ΑΗΕPA news

 

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

For Immediate Release | December 21, 2024

Contact: Basil Mossaidis Phone: 202.232.6300 E-mail: basil@ahepa.org

Supreme President Tsivicos, Ambassador-Designate Guilfoyle Discuss U.S.-Greece Relations, AHEPA'S Century-Long Role

Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, AHEPA Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos engaged in a constructive conversation with U.S. Ambassador-Designate to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle as she embarks on her confirmation process. The discussion focused on Greece’s strategic importance in the southeastern Mediterranean and the enduring impact of AHEPA’s work in the region over the last 102 years.   Supreme President Tsivicos shared insights into the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the vital role Greece plays in regional stability. He also highlighted AHEPA’s contributions to Greece, Cyprus, and the broader Mediterranean, underscoring the organization's commitment to promoting U.S. interests and fostering strong relations as a longstanding bridge between the two longstanding allies. Additionally, Tsivicos discussed the continued provocations by Turkey over Greece territorial integrity, the continued occupation of Cyprus and raised concerns about the protection of religious freedoms and the protection of the Ecumenical patriarchate in Turkey, advocating for U.S. support in ensuring the preservation of religious rights in the region.   According to Tsivicos, Ambassador-Designate Guilfoyle expressed her appreciation for AHEPA’s century-long service and support to Greece and the assistance it provides to communities across the United States while affirming that if confirmed, she would work to strengthen and advance the importance of Greece and its role in the region.     Tsivicos noted AHEPA’s historical involvement in promoting U.S. interests in Greece, including the creation of the Truman Statue, which honors Ahepan President Harry S. Truman’s efforts to rebuild Greece after World War II. He also mentioned AHEPA’s role in the construction of the George Marshall Statue erected on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Athens, commemorating the Marshall Plan.   The Supreme President expressed eagerness to meet with Ambassador-Designate Guilfoyle in Athens, if confirmed.   “We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Ambassador to continue promoting strong U.S.-Greece relations,” he remarked.

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Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.  AHEPA's mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.  For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.

ΑΗΕPA update

 

From the Desk of the Supreme President November 28, 2024

Dear AHEPA Family & Friends,   At this time of year, we are reminded that we have plenty for which to be thankful. We are especially grateful to our volunteer members who give unselfishly of their time and resources in service to the community.

In fact, think about the amazing work AHEPA has accomplished thanks to you--our valued member! Within the past year, specifically in the past few months, AHEPA has provided relief to communities that have suffered devastation due to natural and other disasters. Ahepans also have: assisted the victims of the Flint Water Crisis with relief giveaways that concluded this year, surpassed $1 million in raising funds for cancer research and continue to demonstrate an enduring commitment to Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia) research, donated $1 million to help rebuild Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center; and helped to feed the hungry and provided public health assistance in Greece and established a medical library and a burn unit at Evangelismos Hospital. And there's more! Throughout its history, Ahepans have honored our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, remembered the sacrifices of our immigrant forebears, raised awareness about the consequences of PTSD and raised $1 million to sponsor over 100 service dogs to help wounded warriors (with more to come), helped neighbors to recover from natural disasters, organized successful Journey to Greece programs for our emerging leaders, collectively awarded millions of dollars in scholarships at the national, district and chapter levels (collectively an approximate $2 million annually); honored excellence in athletics, and continued to provide safe and dignified affordable housing for low-income and disabled older adults as a recognized nationwide leader in the affordable senior housing sector, while donating more than $10 million historically to nonprofits.   The commitment and dedication of our members is unwavering. We are also thankful for our generous donors and sponsors who have helped us to meet our mission by supporting our many programs and events -- and to our benefactors who have bolstered our Century Capital Campaign in celebration of our100th anniversary. As a reminder, this #GivingTuesday, please take a moment to make the AHEPA Charitable Foundation, from which our charitable giving programs are administered, a priority. Be sure to follow us on social media to see how you can help each day this week! On behalf of the AHEPA family, I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Fraternally, Savas C. Tsivicos Supreme President PS -- Don't forget, members are they key to our successful service programs. Know of an individual who can make a positive contribution to our mission and to the promotion and preservation of Hellenic ideals? Ask them to join AHEPA!

Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.  AHEPA's mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.  For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.

ΑΗΕPA:You're Invited to help change lives this Christmas Season!

 

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Contact: Basil Mossaidis Phone: 202.232.6300 E-mail: basil@ahepa.org   Dear AHEPA Family and Friends:   On December 15th, Supreme President Savas Tsivicos has scheduled another magnificent event at the Graycliff catering facility. We are asking every member who is able to, to come and support this exceptional event!   The AHEPA Journey to Greece is a fantastic program where since 1968, AHEPA has sent thousands of students to Greece for a 4-week program. Our current program offers 6 college credits and a life changing experience. We are asking every District and Chapter to help support this initiative. Supreme President Tsivicos will be honoring several individuals during this event and working to raise a $1M corpus to make our program self-sustaining. You are being invited, asked and depended on to help make this a historic event. This year's fundraiser will take place on December 15, 2024 at 6:00PM at The Graycliff in Moonachie, New Jersey. The event will feature dinner, open bar, music and more! A minimum donation of $125 is suggested for those interested in attending, and sponsorship opportunities are available as well. $1,000 Supporter $2,500 Benefactor $5,000 Grand Benefactor $10,000 Underwriter You won't want to miss this event! Reserve your spot today: 856.986.8972 | 732.299.1532 Take time to come and enjoy AHEPA fellowship during the festive time of year, parking is free and the food is abundant!  Everyone make plans to sponsor a table and support our Supreme President!  Fraternally, Basil Mossaidis Executive Director Order of AHEPA Download the Fillable Flyer!

AHEPA update

 

Thank You, Veterans! Monday, November 11, 2024

Today is Veterans Day 2024! The Order of AHEPA is grateful to our veterans who have served to protect our freedom and to keep peace. We ask the community, including all of our chapters, to take a moment to observe this very special day. It is a day to express appreciation and gratitude to all those individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces to keep our nation safe and free. This Veterans Day also marks the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of World War I. Do you know about the courageous story of U.S. Army Private First Class George Dilboy, the first Greek American to receive the Medal of Honor? Dilboy was mortally wounded in battle at Belleau, France, during World War I, July 18, 1918 (read Dilboy's Medal of Honor citation). General John J. Pershing, commander-in-chief of the American Expeditionary Force, who would be promoted to General of the Armies in 1919, called Dilboy one of the "ten great heroes" of the war.

Read more about Dilboy's story, which included fighting in the First and Second Balkan Wars, how the Turks desecrated his grave prompting an outraged President Harding to send a warship to recover Dilboy's remains, to his final burial at Arlington National Cemetery

AHEPA is comprised of many members who served in our Armed Forces. The Order offers its profound and sincere thanks to them for their service to our country. AHEPA's Veterans Committee, chaired by retired U.S. Army Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias, is committed to helping AHEPA chapters recognize veterans and active-duty service members. Please visit ahepaveterans.org to register veterans from your community and to order the AHEPA Medal for Military Service. The committee also encourages chapters to submit photographs from events honoring veterans, and for veterans to submit video clips of their experiences in the service. Send them to webmaster@ahepaveterans.org.

Moreover, through the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors program, AHEPA continues to raise awareness about the consequences of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the extraordinary efforts to improve the quality of life of veterans made possible through service dogs. To date, AHEPA has raised more than $1 million to sponsor over 100 service dogs! We encourage you to support this worthy program which provides service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the number of veterans with PTSD varies by service era (Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF); Gulf War, Vietnam War, Korean War and WWII).   Finally, to our active duty military personnel, or to those serving in harm's way, AHEPA salutes you! Fraternally, Savas C. Tsivicos Supreme President

Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.   AHEPA's mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.  For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.