project. read more
Greece looks for affordable home solutions as property prices soar
Euro News(October 30)
Soaring house prices and rents and making it tougher for Greeks to move onto or up the property ladder. According to the Bank of Greece, house prices across the country rose by 14.5% in the first quarter of 2023, and in Attica and Thessaloniki, prices went up by 16.5% and 16.1% respectively. read more
Greece and Cyprus key to evacuation plans for US citizens in Israel
KNews (October 30)
Key to the emergency plans devised by the United States and other Western nations for evacuating their citizens from Israel are Greece and Cyprus. Information from highly reliable sources, revealed to "K" within the past 24 hours, indicates that the U.S. has already been informed about the "evacuation corridors" set to traverse Cypriot and Greek territory, with relevant preparations underway. read more
Greece opens Maria Callas museum for a glimpse into opera diva's life
Reuters (October 26)
From a sample of her hair to a blue velvet dress she wore after the memorable 1955 performance of Verdi's La Traviata in Milan's La Scala, visitors to Athens can now marvel at items belonging to opera diva Maria Callas in a new museum dedicated to the legendary soprano. read more
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