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 and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen!

It is in the joy of the Resurrection that we honor this year the significant work of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Initially organized in 1922 by Greek immigrants to overcome the forces of bigotry and discrimination that threatened their early welfare, the AHEPA has long demonstrated a remarkable ethos of civic responsibility, serving the needs of the Hellenic community of this nation for decades. Today, the AHEPA enriches and benefits Greek Americans from all walks of life through promoting educational and philanthropic initiatives, and through encouraging excellence within families and individuals.

As Greek Orthodox Christians, we give thanks to God for our dynamic faith and our Hellenic heritage, which guide the efforts of our Archdiocese to promote education and philanthropy, and to strive for excellence in both body and spirit. During this joyous Paschal season, we are renewed foremost in this striving by the hope and power of the Resurrection. We are also enriched by the 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 remarkable work of the AHEPA, I am pleased to designate this Sunday, May 18, 2003, as AHEPA Sunday, and I ask that you offer your prayers and support for the local chapters, as well as the national organization, as we grow in our love for one another and in the joy of our Risen Lord.

With paternal love in the Risen Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America