AHEPA Sunday

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen!

It is in the joy of our celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that I communicate with you concerning the work of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Since its founding in 1922, the AHEPA has distinguished itself as an organization wholly dedicated to the progress of our Omogeneia. Over the decades, the members of the AHEPA have made significant contributions to our American society through establishing programs that promote education, philanthropy, and civic responsibility. Furthermore, the witness of the AHEPA to the universal ideals of our Hellenic heritage and our love of liberty for all humankind, has reached persons of all races, cultures, and faiths who reside in our beloved country.

As Greek Orthodox Christians living in America, we give thanks to God for our Hellenic heritage, our freedom, and especially our faith, which guides our Archdiocese in promoting education and philanthropy, and in bringing together communities and families in Christ. We are therefore also enriched by the continued good work of the AHEPA, which serves our heritage and our faith, and continues to cultivate excellence throughout its many chapters in America and abroad.

Therefore, in recognition of the on-going work of this progressive association in the service of our heritage and our Orthodox Christian faith, Sunday, May 15, 2005, is designated as AHEPA Sunday. I ask that you offer your prayers and support for the local AHEPA chapters, as well as the national organization, as we labor together in the love and light of our Risen Lord.

With paternal love in the Risen Christ,

+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America