AHEPA E-News Volume 18, Issue 13 | Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Supreme President's Celebration Trail

While the AHEPA Family all across the globe celebrated the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence, Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos traveled throughout the Tri-State area, attending celebrations throughout New Jersey and New York during the week leading up to Greek Independence Day on Monday. He joined the AHEPA Family of District 5 as well as the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey as the New Jersey Department of State hosted a Greek Independence Day Celebration and Statewide Flag Raising at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, NJ. The Supreme President was accompanied by Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodolou and many other AHEPA Family members from District 5 at this event.

The Supreme President's hometown of Ocean, NJ celebrated with a flag raising ceremony hosted by State Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Margie Donlon and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul. Later, he ventured to another flag raising ceremony in Paterson, New Jersey hosted by Mayor Andre Sayegh and Congressman Bill Pascrell. Finally, the Supreme President ventured to the Consulate of Greece in New York to participate in a reception hosted by Consul General Konstantinos Konstantinou in honor of Greek Independence Day. He was accompanied by BOT Vice Chairman George G. Horiates, PSP

AHEPA Family Celebrates Greek Independence

Across the AHEPA Family domain, our members came together in their respective communities to celebrate the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence Day. AHEPA family chapters, districts, and the Greek diaspora, worked together to promote this important day in our Hellenic history. Proclamations from state and local governments were secured, flags were raised at various State Capitols and City Halls, and wreaths were laid at memorial sites all over the world. We're incredibly proud of our members and the efforts you've all made to make sure that when people think of Hellenism, they think of AHEPA. Please enjoy some highlights from some of the Greek Independence celebrations our members participated in this year!

Canada welcomes Prime Minister Mitsotakis

The AHEPA Family was well represented as Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Toronto this March 25th, marking the first visit by a Greek Prime Minister to the Greek Canadian diaspora in over four decades. AHEPA Canada President Emmanuel Constas and DOP Grand Vice President Margaret Dritsas represented at this event that celebrated our shared heritage, culture, and lasting connections. Additionally, members of the Toronto chapters of the Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles were among the performers at the event and had the opportunity to greet both PM Mitsotakis and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Picture of PM Trudeau & PM Mitsotakis credit to Greek Community of Toronto

2024 AHEPA Athletics Scholar-Athlete Awards

The Order of AHEPA has proudly awarded scholarships to a number of deserving Scholar-Athletes at the High School and College levels for a number of years. These scholarships are funded through the generosity of Brother AHEPANS and their families, often in honor of an active and committed Brother or in memory of a deceased Brother or family member, or through the efforts of the AHEPA Athletic Department. The awards recognize and reward the accomplishments, including academic, athletic, and community service, of the Hellenic Community’s future leaders! Each particular Scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of sports, and in some cases, the classroom and community service. An applicant must be nominated by a member, in good standing, of the AHEPA family, by use of the attached 2024 Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Application Form. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2024, and all inquiries should be forwarded to the Chairman of the Scholar-Athlete Selection Committee, James Rigopoulos. Any AHEPAN interested in discussing the funding of a scholarship, please contact James Rigopoulos!

Download the Athletic Scholarships & Awards' Application

AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame

Reminder that The Order of AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame Nomination Applications are available online and due by MARCH 31, 2024!   The HOF honors the most outstanding Hellenic athletes and the sport’s industry’s leaders, including such greats as Harry Agganis, Alex Karras, Milt Pappas, Pete Sampras, Eric Karros, Gene Rossides, Steve Lappas, Bob Costas, Nick Markakis and Greg Louganis! Visit ahepa.org/programs/athletics to learn more about the Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame and to download and submit the nomination application form!

Congressional Banquet Sponsorships Available!

The 46th Biennial AHEPA Congressional Banquet is right around the corner! We invite you to join AHEPA on May 22nd at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC as we honor our Brother Senator John Sarbanes with the AHEPA Socrates Award. Additionally, we will be bestowing the AHEPA Pericles Award on U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal ( D-CT) and Marco Rubio* (R-FL), as well as U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). For more information on the event and on becoming a benefactor, please visit the link below. There are a limited number of tickets available so please take advantage as soon as possible. *not yet confirmed Learn More or Become a Sponsor!

AEF 2024 Scholarship Deadline Approaching!

Since its establishment, AHEPA, the largest and oldest Greek American Organization in the U.S., has consistently dedicated itself to advancing education for the next generation. Through our financial support in the form of scholarships, we aim to alleviate the significant burden faced by today's students. The cost of education should not act as a barrier but rather mirror a student's aspiration to achieve scholastic enrichment in their young lives. Applications for the 2024 AEF Scholarship must be postmarked by MARCH 31, 2024. If you are planning on applying, do so now!

Click to Learn More about the 2024 AEF Scholarship

Click to Download the 2024 AEF Scholarship Application

AHEPA Journey to Greece Program

Since its establishment, AHEPA, the largest and oldest Greek American Organization in the U.S., has consistently dedicated itself to advancing education for the upcoming generations. The AHEPA Journey to Greece program, a cultural immersion initiative, enables high school seniors and college undergraduates to earn up to six college course credits. Originally initiated in 1968, the program transported a youthful generation of Greek American youths to explore their ancestral culture and land. After a hiatus, it was revitalized in 2006 in collaboration with Webster University. Now in its 18th year, the 2024 AHEPA JTG program is accepting applications for individuals eager to delve into the rich culture and history that Greece offers. Scheduled to run from June 16 to July 12, 2024, interested parties can find more details regarding costs, schedule, courses, and application submission at the link below.

Click to Learn More about AHEPA's Journey to Greece Program

Click to Download a JTG Information Sheet

Click to Download the 2024 Journey to Greece Application

It's that time of year! Time to start thinking ahead to Supreme Convention 2024! Next year's Supreme Convention will be held in beautiful Larnaca, Cyprus at the Radisson Beach Resort. Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis to AHEPA Family Members only through AHEPA Global Headquarters. The only way to reserve your room is to fill out the form linked below and return it with your $250 reservation deposit.

Download Hotel information & Reservation Form

Learn more about the 2024 AHEPA Supreme Convention

Planning on joining us this summer in Cyprus? Make sure your passport is up to date! If it expires soon, renew it NOW! Passport renewal takes time and you don't want to miss out because you waited too long! Add this to your to-do list today!

Renew U.S. Passports Renew Canadian Passports Renew Greek Passports

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

March 29-31 | SOP & MOA Present Greeks in Montreal 31 | AEF Scholarship Application Deadline 31 | AHEPA Hellenic Athletics Hall of Fame Nomination Deadline April 15 | Deadline for AHEPA Scholar Athlete Award Applications May 22 | AHEPA 46th Biennial Congressional Banquet, Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC

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 Greek Drama ‘Maestro In Blue’ Renewed At Netflix & Mega TV Deadline (March 26) Maestro In Blue, the Greek drama series created by and starring Christopher Papakaliatis, is returning for a second season. Netflix and Greek broadcaster Mega TV will launch the second season of the show on May 16. The renewal comes a year after the series debuted on the streaming service, marking Netflix’s first worldwide pick up of a Greek series. The show reached the global top 10 for non-English series in 18 countries after its March 2023 debut. read more National team lets Greeks down Ekathimerini (March 26) Greece has missed out on the Euro 2024 finals, as its poor game in the so-called “match of the decade” at Georgia ended in a shootout defeat to the hosts on Tuesday. read more US and Cyprus will sign a deal to fight money laundering and evasion of Russian sanctions Washington Post (March 26) The United States and Cyprus said Tuesday they’re formalizing their collaboration in fighting money laundering, sanctions evasion and other financial crimes with an agreement offering Cypriot law enforcement authorities U.S. expertise. read more Who is John Poulakidas? A look at Yale's NCAA men's basketball tournament first round hero CT Insider (March 22)