The AHEPAN - Spring 2014 - (Page 4)

A MESSAGE FROM ANTHONY KOUZOUNIS, AHEPA SUPREME PRESIDENT AHEPA Will Thrive on the Strength of Its Programming, Members As 2014 proceeds, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new and reinstated Brethren to the Order. Becoming an Ahepan was one of the most seminal moments of my life. Although my membership in AHEPA nears 51 years (not counting the five-plus years in the Sons of Pericles), I anticipate many exciting discoveries still await. I also realize AHEPA must raise the standard of our programming to better serve the community and our members. Let's set the foundation for our newest Ahepans as they carry the torch of Hellenism into the future. In January, AHEPA participated in a historic Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece that provided the organization the opportunity to convey its support and encouragement for the trilateral relationship that has developed between the countries to the nations' highest officials. We bonded with our colleagues from the Jewish American community and identified initiatives for future collaboration Anthony Kouzounis that will enhance our cooperation. Personally, the trip provided an indelible, and at times, emotional experience. Yad Vashem is a must for anyone who visits Israel. In Jerusalem, the Holy Sites overwhelm one with emotion. There, we met two outstanding young Greek Americans, Theodore Pritsis and Anna Koulouris, who are doing yeoman's work for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Ted agreed to join AHEPA, and Anna authored a terrific feature article profiling the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, its history, and significance. In Cyprus, we visited the Turkish-occupied north with our Jewish American colleagues and surveyed the religious and cultural destruction to Orthodox churches committed by Turkey. In Greece, officials did an outstanding job demonstrating how Greece contributes to stability and peace in the region while addressing how domestic challenges are being met. A strong sense of Hellenic pride swelled within as we toured the New Acropolis Museum with the entire delegation. AHEPA must continue to lead and play an integral role in this space. AHEPA provides invaluable educational opportunities. I commend the AHEPA Educational Foundation for offering not one-but two-study abroad programs this summer for college students to earn college credits. The Journey to Greece program enters the 2014 season with a new partner, Webster University. New this year is the "AHEPA/DEREEACG Excursion to Greece," which will be launched in cooperation with DEREE - The American College of Greece. Furthermore, high school students can take advantage of AHEPAcademy, which offers an invaluable two-week experience in Washington DC. The Brothers' response to our philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors instills a tremendous sense of pride. Congratulations to the Brothers of District 13 who responded swiftly to deliver aid to victims of tornadoes that devastated the upper Midwest in the late fall. Moreover, AHEPA continues to help feed the needy of Greece and Cyprus. Our international aid for Greece approaches $400,000, and while we were in Cyprus, we donated $25,000 for a similar cause. Civic responsibility remains a significant part of AHEPA's service to the community. By the time you read this message, the AHEPA family will have completed another successful Capitol Hill Day, educating members of Congress on the issues of importance to our mission and programming. However, civic responsibility does not just involve educating Congress. It also involves unselfish public service and a dedication to military service. Finally, the 92nd Supreme Convention is on the horizon. Details are provided in this issue of The Ahepan. The convention presents an essential opportunity for us to work for the Good of the Order in the spirit of Brotherhood and fellowship. Through strong programming in all facets of our mission-education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence-and with a dedication to preserving and promoting our Hellenic heritage, I am convinced AHEPA will continue to thrive and reach new heights. Whether it was 1922, today, or well into the 21st century, AHEPA always will be relevant as long as it makes a difference in just one person's life. 4 | THE AHEPAN · Spring 2014 www.ahepa.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Spring 2014

President’s Message
Ahepa Family News
American Hellenic, American Jewish Groups Hail Historic Three-Country Mission
Preview: Ahepa Family Supreme Convention
The Jerusalem Patriarchate Endures
Veterans
Civic Responsibility
Athletics
Periclean
Housing
Ahepa Family Chapter News
In Memoriam

The AHEPAN - Spring 2014