Protocol 45/09

May 17, 2009

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 Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, 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,

Χριστός Ἀνέστη!  Christ is Risen!

It is with these joyful words of the Resurrection of Christ which we proclaim during this Paschal season, that I write to you about the significance of the work of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).  Since its establishment in 1922, the AHEPA has promoted the ideals of civic responsibility, education, and philanthropy.  This fraternity of service, with its national headquarters in Washington, DC, has also proven to be an effective voice of advocacy for issues of concern on behalf of our Omogenia both here in the United States and abroad.

By placing the precepts of civic duty, education, and community service as its steering principles, the AHEPA reflects the universal and ageless values of our Orthodox Christian faith and of our Hellenic cultural traditions.  Accordingly, its many members, from those who belong to its local chapters throughout the United States to the staff of its national headquarters, are to be recognized for their work and commitment to strengthening important values of our society.

Therefore, in recognition of the good work of the AHEPA in promoting Orthodoxy and Hellenism, and in serving the diverse needs of our Omogenia, I am pleased to designate this Sunday, May 17, 2009, as AHEPA Sunday.  On this day, may we offer our prayers for the increasing progress of the AHEPA as it continues to advance the ideals that are urgently needed in today’s society.

With paternal love in the Risen Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America