Vol.1, Issue 1 - Monday, August 27, 2007

A Message from the Supreme President

Welcome to the first issue of This Week For Greeks!
I'm proud to use my first address in This Week For Greeks! to announce our new and improved AHEPA.org website. Over the next few months you'll see many Internet efforts to keep every Ahepan better informed and engaged on issues important to our Order and our community, and to reach out to new and younger members -- ensuring AHEPA's future! If you have any suggestions or are inspired to help our online efforts, please contact our new webmaster at webmaster@ahepa.org.

This week also begins on an urgent note with news of the widespread fires in Greece. As Ahepans, we know we must help those in need. Our national staff is working with the U.S. State Department, the American Red Cross, the Hellenic Red Cross and the Embassy of Greece to coordinate relief efforts. Please respond to our appeal below and help as much as you can.

Ike Gulas,
AHEPA Supreme President

AHEPA Greek Fire Relief and Care Efforts

We Can All Help Greece! -- As you know, entire towns and villages in Greece are being devastated by the rash of wildfires, that still rage across the nation. We are calling on all Ahepans and friends to help.

Care Packages
AHEPA is working with the American and Hellenic Red Cross Organizations to coordinate the shipment of care packages to Greece. Items needed range from clothes to tooth brushes. Click here for the care package item checklist and instructions.
Financial Support
AHEPA will be bundling financial contributions to send to Greece along with the care packages. Our secure contribution form makes giving fast, safe and easy. Click here to give $20 or more today!

News From Greece, Cyprus and the Patriarchate

Frantic Greeks seek aid as fires kill 63
Krestena, Greece (Reuters) -- August 27, 2007 -- Desperate Greek villagers encircled by flames appealed for help on Monday as strong winds fanned forest fires that have swept the country, killing 63 people in three days. ... read more from Reuters

News coverage in Greek is available from Voice of America ... click here

To watch video coverage from AP Online (requires Flash Player) ... click here.

EU Has Mixed Views on U.S. Visa Program
London (USA Today) -- August 09, 2007 -- Bush expanded the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, loosening rules in a way that make five more European countries eligible. The changes signed into law by Bush would enable business and leisure travelers from the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Estonia to enter the USA without visas, which can usually take four to 10 days to obtain. ... read more from USA Today

Ecumenical Patriarchate on Reopening of Halki Seminary
Istanbul (ANA-MPA) -- August 24, 2007 -- Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos (Bartholomew) will reportedly broach a handful of crucial issues affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate -- particularly the question of the reopening of the Halki School of Theology -- during any future meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ... read more from ANA-MPA

Cyprus Talks Set for Sept 5th
Cyprus (Kathimerini) -- August 22, 2007 -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat are to have talks on September 5 for the first time in more than a year in a bid to revive a stalled peace process on the island, United Nations officials said yesterday. ... read more from Kathimerini

Turkey Bars Meeting of Orthodox Leaders
Nicosia (Zenit Press) -- August 21, 2007 -- The Orthodox Church of Cyprus announced that the Turkish government cancelled a visit between two Christian leaders in Ankara. ... read more from Zenit

Inside AHEPA

AHEPA President Ike Gulas Speaks with Voice of America
In an interview with George Bistis, Chief, Greek Service, Voice of America on Monday August 6, AHEPA President Ike Gulas covered various issues concerning AHEPA and its future. To read the transcript, click either English or Greek.

To hear the entire interview (run time 09:53) ... click here.

AHEPA Feels Sorrow, Pain for Greece:
Will mobilize its chapters and solicit assistance for Greek citizens
Washington, DC - Statement by AHEPA International President Ike Gulas about the devastating fires that have spread across Greece: ... read more

AHEPA and Coeus International School Form Partnership
Washington, DC - AHEPA and Coeus International School (CIS), a premier K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School, have formed a unique partnership to promote and preserve Hellenic Culture and language in school. ... read more

Greek of the Week

Brother Alex P. Anderson - District 11 -- During last year's fund drive, when asked if he could help with the funding of AHEPAs new projects, Brother Anderson reached into his pocket and gave $1,000.00. For this, and all the outstanding work Brother Anderson has done in District 11, he's AHEPA's Greek of the Week!

Thank you Brother Anderson!