Vol.1, Issue 3 - Monday, September 10, 2007

A Message from the Supreme President

Supreme President Ike Gulas and ArchBishop Demetrios

Thank You, Atlanta!
For those of you who could not make it this weekend to the 85th Anniversary Celebration, you missed a wonderful time. Over the weekend we celebrated the founding of our Order's first chapter, paid tribute to the many who have worked tirelessly to make us grow, addressed the state of our organization, and the future of our brotherhood and family.

Of course, amidst the celebration was constant talk and planning around how we can further help the current relief efforts in Greece. In a moving speech at the Saturday night banquet, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios thanked AHEPA for our fast response to the fire crisis ... but also challenged us to do more.

I want to personally thank AHEPA Chapter 1, who worked so hard to produce the weekend's flawless events, the many Governors and leaders from across the country who flew and drove in to join us, and of course, to all of you, for helping us build on the mission we established 85 years ago. I'm sure our founders would be proud.

Ike Gulas,
AHEPA Supreme President

Note: Photos from this event will be available soon on the Bing Photography website, www.bingarrieta.com.

Greek Fire Relief Efforts Update

Greece on Fire: America Responds
Washington, DC (Voice of America) - The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution expressing sympathy for the losses Greece has suffered during a recent wave of violent fires and underlining America's support in coping with them. Greek American Congressman John Sarbanes presented the resolution, on behalf of the 14 members of Congress who co-sponsored it, during a House session attended by Ambassador of Greece, Alexandros Mallias. ... read more

Watch Voice of America Video!

Read Transcript of Basil Mossaides Interview

You Can Still Help!

Contribute to the AHEPA Emergency Greek Fire Relief Fund!
Contribute directly to the relief efforts in Greece through AHEPA's secure online contribution form. 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes directly to the local relief efforts in Greece. Please Give Generously!
Send a Care Package!
AHEPA is working to coordinate the shipment of care packages to Greece. Items needed range from clothes to tooth brushes. Get the Care Package Checklist & Instructions!
Help Spread the Word!
The fastest way to help spread the word is by forwarding this email to your friends and family. For those not yet online, simply download, print out and distribute these 4x6" Palm Cards, at your church or upcoming festival. It's a fun way to meet new people and show that you care! Find Out More!

News From Greece, Cyprus and the Patriarchate

U.S. Navy Twice Assists Greek Firefighters
Athens, Greece (ANA News - Greek Embassy) -- September 4, 2007 -- Twice this summer, the Governor's Office of Chania, asked for U.S. Navy assistance to extinguish brush fires in western Crete, on July 30 and August 23. On both occasions, American firefighters successfully battled flames alongside Greek firefighters. ... read more.

Cyprus Talks Stall Yet Again
Cyprus (Kathimerini) -- September 7, 2007 -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat disagreed sharply in exploratory talks yesterday and look unlikely to meet again soon, a spokesman for the Nicosia government said. ...read more.

Cyprus Looks for Ancient Ship Wrecks
Nicosia (Reuters) -- September 8, 2007 -- Cyprus is to launch sea surveys in an area where dozens of vessels led by warring successors to Alexander the Great are believed to have sunk in battle for control over the island in 306 BC. ...read more.

US Visa Program Greece Formally Nominated to Enter Visa Waiver Program
Washington, DC (AHEPA News) -- September 10, 2007 -- The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, applauds Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her formal nomination of Greece to be a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ...read more.

Greek of the Week

Constantine Karmokolias - Doylestown, PA -- The AHEPA Emergency Greek Fire Relief Fund has received many online contributions from friends outside the AHEPA Family, who heard the call and wanted to help the fire victims in Greece. We were greatly moved and inspired this week, when one of those turned out to be the largest contribution we've received for the relief fund to date ... and it from a non Ahepan. We ask our entire AHEPA family -- Ahepans, Daughters, Sons and Maids -- to join us in thanking Mr. Karmokolias and his family, for their generous support to our family's important charitable work!