Yesterday, May 22, 2024, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) held their 46th Biennial Congressional Banquet in Washington, DC. The event celebrates the organization's efforts to protect, promote, and preserve Hellenism in America.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America recognized AHEPA for its achievements and dedication to bring forth issues of importance to Greek-Americans and Cypriot-Americans before the United States government such as the rights and liberties of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the fifty-year illegal Turkish occupation on the Island Nation of Cyprus, the security of the Aegean and the sovereignty of Greece. "The civilizational importance of the Hellenic world and its legacy in no way diminishes the contributions of all the other cultures, religions and traditions. In fact, it provides the clearest lens through which all others can be viewed and appreciated for what and who they are. Hellenism is a crystalline experience that reveals the best and brightest within ourselves and others" His Eminence remarked.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Savas Tsivicos, Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA; General Chairman, Philip Christopher; Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States; Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States; Master of Ceremonies Mike Emmanuel; Senators and Representatives of the United States Congress; Representatives of Greece and Cyprus; Greek Orthodox clergy and faithful; and members of the AHEPA family.
The 2024 AHEPA Socrates Award was presented to Congressman John Sarbanes by George Marcus. Senator Chris Van Hollen and past AHEPA Supreme President, Nick Karacostas, presented Senators Marco Rubio and Richard Blumenthal with the 2024 AHEPA Pericles Award. Omogeneis Representatives Chris Pappas and Nicole Malliotakis were also presented with the Pericles Award, presented to them by fellow Hellenes and Representatives, Dina Titus and Gus Bilirakis.
Photo: AHEPA
