Prot. No. 111/2023

Archiepiscopal Encyclical on AHEPA Sunday

May 21, 2023

 

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:

My beloved brothers and sisters in the risen Christ,

Christ is Risen!

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America celebrates the achievements and goals of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Therefore, we enjoin this annual observance of AHEPA Sunday, a true cultural partner to the Church for over one hundred years. As is well known, both the Archdiocese and AHEPA were founded in 1922, and have grown up together in the American milieu working for many common purposes.

I hope that every parish across our Nation will take time to honor their local AHEPA chapter. Together, we are one Church, one Omogeneia, one family. AHEPA is a true partner with the national and local Church, and they are our brothers and sisters in the risen Christ.

Therefore, I encourage every parish to celebrate with all worthiness AHEPA Sunday, and to recognize the amazing work and accomplishments that the AHEPA family has wrought for our community. We bless their endeavors and wish them much success in all their undertakings, which greatly benefit the Omogeneia and the Church.

With paternal love in the risen Lord,

† ELPIDOPHOROS

Archbishop of America