Archiepiscopal Encyclical on AHEPA Sunday
Prot. No. 110/2021
May 16, 2021
Unto the Most Reverend and Right Reverend Hierarchs, Pious Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, Presidents and Members of Parish Councils, Honorable Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Members of Leadership 100, the Day and Afternoon Schools, Philoptochos Societies, the Youth, Greek Orthodox Organizations, and the entirety of the Christ-named Plenitude of the Holy Archdiocese of America.
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!
I extend the warmest greetings and congratulations of the Holy Archdiocese of America to all of the honorable and beloved members of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association on the occasion of our annual observance of AHEPA Sunday. This year, 2021, has been one of celebration and commemoration of the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, especially significant for AHEPA. The contributions from the AHEPA National Office and from her Chapters around the country continue to be invaluable to our observances that remember the Heroes of 1821. On behalf of the entire Archdiocese, I want to thank and salute all AHEPAns for their faithfulness and commitment to this historic milestone in the life of the Omogeneia.
Next year, in 2022, both the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and AHEPA will observe the centennial of their foundings. The fact that we share this anniversary reveals how connected and synergistic we truly are. I am proud that this landmark occasion will bring us even closer together, for the Archdiocese and AHEPA are partners at both the national and local levels. Every parish is enriched by the local AHEPA Chapter, and I pray that on this Sunday, particular expressions of fidelity, fraternity, and friendship will abound in all our communities. We are many members, yet one Body in Christ, and when one member succeeds, all succeed.
May God grant the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, its chapters and families, good health, spiritual prosperity, and success in all their endeavors.
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη!
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
† ELPIDOPHOROS
Archbishop of America