The Ahepan Summer 2020 - 24

PERICLEAN

From Relevance to Prominence
Sons of Pericles Supreme President Paul Pavlakos
These last few months have brought unprecedented strain to
our Order and our community. Between the migrant crisis in
Greece and the global pandemic of COVID-19, our goal to help
others has never been more difficult. And yet, it has never been
more necessary.
The goal of the Sons of Pericles since 1926 has been to
promote Heritage, Service, and Brotherhood by developing
young men into educated and experienced
leaders. We have continuously done this
by speaking out against infringements
on Hellenic values and, when needed,
Hellenic sovereignty. We have challenged
our members to aid their communities in
times of passive need and in times of active
crisis. Just in the last year, through Greek
Genocide recognition efforts, advocacy against Turkish action in
the Mediterranean, natural disaster relief, fundraising for mental health awareness, professional development conferences,
and social networking, the Sons of Pericles has fulfilled their
goal of taking the Order "from relevance to prominence."
It now becomes our responsibility and our duty, as young leaders of the Hellenic community, to navigate through this difficult
time; to aid those who cannot aid themselves; and to join together
collectively against common enemies, whether that enemy is an
antagonistic authoritarian or an invisible, yet deadly virus.
In what will surely be a different world post-COVID, the
skillset of the youth becomes an incredible benefit to our community. Their ability to be versatile; to digitalize; to take past traditions and adapt them to current necessities and norms; these
will be skills that offer extreme value to our community in a
time of social distancing and quarantine. Every week, the Sons
Lodge gets together via zoom to have meetings as well as film a
podcast. These podcasts cover a gambit of topics throughout the
four different segments: ΤΤιΓίνεται, Τα Νέα, & Αθλητικά, Γύρω
Γύρω. You can currently watch our Podcast on our channel on
YouTube; simply search SOP talks.
Whether these skills are used to call Congress to action
against the migrant crisis, coordinate international relief efforts
for various crises, or keep individuals engaged and involved
through the use of digital technology, we will all have an
increased reliance on the younger generation as we face these
issues directly.

THE AHEPAN · Summer 2020

Assuredly, we will all have a role to play throughout these
crises and must make long-term decisions on how we move
forward from here. And as another business year closes, these
decisions may be made outside of this year's Supreme Lodge
and even outside our own organization. But, in times of distress,
it is paramount for the entire community to come together for a
common cause: to ensure the health and survival of our people
and to protect Hellenic values and territory. And through this
joint effort, we can be optimistic that we will persevere and not
just survive, but thrive.

Sons of Pericles Gets Involved in #AHEPACares Initiative
With a global pandemic striking us all, the Sons of Pericles have
rolled out their part in the international #AHEPACares Initiative,
hoping to have a positive impact on the Hellenic community
during these difficult times. In their battle against COVID-19, Sons
from across the organization have taken part in the internationally coordinated effort to donate funds, deliver essential supplies,
and create and donate personal protective equipment (PPE).

www.ahepa.org

http://www.ahepa.org

The Ahepan Summer 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ahepan Summer 2020