The AHEPAN Spring 2018 - 5

AHEPA FAMILY NEWS

AHEPA Supports 3rd Archon International Conference
on Religious Freedom, Hosts Luncheon
Ahepans attended the 3rd Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom held in
Washington, DC, Dec. 4-6, 2017. Themed "The Persecution of Christians in the Holy Lands &
Middle East: Consequences & Solutions," conference attendees heard presentations and remarks
from religious leaders, scholars, and policymakers.
Among the legislators who addressed the conference were: U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), ranking member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), U.S. Rep. Chris
Smith (R-NJ), co-chair, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and who serves as chairSupreme President Hollister
man of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee that oversees Human Rights; and Hellenic Caucus addresses the luncheon audience.
Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).
In addition, AHEPA hosted a conference luncheon at the Newseum where Supreme President
Carl R. Hollister offered welcoming remarks.
"AHEPA is proud to support the Archons and is honored to host today's conference luncheon as
we build upon the week's substantive discussion about the persecution of Christians in the Middle
East and Holy Lands," Hollister said.
Hollister also commended the conference organizers and participants. He added that the important work to keep this issue at the forefront carries on after the conference concludes.
U.S. Rep. Smith.
"Please count AHEPA as an ally in this worthy endeavor," he said.
Order of Saint Andrew National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis wrote,
"Please accept our deep gratitude for AHEPA's vital participation in the 3rd
Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom...The luncheon AHEPA
hosted featuring Jay Sekulow as keynote speaker at the Newseum, an institution dedicated to the First Amendment enshrining free speech and freedom of
religion in our Constitution was reflective of AHEPA's commitment to seeking
religious freedom for the Holy Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople."
In addition to Supreme President Hollister, Daughters of Penelope Grand Archon National Commander Dr. Limberakis,
President Eva Jean Fomalont, DOP Grand Vice President Demi Thomas, Archbishop Demetrios and Supreme President Hollister
present an award to Keynote Speaker Sekulow.
Supreme Secretary Jimmy Kokotas, DOP Grand Treasurer Kathy Bizoukas,
Supreme Governor Peter Nassos, Past Supreme President Andrew C. Zachariades, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, DOP Executive
Director Elena Saviolakis, and Consultant Andrew Kaffes represented the AHEPA family at various conference events.

AHEPA Congratulates President Anastasiades
Supreme President Carl R. Hollister sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, who was
re-elected to the presidency on Feb. 4, 2018.
"The challenges that await you in a second term are significant. We wish you the best as you work to address and meet these challenges head-on," Hollister wrote, adding the Order of AHEPA looks forward to working with President Anastasiades to help strengthen
U.S.-Cyprus relations, among other policy priorities.
Supreme President Hollister received a thank you letter from President Anastasiades, who stated his appreciation for AHEPA's
support for Cyprus's efforts to reach a comprehensive solution and that he looks forward to meeting with AHEPA in May.

www.ahepa.org

Spring 2018 · THE AHEPAN

http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN Spring 2018