AHEPA HELLAS

District #25

AHEPA SUPREME CONVENTION 2008

we proved we can do it...

SURVEYORS - LOSS ADJUSTERS since 1955

LOSS ESTIMATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS

PRE-RISK SURVEYS

FIXED ASSETS ESTIMATIONS

PML ESTIMATIONS

RISK MANAGEMENT

LOADING/UNLOADING SUPERVISIONS

LOSS RECOVERIES

LECTURE ON INSURANCE TOPICS

Adjustment and settlement of losses In all insurance branches fire and allied perlls, engineering (CAR, EAR, MB, EEI, DOS), business interruption, hird party ilability, marine (hull and cargo), motor, theft and burglary, cancellation of events.
THESSALONIKI: 5 MITROPOLITOU IOSIF ST. GR 54622 TEL: +30-2310-229132, FAX: +30-2310-267829 e-mail: thessaloniki@enmanos.gr ATHENS:17 ALEXANDROU SOUTSOU ST. GR 10671 TEL: +30-210-3604329, FAX: +30-210-3612205 e-mail: athens@enmanos.gr IOANNINA:THESPROTON ST. & HAONON ST. GR 45221 TEL: +30-26510-49405, FAX: +30-26510-49408 e-mail: ioannina@enmanos.gr PATRA:35-37 AGIOU DIONISIOU ST. GR 26223 TEL: +30-2610-455225, FAX: +30-2610-455405 e-mail: patras@enmanos.gr IRAKLIO CRETE:6A PIKRODAFNIS ST., AGIOS IOANNIS GR 71409 TEL: +30-2810-327061, FAX: +30-2810-327054 e-mail: iraklio@enmanos.gr NICOSIA, CYPRUS: E. M. MANOS (CYPRUS) LTD 15-17 CHALKOKONDILI ST., CY1071 TEL: +357-22-375980-1, FAX: +357-22-375979 e-mail: manoscy@cytanet.com.cy ISTANBUL TURKEY: E. N. MANOS LTD INN CD. INDIGO APT. N. 51 GMSSUYU TAKSIM, ISTANBUL TURKEY tel. +90-212-2446416 fax +90-212-2446421 KHARKOV, UKRAINE:E. N. MANOS (UKRAINE) LTD 11, LENIN AVENUE, FLAT 22 61166 KHARKOV, UKRAINE TEL: +380-572-172738, FAX: +380-572-172739 BAHRAIN: E. N. MANOS (GULF) CO.W.L.L. FLAT 62 BUILDING 160, BLOCK 317, ROAD 1703 P.O.BOX 704, GR 55869 MANAMA-KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN TEL. +973 1753154 FAX +973 17531519

www. enmanos.gr

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AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ATHENS GREECE

Dear Gus I am delighted to know that the Order of the AHEPA will be holding its 84th annual convention in Florida later this month. I wish I could be with you. Please know that I am there with you in spirit. The Order of AHEPA has a storied place in the history of the immigrant experience in America. Beyond just providing a framework wherein Greek-Americans could maximize their own opportunities in their new home in the United States, AHEPA and Ahepans became leaders in the battle for civil and political rights for all Americans. It is a record to be proud of. Today, Ahepans around the world continue their philanthropic traditions in inspiring ways, and continue to write a history that all Greek-Americans can take as a model for future generations. I hope to see your annual convention held in Greece while I am still here. Please accept my congratulations and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Charles P. Ries

LETTER BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, THANKING AHEPA HELLAS OF HONOURING HIM
May 12, 2003 Dear Messrs. Gotzios and Dimitropoulos: I am deeply honored by the award that AHEPA Hellas District 25 has bestowad upon me and wish I could be present for your ceremony on May 23. Unfortunately, current pressing issues at the United Nations require my presence in New York at that time. As you celebrate your forty-first anniversary, I wish to extend my congratulations for continuing to define the highest aspirations of all civilisations. Your service to Hellenic values and promotion of them throughout the world is reflected in the American ideals that we all cherish. Although I am not able to be with you on May 23, I send my best wishes for a stimulating symposium as you address the role of Greeks and their acoomplishments in the global context. I also wish to express my appreciation to all your members for honoring me on this auspicious occasion. Sincerely,

John D. Negroponte

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GREETINGS FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF AHEPA HELLAS DISTRICT #25 DR. ALFRED J. BARICH Dear AHEPA family,
It is with great honor and sense of responsibility that I address you again this year as District Governor of AHEPA HELLAS. Last year in the Supreme Convention at Boston, I had the opportunity to speak with many of you and exchange ideas. I have since consolidated my opinion of the inherent greatness of our Order, and have mobilized all the resources at my disposal to awaken this greatness. Our District is committed to promoting our ideals in Hellas and Europe as well. The Hellenic Republic has come closer to us and is supportive to our cause , as is our Embassy. At this point I feel the need to thank all the members of our Supreme Lodge for their support of our efforts to improve our relations with all those who can help us promote AHEPA as an International force to be reckoned with. The overwhelming success of the AHEPA HELLENIC AMERICAN FORUM proved both our commitment and our capability to undertake serious ventures and culminate them successfully. More ever, it proved that were on the right track. Reinforcing our bonds and ties with Hellas at all levels, culturally, socially, historically and financially, is the key to reawakening the greatness of our Order. We are privileged because we have the best of two worlds. We can be proud because we are a part of a country that introduced the concepts of Freedom, Democracy, Civic Responsibility and Individual Rights, to the Modern World, but we are also a part of the country that gave birth to those ideas over three thousand years ago. In his message for 4th of July celebration , our president acknowledged this special relationship between the US and Hellas. And we, AHEPAns are the Ambassadors of this relationship. We should cherish and promote it whenever and wherever we can. One of our most important missions is to help pool the resources from both countries and create a strong dynamic flow, like the merging of two tributaries into a mighty river. AHEPA HELLAS is capable and willing to play a leading role in the merging of these Dynamics. We have proven that we are devoted to the growth of AHEPA adding two chapters in as many years, and having another five all over Hellas ready to be initiated (hopefully at least three of them within the year). We are willing to help and work with all the other Districts in promoting AHEPA growth within the US and Canada. We believe that a key ingredient to catalyzing the reaction that will jumpstart AHEPAs comeback and bid for glory, is the commitment to having the AHEPA Supreme Convention 2008 in Hellas. We need for this to happen not only on a conventional level, but on a sensational one, reminiscent of the Olympics coming home. The opening ceremony must be a grand one, and our presence in Hellas underscored, along with our commitment. We at AHEPA HELLAS, District 25, are capable of giving you the best Supreme Convention ever ! A Convention to be remembered, with opportunities for interaction at all levels. We need for each and everyone of you to be there!! Let us show to all, and primarily ourselves, what we are capable of. I thank you for your attention, and request your support in our efforts. Fraternally, Dr. Alfred J. Barich GOVERNOR AHEPA HELLAS DISTRICT #25

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GREETINGS FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE, DISTRICT #25 MS MARIA MINIADU - HARITIDU
Heartfelt greetings to this joint project of AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. When they founded the Organizations AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope they set a sacred and almost unobtainable goal: The preservation of Hellenism, which includes everything it implies (homeland, religion, language, customs, ideals and principles). The improvement of the relationship betjween immigrant Greeks, and their brotherly embracement, in those foreign places where they found themselves, to help each other survive. And they survived. And they achieved much, much more than mere survival. Today we are still continuing But, in order to succeed, we have to use the one and only formula. That is, returning to our original goals . We Have To Remember Them!

aria iniadu-Haritidu.

A FEW WORDS FROM GEORGE DUSSIAS EDITOR IN CHIEF, PDG

It is with great pleasure that I address the 84th AHEPA SUPREME CONVENTION through this Ad book. A lot of hard work and thought went into it, but most of all, alot of good old TLC. We who have AHEPA under our skin, are proud of what our District is doing, and as our District Governor said in his Address, we are looking forward to working with all the other Districts in helping to promote growth and expansion in US and Canada. We have the formula for success and we want to share it with all of you. We want you to give us the opportunity to be your hosts for the 2008 Supreme Convention. All of those who participated in the AHEPA HELLENIC AMERICAN FORUM can vouch for the highest standards of our organizing abilities and our characteristic FILOXENIA AND FILOTIMO. We wish to extend these to you at their apex in 2008 in Greece. Fraternally, George Dussias Editor in Chief, PDG

Editor in Chief : George Dussias Editor : Jane Ressos-Bizos Production Manager : George Bizos 14

P.R. Liaison & Legal Counsel Production

: Anastos Dimitropoulos : Info Publications Ltd., Tel 210-9940109

LIVE YOUR MYTH IN GREECE!

MAKE MYTHS OF YOUR OWN!

Lets bring the Ahepa Supreme Convention to Greece in 2008!

AHEPA, LIVE YOUR MYTH

GREECE,
a land of mythical dimensions
Where the spirit of hospitality welcomes you as a modern god.
And the siren song draws you into its deep blue waters. Where a gentle breeze through ancient ruins seems to whisper your name, and a dance, until dawn, can take on Dionysian proportions. In Greece, the myths are still very much alive. And in amongst them sits your own, patiently waiting for you to live it.

reece is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. Annually it welcomes more than 14 million tourists, a figure that places it in the 15th position on the World Tourism Organization list of countries with inbound tourism (according to WTO data). Over the past decades Greece has witnessed the development of modern and multiform large or small-scale tourist infrastructures catering to the demands and accommodation requirements of every visitor. In Greece, we stand at a crossroads of cultures, colors and civilizations, and you feel the strength of history, the warmth of being in the southernmost part of Europe, as you discover your evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. A country that despite being rich in history has a population that moves towards the future. A country that although statistically small, is huge in its diversity. A landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but remains incredibly vibrant and impossible to capture. Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time, from the present to the past and back again. Walk through the olive groves, through ancient sites. Move to clusters of sparsely inhabited islands. Roam from the beaches to rocky mountains and explore breathtaking scenery. In Greece the fusion of images becomes more than imagery and turns into reality.

Live your myth in Greece

Today Greeces accommodation potential numbers 670,000 beds, distributed over 352,000 rooms in approximately 8,900 hotel units. On most of the Greek islands and mainland Greece, visitors can also find accommodation in private houses (rooms to let) which are operating under the special seal of the Greek National Tourism Organization. Moreover, there are more than 340 camping grounds all over the country, offering 30,000 camping spaces and 2,500 small houses. Greece is full of archaeological sites and monuments of distinctive prestige and charm, on which all known periods of its long-standing history have left their mark. Visitors have the opportunity to make a unique "journey" through the rare "mosaic" of historic and cultural memory which has left an indelible mark on every region of the country and effortlessly highlights the manifold manifestations of Greek culture to date. During your stay in Greece, do not fail to go at least once to one of the hundreds summer cinemas that are scattered all over the country. It is a unique experience, as summer (open-air) cinemas are one of the Greek peoples most popular forms of entertainment during the spring and summer. At the same time, they are an inextricable part of the cultural identity of the country and have left their traces in the memory of many generations. Shows usually start around 9 p.m., as it has to be dark first. In Greece films are not dubbed (with the exception of certain childrens films), but have Greek subtitles.

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According to the UNESCO catalogue, the following archaeological sites and cultural areas in Greece have been characterized as Monuments of Cultural Heritage: 1. Monastery complex of Aghio Oros (Mount Athos) 2. The Acropolis of Athens 3. Vassae: The Temple of Epicurean Apollo 4. Vergina - Aegae 5. Delphi (archaeological site) 6. Delos (archaeological site) 7. Epidaurus (archaeological site) 8. Early Christian and Byzantine Thessalonica 9. Monastery complex of Meteora 10. Mystras (Medieval City) 11.The Monasteries of Daphni (Attica), Ossios Lucas (Central Greece) and Nea Moni (New Monastery) of Chios 12. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns 13. Olympia (archaeological site) 14. Patmos: Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Theologos and the Cave of the Apocalypse 15. Medieval city of Rhodes 16. Samos: Pythagoreio and Heraion

Greece has an abundance of resources that tourists with ecological and cultural interests will find attractive. The wealth of cultural as well as ecological resources, both biotic and abiotic, constitute a special comparative advantage of the country for those interested in the conservation of cultural diversity, bio-diversity and eco-systems. These resources are marked by their wide variety, rareness and distinctiveness and are found in areas many of which have already been placed under special protection.

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Throughout the year, but especially during summer, hundreds of cultural events are held and scores of bigger or smaller festivals are being organized, involving all forms of art. Major Greek and foreign artists take part in these events, presenting works covering a wide range of art production (classical and modern). Some of the most important events are held under the auspices of the Hellenic Festival that, during the summer months, organizes the Athens Festival, the Epidaurus Festival (theatre) and "Musical July" (in Epidaurus), which are considered to be among the most significant art festivals of the European continent. Of particular interest are the events held at the Athens Concert Hall, which boasts one of the most modern concert halls in the world, and at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Highly interesting are the productions of the Greek National Opera during both winter and summer seasons. As for the theatre, apart from private companies and the Municipal and Regional Theatres, the two national theatres, the National Theatre of Greece in Athens and the National Theatre of Northern Greece in Thessaloniki, stage very interesting plays. In Thessaloniki, the International Thessaloniki Film Festival, which in recent years has become one of the major regional festivals in Europe, is held every November, while every year in May the Thessaloniki Book Fair is held. The Greek coast has a length of approximately 16,000 km.(10,000 miles) Half of these are on the thousands of Greek islands, while the rest extends along the mainland. What characterizes the famous Greek coasts is their unique diversity (beaches stretching over many kilometers, small bays and coves, sandy beaches with dunes, pebbly shores, coastal caves surrounded by steep rocks and with the characteristic dark sand of volcanic soils, coastal wetlands), their clean and transparent waters which have made them renowned all over the world and, for this reason, extremely popular. In 2005, Greece had 383 beaches and 5 marinas that were awarded the "Blue Flag" (See below), a fact that puts the country in a top-ranking position among the European countries. Most of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you have the opportunity to discover and enjoy them without the presence of a large number of swimmers. There are, however, also many organized beaches in the country with the necessary infrastructure providing high-quality services (umbrellas, reclining chairs, changing booths, cafes, bar-restaurants etc), where, apart from swimming, you can enjoy water sports (water ski, windsurfing, diving etc) as well as other means of having fun in the water, such as the parachute for one or two persons, "tires" and the "banana", pedalo, jet ski etc. All organized beaches also have lifeguard towers ensuring safe swimming in the area.

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"Blue Flags of Europe"

Each year this program presents an award to the coasts and marinas which meet strict criteria as regards the cleanness of the sea and the coast, good organization and safety as well as the protection of the coastal environment in general. More specifically, the criteria for the award of the "Blue Flag" are the following: 1. Cleanness of the sea and the coast -Quality of swimming water verified by measurement of water samples; -Absence of industrial sewage discharge on the coast; -Treatment of urban sewage as required by the relevant EU directive; -Adequate number of litter bins which must be emptied at regular intervals; -Periodical cleaning of the beach from litter, cigarette stubs etc. 2. Organization of the coast and safety of the visitors -Continuous information of the public regarding the quality of swimming water; -Immediate information if the water has become unsafe for swimmers; -Plans to deal with a pollution accident and to immediately inform the public; -Adequate number of sanitary facilities with controlled sewerage; -Trained lifeguards or direct access to telephone, lifesaving equipment and First Aid; -Safe passage to the coast and special care for people with disabilities; -No driving (vehicles and motorcycles) is allowed on the beach; -Free camping is forbidden; and -Pets have to be supervised on the beach. 3. Protection of nature and environmental education -Printed information and publicly displayed instructions regarding behavior on the coast; Bareboat Cruising is the ultimate escape. Charter a sailing yacht, motor yacht or a catamaran and cruise at your own pace and in your own time. The sum of the cultural and material achievements bequeathed by previous generations is a countrys traditional heritage. One of the most basic concerns of the modern Greek state is the preservation and study of the traditional heritage and folklore of the Greek people (music, dances, folk poetry, shadow theatre, etc.). For this reason it has created many specialized museums, it finances research or preservation programs and subsidizes the organization of scientific conferences. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture finances cultural organizations, agencies or individuals so that they may make a creative contribution to this effort. Efforts are also made to take advantage of traditional heritage and to connect it with modern culture, as it provides the building blocks for domestic cultural creation. At the same time, another objective is to develop a tourist and cultural industry that will make the best possible use of the particularities of Greek culture. Come to the 2008 Supreme Convention in Greece and make your own myths. Come enjoy the sounds, flavors and aromas which are uniquely Greece.

AHEPA the beginning

What is AHEPA? What does it do? What is its mission? Why should I join?"
These are some questions people often ask when they are invited to join AHEPA. Because some of our fathers or grandfathers were members or even founders of AHEPA we tend to take the long and commendable history of AHEPA for granted, we just grew up with it. And because AHEPA is the largest and oldest association of American citizens of Greek heritage, unfortunately, we tend to blindly assume that everyone else is aware of AHEPA and its achievements. Unfortunately, this is not so... There are many Greeks and Greek Americans who do not fully understand what AHEPA is all about. One thing AHEPA is not: It is not a Masonic Organization. Here in Greece many know of the hospital in Thessaloniki and have seen the AHEPA Wing at the Evangelismos Hospital, but there is much more to AHEPA than this. Following is a story, including historic photographs, that concerns the fervor and zeal of these immigrants our forbears, who immigrated to a new land and quickly adopted it as their home; who, with a fervor and zeal integrated themselves into its society and became, within less than a century, some of the outstanding leaders of the United States.. It is these immigrants and the sons and daughters of these immigrants, who, after World War II, with a singular devotion to their homeland, "PATRIDA", sent donations of an average $200 (which was then the equivalent of a months employment) to support and rebuild the then devastated Greece. It is these men and women whom we applaud in the following pages, those who with the spirit of their ancient forbears, have left behind their legacy to us - AHEPA.

AHEPA - ITS INCEPTION

One hot summer day in 1922, two Greek American businessmen, George Nikolopoulos (Polos) and John Angelopoulos, both traveling salesmen working out of Atlanta, met by chance in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Among other things, they talked about the growing wave of hostility that targeted their nationality and religion. It was a time when the Ku Klux Klan, reorganized in 1917, and thriving on militant patriotism, was enjoying a renaissance of hatred in the South. Meanwhile, in Washington DC, Congress and the Federal Government were discussing ways to stem the tide of ''less desirable" immigrants from ''certain'' countries, which invariably included the Balkan nations. Both men agreed there was a real need for a patriotic organization that would direct and channel the energy of the Greek community in the United States; a group that would be politically non-partisan and religiously non-sectarian. There was never a shortage of Greek fraternal organizations whose members came to America from the same region, island

or village. These were the topika somatia that tended to departmentalize the Greek American community, keeping it well outside of the larger, mainstream American community. These regional associations, along with the local parish church, brought the struggling immigrant some much-needed comfort satisfying the basic human need of "belonging," In so many cases the members of these topika were instrumental in organizing and building the Greek Orthodox parish churches across the land. Fortunately for future generations, many of these organizations are still around, so are the communities they helped establish. However, faced with the tenor of the times, Polos and Angelopoulos agreed an organization with a much larger, national scope was needed. The idea for a Pan-Hellenic organization wasn't new. There had been the Pan-Hellenic Union, established in 1907, but victimized by its own fiscal mismanagement and charges that it was an agent of the Greek government, it suffered an ignoble end before the outbreak of World War I. Both men agreed that a truly American fraternity of Greeks was needed. They envisioned a national group that would enable its members to rise above the political fights between Monarchists and Venizelists that typified Greek-American community life and added to its own detriment. Both believed something that so many immigrants refused to admit - that Greek settlers were here to stay. This was a reality that the Greek community in the United States was slow to accept. The remarkable thing is that these two businessmen, determined to contribute to American society and not be devoured by it, didn't just talk - they acted. They presented the idea to a group of twenty-five members of the Atlanta Greek community. Seventeen men offered their support. This group met in closed session and on July 26, 1922, the American

Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, The Order of AHEPA, became a reality. The officers elected were: President Nicholas B. Chotas Secretary Harry Angelopoulos Marshall John Angelopoulos Twenty more meetings were held that year to lay the groundwork. A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted. It was decided that members had to be United States citizens or in the process of becoming citizens, English was adopted as the organizations official language, annual dues were set at $10, and officers were elected. AHEPA's first decade was characterized by an explosive growth - initially it was a fraternity based in the south and southwest. Of the 32 local chapters established between September 26, 1922 and October 14, 1923, just three were based in cities north of the MasonDixon Line. Appealing to a rising middle class of Greek Americans interested in climbing the proverbial ladder of success and committed to raising their families in America, AHEPA had 49 chapters and over 2,800 members by the end of 1924. By 1928 there were 192 chapters and over 17,000 members nationwide. Many of the bigger chapters were in northern cities and some of the larger cities were host to two or more AHEPA chapters. The first of 83 subsequent National Conventions was held in Atlanta in 1923. The second conclave gathered in Washington DC in September of 1924. The delegates agreed that the Order should have its headquarters in the nation's capital, despite the fact that Washington had no enormous Greek community. Seraphim Canoutas wrote in his 1918 Greek American Guide, ''This community of about 600 Greeks is one of the most peace-loving and progressive in America,

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showing none of the absurdities which are usually seen in some of the other communities and colonies.'' At this convention the 47 delegates laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also called at the White House, where they were cordially received by President Calvin Coolidge. AHEPA was making its presence known. From its inception, AHEPA had its critics: people, who objected to its Masonic approach, were suspicious of its secrecy, disdainful of what one dissenting voice called "Little Napoleons vying for power". Above all, the most vocal critics condemned AHEPA's unabashed Americanism. By 1923 AHEPA had a rival: GAPA, or the Greek American Progressive Association. Along with publications in the Greek Press, GAPA charged that AHEPANS were ''opportunists" "pseudo-patriots'' and "anti-Hellenes committed to a program of de-Hellenisation.'' AHEPA's publications were in English. GAPA's publications were in Greek. Greek was heard more or less exclusively at GAPA meetings. GAPA chose to openly ally itself with the Greek Orthodox Church in America; an institution that in the 1920s admittedly needed support. AHEPA maintained its distance from religious affairs. GAPA made its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was founded, amid a large Greek community. AHEPA had quickly opted for Washington. The Royalist - Venizelist controversies having become a thing of the past, the rivalry between AHEPA and GAPA now kept community affairs lively and sometimes hostile. Although by 1928 GAPA had organized fifty chapters, primarily in cities with large Greek populations, it never achieved the success AHEPA enjoyed. AHEPA would prove itself to be inherently better suited than its rival GAPA, for the transition from a strictly Greek-born membership to one that accommodated Greeks born in the old country as well as members born in the New World. It would prove to be more in tune with what it recognized early on was the inevitability of assimilation, resulting from an undeniably permanent residence in a multi-national country such as the United States. Nor was AHEPA as radical as its detractors charged. Following its initial super-patriotism of its adopted homeland, AHEPA adopted a more moderate blend of what its members considered the most positive aspects of both the Hellenic and American cultures. In 1924, AHEPA President, V.J. Chebithes appealed to chapters to sponsor Greek orphans left homeless following the Asia Minor disaster of two years earlier. Five dollars a month was required to sponsor a child, and some AHEPA chapters sponsored as many as thirty. The "Faso" hat was adopted as an emblem for its members. At its 1925 Convention in Chicago AHEPA urged the U.S. government to extend a $50 million loan to Greece and the aid was approved. $12,000 was appropriated for a Scholarship Fund. In an effort to keep peace in the volatile Greek American community, AHEPA took pains to emphasize the fact that it did not oppose the existence of the foreign-language press in the United States. At the 1926 Convention in Philadelphia a Junior Order, the Sons of Pericles, was organized for the 12-21 age groups. The first Sons of Pericles Chapter was established on February 3, 1926 in Manchester, New Hampshire. The Sons of Pericles

was officially recognized as the Junior Order of AHEPA in 1928. Shortly thereafter, AHEPA added Auxiliaries for women. The Daughters of Penelope and the Maids of Athena completed the circle of the "AHEPA Family," Established November 16, 1929 as the Women's Affiliate of AHEPA; the Daughters of Penelope is the first Greek-American women's organization in the United States. The Maids of Athena was founded July 5, 1930 as the AHEPA Junior Women's Auxiliary. In 1927 AHEPA raised more than $53,000 for charitable and philanthropic activities. The $1000 set aside for scholarships was raised to $2500. A bi-weekly bulletin was established. A vote for $1000 was set aside for historical research was passed. In 1928, in a matter of a few critical months, the members pooled over $40,000 to aid the city of Corinth, which had been devastated by an earthquake. AHEPA was making a difference, assisting its members on both sides of the Atlantic. They honored the memory of the Greek American hero of the WW1 George Dilboy. The Supreme Lodge collected $100,000 for scholarships for youths of Greek origin; it established the Hellenic Hall at the University of Pittsburgh. It decided to hold an annual banquet in Washington to honor government officials and other personalities. The first annual trip to Greece took place in spring 1928; this group of AHEPANS was led by newly elected Supreme President Konstantinos Alphatzis is included in the photographic history attached. In 1929 a corp of AHEPANs marched in President Herbert Hoover's inaugural parade - an all time ''first'' for any HellenicAmerican group, It was a very proud occasion that also included a visit to the White House. In the ensuing years AHEPA built a stronger, more visible profile in Washington. Seventy-five Senators and Congressmen attended the Order's first Congressional Banquet, organized by George C. Vournas. Today that biennial event is an AHEPA tradition. In recent years honorees have included President Lyndon Johnson, Vice Presidents Spiro Agnew (whose father, Theodore, helped found Baltimore's AHEPA Chapter No. 30 in 1922) and Hubert Humphrey, former Greek Prime Minister the late Constantine Karamanlis, Patriarch Athenagoras and comedian - humanitarian Bob Hope. In 1932 AHEPA , building on its growing grassroots membership across the country, took public positions on issues raised by the reports of The Wickersham Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement, thereby becoming the recognized spokesman for the views of the Greek-American community and proving that AHEPA had become an active anti-defamation group which the Greek-American community never before had. AHEPA's friendly, indeed brotherly relations with President Franklin D. Roosevelt also enhanced the organization's stature. FDR had been initiated as a member of AHEPA when he was Governor of New York; AHEPA's regular visits to the Oval Office took on an added significance. The dark days of World War II changed many a life, galvanizing the AHEPA membership and demonstrating just how much such an organization could achieve. The poignant turning point for Greek Americans came more than a year before Pearl Harbor. On October 28, 1940 Mussolini's troops

invaded Greece from the north. That day is still remembered and revered as "Ohi Day". An AHEPA visit to President Roosevelt, a short time after brought about what the White House termed "an unusual procedure" and FDR announced a promise of U.S. aid to Greece in her hour of peril. The Greeks fought the Italians for five months and dealt Mussolini utter defeat. They managed to hold off Hitler's massive war machine for another three weeks before being overwhelmed,. That heroism captured the world's admiration. The Greek War Relief Association (GWRA), spearheaded by the Skouras brothers and other AHEPANs in the movie theatre business raised $4 million in food and supplies as soon as May 1941. AHEPANs in various businesses donated a day's or a week's profits to the cause, and many contributions came from non-Greeks. AHEPANs provided about 90% of the labor force in GWRA efforts, speculated historian Theodore Saloutos, thanks again to its grassroots strength. AHEPA's 1942 convention, celebrating the Order's 20th Anniversary, was held in Atlanta. George Vournas of Washington DC was elected President and would lead the organization through the war years. At the Atlanta convention it was announced that the Treasury Department had named AHEPA an official Issuing Agent for U.S. War Bonds, an honor achieved by no other civic organization. Quotas were assigned to each chapter to reach a goal of $50 million in only four months. Steve Vasilakos, dubbed "AHEPA's No. I War Bond Salesman" had long been a familiar face in front of the White

House, selling peanuts from his pushcart He offered a free bag of goobers to each person who bought a bond. His first customer was Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The exchange was seen at the movies on the newsreel. There were many more customers, and the successful drive was extended. Michael Loris, a Brooklyn AHEPAN, sold 24,142 individual, small denomination bonds in twelve months. In Zanesville Ohio, an AHEPAN sold $44,566 worth of War bonds in one day. Ultimately the project brought in revenues of $500 million. The success of the War Bond drive launched a new era for AHEPA - an era of increased visibility, influence and involvement in Washington that continues to this day. In its so-called first phase, from 1922 to 1945, the emphasis was on "Americanization" and citizenship programs. Following the War AHEPA broadened its scope and horizons. Now over half of the membership was American-born. Many of AHEPA's Post-War projects would be related to rebuilding a war-torn Greece and, in contrast to its original goal, keeping Hellenism alive among the American born generations of Greeks. Following World War Il AHEPANS continued raising money for hospitals in Greece and other Greek war relief programs, However, civil war was raging in the motherland and AHEPANs were concerned, as was the Truman Administration. On March 12, 1947 President Truman appealed to Congress for immediate military aid. Congress came through and the Truman Doctrine, as it came to be known, was vital in saving Greece from Communism.

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AHEPA maintained the warmest of relations with Truman, who was initiated into the Order on Greek Independence Day March 25, 1946, When the President addressed AHEPA's Congressional Banquet, he said, "I've never had a more enthusiastic reception anywhere!" That year AHEPA's first Health Center opened in Chrysoupolis, in northern Greece. Construction began on an AHEPA Wing at Athens' Evangelismos Hospital. Other health centers were rising, though construction was often slowed and sometimes halted by guerilla attacks. AHEPA had come of age; there was no question about the loyalty of Greek-Americans to the United States or about citizenship. The reason for establishing such an organization was now a proud memory and AHEPA's enduring legacy. AHEPA continued its educational and humanitarian efforts and civic-minded programs, focusing much of its energy on a homeland in desperate need of help. In the vanguard, AHEPA passed a resolution urging selfdetermination for Cyprus as early as 1946, setting up a Cyprus Affairs Committee two years later. In 1950 AHEPA called the world's attention to the estimated 28,000 children abducted by Communist forces in the Greek Civil War. In 1964 AHEPA sent its first delegation to Cyprus. In the last fifteen + years, demonstrating an increasing sense of unity not always characteristic of the inner workings of AHEPA in previous years, the organization has worked to become a bridge between the Greek and American people and their governments. In an effort to inform the Greek-American community, as well as the larger American community and the Washington community in particular, AHEPA sponsors conferences on foreign affairs that bring together government officials, political scientists, leading journalists and, of course, AHEPANS. Nor is it uncommon to find AHEPA leaders testifying on Capitol Hill before the House Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. AHEPA's official voice is its magazine, the AHEPAN. The first issue of the AHEPAN, edited by Achilles Catsonis, was published 61 years ago. In addition to press releases, salvos fired off to government officials and letters to the editors of the Wall Street journal, the New York Times and other publications, large and small, AHEPA publishes its own materials, The most recent offering was Cyprus: "From Independence to Partition" by University of Indiana-Purdue University Professor Van Coufoudakis. ''These publications aim to educate arid inform,'' says Thomas L. Chase former Chairman of the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee, ''They form an important part of AHEPA's overall program.'' Indeed, education, in a variety of forms, has been one of AHEPAs pillars since the very beginning. AHEPA started out educating the immigrant, and acclimating him, as AHEPA chronicler George J. Leber phrased it, "making him a gentleman". In the early years, AHEPA's education program emphasized citizenship and Greek as well as American history. Today it's a different story. With the third and fourth generations of GreekAmericans coming of age, AHEPA is doing precisely what GAPA 28

accused it of not doing and actually working against: - that is, promoting and preserving Hellenism's spirits and values as its Prime Ministers and Ambassadors. Scholarships have been part of AHEPA's civic service since the Chicago Convention of 1925. Paralleling that, AHEPA began building the bridge back to the motherland in 1928, when over 500 AHEPANs set sail aboard the S.S. Sinaia. Those days, before the Concord and Super-Savers, it was quite an event AHEPAS first Pilgrimage. Today AHEPA gives scholarships on the local and national levels to promising Greek American students. Its "Journey to Greece'' program, for high school students, emphasizes Hellenic culture, history and language. AHEPA and individual AHEPANs have been a force in establishing Greek and Byzantine Studies programs at colleges and universities around the country. AHEPA has been re-focusing too, placing renewed emphasis on Hellenic culture, past and present. The AHEPA Cultural Foundation has sponsored an evening of Greek poetry and music at Wolftrap and lectures on archaeological finds in Cyprus. As a civic-minded group, AHEPA has always recognized Americans, Greek and non-Greek, who make valuable contributions to the community and society at large. These have included Presidents humanitarians, recipients of the AHEPA award made in the name of Socrates and Pericles. The athlete has a very special place in Greek history and culture and, with AHEPA, so it remains. The Order has always taken enormous pride in the achievements of the Greek American athlete, going back to the heyday of world class wrestler Jim Londos. AHEPA's Harry Agganis Award was established in 1955, in memory of the great all-American who died in his prime. Agganis honorees have included: in football, Detroit Lion Alex Karras; in basketball, Boston Celtic Lou Tsiropoulos; and in baseball, Baltimore Oriole Milt Pappas. Among recent recipients are Olympic diver Greg Louganis and University of Georgia football coach and All-American Mike Castronis. The William G, Chirgotis Award, made to outstanding collegiate athletes, was established in 1972. AHEPA also recognizes outstanding professional and amateur women in athletics. On the local, district and national levels, AHEPA and its junior orders sponsor a wide variety of athletic events and tournaments, believing, like the ancient Greeks, that sports and competition are an important part of daily and civic life. Nor has AHEPA forgotten the elderly. Facilities are being sponsored on the local level in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).St. Michael's Home for the Aged, operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America has also prospered thanks, in part to AHEPA funding. Devoted to ideals of American and Hellenic culture, education and progress, AHEPA, despite its critics, has achieved singular success. Since 1922 it has been a vital force in the life of the Greek American community. Summing up the Order of AHEPA, Theodore Saloutos wrote: ''More than anything else, through the years, it accomplished more in identifying Greek Americans with the greater American community, than did all the other organizations combined."

AHEPA IN GREECE
HELLAS DISTRICT 25 SINCE 2000
Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence to the community. Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Greek descent, application for membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization. annually. Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels. The scholarship program at the national level is administered by AHEPA's National Educational Foundation. It offers scholarships to a wide variety of students. Recipients are: traditional and non-traditional students; seminarians, including those entering Holy Cross Greek School of Theology; and high school seniors, college and post-graduate students who are looking to become tomorrow's leaders. Chapters HJ-1, Athens and HJ-2, Glyfada and HJ-3, Thessaloniki have donated scholarship money to worthy students each year at an awards ceremony held for this purpose. The preservation of Hellenic or Classical Studies programs on college campuses is an important issue for the AHEPA Educational Foundation. A subcommittee of the Foundation, the Hellenic Cultural Commission , actively works to support the study of the Classics at universities. This year, working closely with the AHEPA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, Athens HJ-1 and Glyfada HJ-2 Chapters have the pleasure of initiating the Journey to Greece program sponsored through the auspices of the University of Indianapolis, Athens Campus, a fully accredited U.S. University in Greece. The aim of this program is to learn about modern and ancient Greece; to see and experience the beauty of the country and its people and earn six transferable university credits. We are awaiting the arrival of 40 students from all over the United States who will participate in classes, Athens Chapter HJ-1, along with HJ-2 and Daughters of Penelope, Sparti Chapter are hosting many events and trips for the young students, including a reception hosted by his Honorable Charles Ries, American Ambassador to Greece, a weekend trip to Sparti, a three day excursion, a pool party in Glyfada, and a family barbeque hosted by members of HJ-1 before they return home. Our members are very enthusiastic about hosting the students.

MISSION
The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.

HELLENISM
An important component of AHEPA's mission is to create an awareness of the principles of Hellenism to society. These principles include a commitment to humanity, freedom, and democracy. The preservation and promotion of these ideals is where AHEPA has, and always will be, deeply committed. AHEPA educates the community on these matters through symposia, forums, and conferences. This year HJ-1 hosted a lecture on the Annan Proposal, a topic which is of great concern to all Greeks. HJ-3 promotes open-air cultural and historical sightseeing tours where its members and their friends can walk, think and talk about history while enjoying themselves in the process. They have hosted field trips to ancient Mieza and Aristotles School, Fort Roupel and Petralona Caves, cultivating both mind and body. We try to keep alive the memory of the contribution of Hellenism to the worlds culture. To reinforce Classical Studies and not to allow people to forget an ancient Greek phrase which means THEY GAVE ME THE GREEK LANGUAGE".

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
AHEPA's commitment to education has been well documented throughout its history. Over $4 million is endowed at the local, district and national levels toward the use of scholarships and a half-million dollars is awarded

PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been pillars of strength for AHEPA. AHEPA Hellas and its Chapters are deeply committed to these tenets. Our Chapters actively hold fundraisers to support their own individual charities. We have supported the construction of the 5th Day Care

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Center of Menidi in the Acharnes Municipality, close to mount Parnitha, the area most inflicted by the 1999 earthquake. Other projects supported were the purchase of two surgical beds of the latest technology and an ambulance for the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, where we have the AHEPA Pavilion, the purchase of a state of the art mammography system for the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, a donation to the Hellenic Red Cross of a minivan for the transportation of trained rescue personnel and high technology sonar equipment for detecting earthquake victims under wreckage, scholarships to Pontian students and many more. We should all be proud of our accomplishments and we are certain that the Greek people appreciate our contributions. Chapter HJ-1 has donated this year alone more than 10,000 for the repair of the Penelopian Day Care Center sponsored by the Karyatides Chapter, sent $2,000 assistance to Katrina victims as well as other charities; HJ-2 initiated a blanket drive "Keep a child warm this Christmas" and donated blankets and gifts to the ZOODOHOU PIGIS Orphanage in Evoia; HJ-3 has raised 10,000 along with the Macedonian-Thrace Chapter of the Hellenic Anticancer Society for its Cancer Patient Hospice; HJ-5, Zakynthos has contributed financial support for victims of Hurricane Katrina, has distributed educational material to students in rural villages of Zakynthos and supports poor families during the Christmas Holidays with food. The Daughters of Penelope District #25, under the leadership of its Governor, Sister Maria Haritidu, initiated a drive to save the life of little Vassilis, a 12 year old student. He is the son of an abandoned mother with many children. He was totally burned. The child today is in Shriners Hospital, Boston. To date the District has raised almost 12,000 to save the life of this child. The Karyatides Chapter #271 continues its admirable work of running the Penelopian, a day care center in Nea Ionia, and does fundraisers all year for this purpose; Hesperus Chapter #359 has donated 5 Electric Life Care XL Micro Data Port machines for the Oncology Department of Evangelismos Hospital for a total cost of 12,500 as well as payment of the monthly salary of the physical therapist for The Muscular Sclerosis Foundation Center in Nea Smyrni. Vergina Chapter #383 continues to support senior citizens homes, ActionAid, has supported victims of the tsunami, Doctors without Frontiers and purchased a computer for children with special needs; Olympiades Chapter #393 supports hospitals and senior citizen homes with food and supplies, funds two children for ActionAid each year since 2003, supports "Food for Good", organizes a Bazaar every year in support of "ELPIDA" and the Chapter visits women incarcerated in prison; Sparti Chapter #406 supports the Saint Vassilis Foundation, gives food and clothing to poor families; Faistiades Chapter #407 supports orphanages and old age homes as well as other charitable causes. The newest Chapter in Kozani is very concerned about raising funds for the new anti-Cancer Hospital in Macedonia-Thrace. Additionally the Maids of Athena Chapter Myrtalides #268, the only junior Order in Greece, has also done charitable work promoting the AHEPA Family.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
AHEPA-HELLAS takes its civic responsibility very seriously. All of our Chapters individually, as well as the two Districts participate all year long in forums, seminars, and events concerning AHEPA in Greece. This year AHEPA Chapter HJ-1 sponsored a series of Presentations about the Battle of Messolonghi, The Events were organized by HJ-1 member Ioannis Anastasakis and Dr. Ioannis Nomikos. Dr. Alfred Barich was presented with an Award in the presence of members of the District 25, HJ-1, HJ-3, and DOP , Hesperus Chapter. HJ-3 Thessaloniki marches each year on the 28th of October. HJ-1, H-2 and HJ-3 each year celebrate AHEPA Day with church services and presentations. This year District 25 hosted the aforementioned Hellenic Forum for the purpose of strengthening American-Hellenic ties.

FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE

What makes AHEPA unique from other organizations is the creation of the AHEPA Family. Together with three affiliated organizations, the AHEPA Family works as a unit toward the fulfillment of a common mission. Here in Greece we work together, each helping the other with Fundraisers very effectively. Each year AHEPA and Tassos Mastroyiannis Daughters of Penelope AHEPAN of the year 2006 Chapters celebrate District #25 traditional American and Greek Holidays. Karyatides #271 hosts a Christmas Bazaar each year. Hesperus Chapter #359 has its Gala Thanksgiving Charity Ball each year with a traditional turkey dinner, honoring the most festive of American holidays. HJ-2 celebrates the Fourth of July Annually. Hesperus additionally celebrates Mothers Day and Valentines Day. HJ-1 and HJ-2 as well as all the other Chapters celebrate with an Annual Vasilopitta Cutting incorporating the Greek traditions. Additionally HJ-2 holds small fundraisers with BBQs and chili nights during the year for its various charities. HJ-1 held a Dinner this year for "Meat Thursday" before the Lenten season. All of our Chapters attend each others functions and help each other with the preparations.

THE IDEALS OF ANCIENT GREECE IMPORTANT TO ALL

AHEPA members are proud of the contributions of the ancient Greeks to Western Civilization. As AHEPANS, we share many of the values put forth by them: civic responsibility, philanthropy, education, family and individual excellence, and the ideals of democracy. This is the essence of our heritage. This is the core of our mission. Moreover, throughout the span of its history, AHEPA has served as a vital vehicle for the progressive development and

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emergence of American citizens of Greek heritage into every facet of society: government, business, education, and the arts. This fulfillment illustrates the promise of the "American Dream" and symbolizes the hard work ethic of our immigrant forbears who labored to achieve that dream with the principles of Hellenism rooted deep in their hearts.

Hellenic-American Veterans Of Valor

The Hellenic-American Veterans of Valor will honor all Hellenes and Hellenic-Americans who served honorably and unselfishly in the Armed Forces of the United States. This project has two parts: 1) WWII Statue and 2) Hellenic-American Museum of Valor. It is being sponsored by District No. 21. The WWII Statue will honor the Greek-American Operation Group (OSS) and all Hellenes who fought in this war. The GreekAmerican Operations Group (also known as the Greek Battalion) was composed of Greek immigrants and Greek-Americans who were recruited, trained and deployed behind enemy lines in Greece to help organize, train and fight with the Greek Resistance. The preferred site for the statue would be as part of the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. The Hellenic-American Museum of Valor is a museum to record and maintain the records of all Hellenes who served in all U.S. wars and conflicts. Veterans receiving the nation's highest decorations for heroism will be identified and have a special place in the museum. It will provide a historical perspective of the Hellenic immigrant, Hellenic-American and Phil-Hellene by documenting their contributions to freedom and liberty.

AHEPA Centennial Foundation

The AHEPA Centennial Foundation, Inc., is responsible for the idea, creation and construction of two monuments honoring significant events in our Hellenic history.

"Tribute"
First, "Tribute," a $775,000 sculpture that was gift from Greek-Americans to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the modern Olympic Games and to salute the spirit of The Olympics. "Tribute" is in the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. It's fanlike design has been credited for saving the lives of innocent bystanders during the Olympic Park Bombing. We encourage you to visit "Tribute" and Centennial Olympic Park on any visit to Atlanta, and to share in the spirit of Hellenism.

"The George C. Marshall Statue"

A second project completed by the AHEPA Centennial Foundation was the dedication of the George C. Marshall Statue in October 2000. The Marshall Statue rests on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Athens, and is a testament to the legendary statesman who was the architect of the Marshall Plan. Through the Centennial Foundation, the Greek-American community raised $110,000 to complete this worthy project that symbolizes the decades of friendship and close relations between the United States and Greece.

The Kyklos Circle of Glory sculpture honors the Olympics and the spirit of AHEPA. It was placed at the new airport in Athens, Greece, (the most modern in Europe) that was completed in 2002 in preparation for the return of the Modern Olympic Games to Athens for the Memorable 2004 Olympic Games. For those of us lucky enough to have participated and to have been AHEPA family members in the host city our beautiful Athens it was an unforgettable experience, one that brought tears to many an AHEPANs eyes. Our pride as Greeks was never stronger than when we saw our Olympic Flame returned to its home. The project was sponsored by Chapter No. 395, District No. 15. The Daughters of Penelope is the women's affiliate organization of the AHEPA Family with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1929, through the efforts of AHEPAN Emmanuel Apostolides who formed Eos Chapter #1 in San Francisco, California with 25 charter members. Alexandra Apostolides-Sonenfeld became the first Grand President of the Daughters in 1921. Today, the Daughters of Penelope is a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece. 31

THE MAIDS OF ATHENA , was founded through the inspiration of Mr. Thomas D. Lentgis, Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA, on July 5, 1930 in Tacoma, Washington. At that time Sparta #1 was formed with 12 original members; however, a charter was not granted until November 18, 1937. Charters were also granted to Alethea #2, Seattle, Washington; Diana #3, Portland, Oregon; and Ariadne #4, Vancouver, British Columbia. The first constitution and ritual were written in 1935. By the end of 1937 there were 20 chapters with a total membership of 444. At the 1950 Supreme Convention in Cleveland, the Maids of Athena officially became the Junior Auxiliary of the Daughters of Penelope. At the 1954 Pittsburgh Convention, the first Grand Lodge of the Maids of Athena was elected. Today there are more than 100 Chapters located throughout North America and Greece. Sons of Pericles, were started in 1926 by a group of Manchester, New Hampshire AHEPANS. The founder was Dr.

Alexander Cambadhis. He helped the fledging new youth group with their dealings with other organizations as well as with the Order of AHEPA. His goal and the goal of the Sons of Pericles is to promote Hellenism to the youth and to keep the fire of our Motherland burning for generations to come. Together with the aid of some members of the Order of AHEPA from the Manchester, New Hampshire, Chapter, these young men were the first members of the Order and are known collectively as The Mother Lodge of the Sons of Pericles

Part of the above historic text researched and written by James (Tsianikas) Nestor, Vice-President AHEPA GLYFADA CHAPTER HJ02 HELLAS Some historic photographs were provided from the family files of James Nestor. Contributory language, research and editing by Jane Ressos-Bizos ,DOP, Hesperus #359, HELLAS

AXEA EA . A K. 84 AXEA
H AXEA E . E E (PAX HELLENICA) (homo ethicus) (homo economicus). O homo Ellenicus , , . O E A, B - N, . H AXEA EA E E , , 86 M 2008. A K. N AXEA EA E Y AMERICAN - HELLENIC FORUM

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& Associates
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64, Messoghion Avenue, GR 115 26 ATHENS Tel.:+30 210 7788718, Mob.: +30 694 2964166 Fax: +30 210 7781576, e-mail: anastosd@in.gr

he dates April 8th to 19th were memorable for District #25, Hellas-Cyrpus. We had the distinct pleasure of hosting the American Hellenic Forum 2006. The purpose of the Forum was to honor the Hellenic Republic and to cement American Hellenic relations on all levels. A delegation of 100 AHEPANS, their families, friends and businessmen, led by Supreme President, Gus J. James II, arrived in Athens on April 8, 2006. We were honored to host them for many events including a Taverna Night Dinner and Dance, Tea with Archbishop Christodoulos, Tour and Luncheon at Evangelismos Hospital, AHEPA Wing, Tour of Acropolis, Museums and City of Athens, a Luncheon hosted by Mayor Bachrakis at City Hall Megaro, a cocktail reception at the United States Embassy hosted by Ambassador Reis, a Conference and Dinner Reception at the University of Indianapolis, Athens Campus, and a Gala Banquet held on April 10 at The Interncontinental Hotel, honoring the Hellenic Republic and Karolos Papoulias, President of the Republic, Constantinos Karamanlis, Prime Minister for the Republic of Greece and Anna Psarouda-Benaki, President of Parliament. There were 450 people in attendance, including representatives of all the AHEPA/DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Chapters in Greece, The District Lodges of AHEPA and DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE, the Grand President of The Daughters of Penelope President Mary Filou, the American Ambassador to Greece, the Honorable Charles Ries, as well as respected journalists, businessmen, government members and friends of the AHEPA Family. It was a wonderful evening for all of those in attendance and a very proud moment for District #25, AHEPA-HELLAS. Another highlight for us was the viewing of the Kyklos Mural at the Olympic Stadium with its artist Rip Kasteris. We were very proud to announce some of our accomplishments to our Brothers and Sisters during these events: Completion of the AHEPA Menidi Day Care Center Donation of Euro 50,000 to Evangelismos Hospital, AHEPA Wing Donation of Euro 50,000 to AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki Daughters of Penelope, Hesperus Chapter, Athens, donation of Five Electric Life Care 500L Micro Data Port machines for the Oncology Department of Evangelismos Hospital for a total cost of Euro 12,500. AHEPA Chapter HJ-1, Athens, announced donations of more than Euro 10,000 to the Penelopean Day Care Center and other charities. The AHEPA Delegation then visited the Republic of Cyprus where it paid homage to the government and the people of Cyprus and presented the AHEPA Philanthropy Award to George Paraskevides at a reception on April 14. The Delegation expressed its appreciation for their unwavering efforts to keep Hellenism alive. The large Delegation visited the occupied northern sector of

Cyprus to demonstrate the Greek-American communitys concern, goodwill and passion for those remaining remnants of Hellensm. While in the occupied northern sector, the Delegation visited the birthplace of the Supreme President Gus J. James, II. The Delegation visited the Kykos Monastery and the Supreme President laid a wreath at the tomb of Archbishop Makarios, and aditionaly visited the gravesite of his grandfather. The Delegation was hosted by the Mayor of Nicosia at a local taverna in celebration of the AHEPA Visit and a wonderful time was had by all.The Delegation toured the Mayors office in Lefkosia, the Foreign Ministry, the Green Line and the American Embassy where the group enjoyed lunch and a briefing by the American Ambassador to Cyprus, the Honorable Ronald Schlicher. While some of the Delegation left for home after Cyprus, most of the Delegation went next to Thessaloniki. They met with the Minister of Macedonia and Thrace who hosted them at the old palace of the King. The Delegation met with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, the Prefect of Thessaloniki, Ministers and the Archbishop of Thessaloniki. There was a dazzling concert at Megaron Thessaloniki where Gus J. James, I and Past President Steve Betzelos spoke. The group also visited Pella, Vergina and Panagia Soumela. The delegation ended its tour of Thessaloniki with a visit to Anatolia College the American Farm School and the AHEPA hospital. The last stop for the Delegation was in Constantinople where they spent Easter. The first stop on their tour was to the Theological School of Halki. They were met by Metropolitan Apostolos. They attended services and partook of a "fasting" luncheon. The Delegation also participated in the Holy Friday Services which took place at the Patriarchate at the Cathedral of St. George. On Saturday the Delegation met with Patriarch Bartholomew. The Supreme President presented AHEPAS yearly gift to His All Holiness. After a group meeting, the Supreme President visited briefly with him to discuss AHEPAS role in assisting His All Holiness with issues affecting the Patriarch. The group visited St. Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. The group attended Holy Saturday and Anastasi Services at the Patriarchate. On Sunday the Supreme President, along with Canadian Preident Nick Spillios and Supreme Governor Spiro Vassilakis attended a glorious Easter meal with His All Holiness. The balance of the group visited the Greek School of the Nation and the Balukli Monastery. To quote President James "This was a trip to remember!!! AHEPA was clearly more visible and was viewed by everyone we visited as the preeminent organization of Hellenes and Philhellenes which supports Hellenism and its ideals". District #25, Hellas-Cyprus intends to coordinate future trips which will further enhance AHEPAS image and credibility here in Greece, Cyprus and Constantinople and to continue the work begun this year with the Forum; to forge ahead promoting the ORDER OF AHEPA AND HELLENISM WORLDWIDE.

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The Journal Committee wishes to thank the following for their kind contributions. George Dussias, HJ-01, Past District Governor and Vice-President of Family and Individual Excellence, AHEPA, District #25 "Hellas-Cyprus", whose vision and love of his homeland, as well as his undying devotion to AHEPA, has brought about this Journal. George Bizos, HJ-01, Secretary, for translating all texts into English, editing all Greek texts and for historical research for both AHEPA and The Daughters of Penelope. Jane Ressos-Bizos, Daughters of Penelope, Hesperus #359, for text editing all English texts, writing about the Forum and contributory language and historical research for the History of AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope texts. Anastasios Dimitropoulos, Lt. District Governor, AHEPA District #25 "Hellas-Cyprus" for his hard work and support. James Nestor, Vice-President, HJ-02, Glyfada, Past Lt. District Governor, District #25 "Hellas-Cyprus" for writing contributory text, researching historical text and submitting historical family photographs for the History of AHEPA. Dr. Alfred Barich, District Governor, AHEPA District #25, "Hellas-Cyprus", for his continuing support of all of our efforts. Maria Haritidu, District Governor, Daughters of Penelope, District #25, "Hellas-Cyprus" for the poetry and beauty of her words in the Greek text of the History of The Daughters of Penelope and for her literary advice. Nick Tselentis, Secretary HJ-02 Glyfada, for his historical research for the History of AHEPA. Athan Llewellyn, HJ-01, for his wonderful photographs from the Hellenic Forum. The Committee apologizes for any errors or omissions appearing in this Journal. Any such errors or omissions are not intentional

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