AHEPA E-News

Volume 16, Issue 20 | Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Greece Honors AHEPA with Its Highest Accolade

Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented the Order of AHEPA with the Grand Commander of the Order of Phoenix, the highest honor Greece bestows, at a dinner held in concert with the prime minister’s visit to Washington, D.C., May 17, 2022.

“It is with an immense sense of awe, weight, and responsibility that I accept the Order of the Phoenix on behalf of the Order of AHEPA because this significant recognition is earned on the blood, sweat, and tears of generations of Hellenes, many of whom immigrated to the United States in search of a better life,” Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said.

Supreme President Kokotas conveyed the Order’s sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Mitsotakis and asked that he extend AHEPA’s appreciation to President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and the people of Greece, for the incredible honor bestowed to AHEPA.

He also congratulated the prime minister for a successful historic visit to Washington where the prime minister met with President Joe Biden (remarks) Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and delivered remarks to a Joint Meeting of Congress, a first for Greek premier. 

Prime Minister Mitsotakis presented 12 Order of Phoenix awards at the dinner.

White House Greek Independence Reception Celebrates Bicentennial

AHEPA family leaders attended a White House reception for a Bicentennial Celebration in honor of Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mrs. Mitsotakis, May 16, 2022.

“In a return to a traditional in-person celebration, we sincerely thank President Biden for hosting a reception in honor of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and to commemorate, belatedly due to the pandemic, Greece’s Bicentennial, with the Greek American community,” Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said.

Supreme President Kokotas, Daughters of Penelope Grand President Kathy Bizoukas, Chairman of the Board Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP; Supreme Secretary Savas Tsivicos, and DOP Executive Director Elena Saviolakis were among those in attendance. 

President Biden’s remarks                                                       

Photo credits: Daughters of Penelope

PM Mitsotakis’ Address to a Joint Meeting of Congress

Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress, May 17, 2022.

AHEPA Family leaders were present in the House Gallery to hear the address.

“We congratulate Prime Minister Mitsotakis for delivering a historic speech that hit all right notes,” Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said. “He celebrated our countries’ shared values, clearly stated Greece’s position on Ukraine and on acts of aggression against Greece’s sovereignty, made a plea for Congress to not forget the ‘open wound’ of Cyprus, and made a pitch for defense procurement, among many other key points.”

“We especially appreciated his shoutout to the Greek American community, which he described as an ‘unshakable bond that will always bind our countries together,'” Kokotas said.

read his address

AHEPA Sunday Commemorations Abound!

Last Sunday was AHEPA Sunday in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as proclaimed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in his May 15, 2022, encyclical.

We are pleased to share a few highlights from AHEPA chapters.

Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas joined Ahepans from Coney Island Chapter 200, Brooklyn, N.Y., in presenting an appreciation award to honor Father Eugene Pappas for his many years of love and support of the AHEPA family (at right, top). 

West Pasco Chapter 489, New Port Richey, Fla., presented a $5,000 donation to St. George Greek Orthodox Church (at right, middle). The chapter also presented outstanding service and appreciation awards to its members and discussed the history of AHEPA’s founding with the community. Daughters of Penelope Eros Chapter 356 presented scholarship awards.

The Rose of New England AHEPA Chapter 110, Norwich, Conn., observed AHEPA Sunday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church by memorializing their departed brothers as well as having a service for its living members (at right, bottom).  

May is “Order of AHEPA Month” in West Virginia!

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) proclaimed May 2022 as “Order of AHEPA Month in West Virginia” at a dinner to commemorate AHEPA’s centennial anniversary hosted by Hancock Chapter 103, Weirton, W.V., at Hellenic Memorial Hall, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, May 10, 2022.

In addition, a West Virginia State Legislature Citation was issued at the request of Delegate Mark Zatezalo (R), who represents Hancock, W.V.

read more

Clearwater Issues Proclamation for AHEPA’s Centennial

AHEPA congratulates Steve Tsagaris Chapter 356, Clearwater, Fla., for securing a proclamation commemorating AHEPA’s centennial anniversary from Clearwater Mayor Frank V. Hibbard on May 5, 2022.

“We commend the Ahepans of Clearwater and sincerely thank Mayor Hibbard for this very special recognition of AHEPA’s centennial anniversary and the meaningful contributions of the brothers of Chapter 356,” Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said.

AHEPA Opposes Administration’s Request for Turkish Military Updgrade

In a statement issued Monday, Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas stated AHEPA’s opposition to the Biden administration’s request for a military equipment upgrade for Turkey’s F-16 jet fighter fleet.

read statement | The National Herald

Appeal for Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Since opening the Emergency Relief Fund to collect donations for Ukrainian aid, AHEPA Global Headquarters is proud to report that our chapters continue to answer the call, and we encourage all chapters to keep raising funds for this worthy cause.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend their country from a brutal, devastating, and unprovoked invasion by Russia. We hail the Ukrainians’ defense of democracy and freedom.

The humanitarian ruin and loss of life has been catastrophic.

Five million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion. These are staggering numbers not seen since World War II.

The Order of AHEPA stands in solidary with Ukrainian refugees and families.

The AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund is open to receive donations for humanitarian aid to assist the people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

read our appeal

Supreme Convention Pre-Registration Form Released

The 2022 Supreme Convention pre-registration form is available from AHEPA Global Headquarters.

Please note that in order to register as a Delegate or Alternate, your chapter must report you as one.

If you have not been reported as a Delegate or Alternate, you will be charged the guest price, so please coordinate with your chapters early.

AHEPA 100th Anniversary Virtual 5K

Celebrate AHEPA’s centennial anniversary by participating in a Virtual 5K!

This race is ideal for walkers or runners! Safely complete the challenge your way and at your pace. Even on a treadmill.

And you decide when and where anytime until June 15, 2022.

Participate in this event as an individual, a small group, or as a chapter and earn an AHEPA 5K Medal featuring all four AHEPA Family Orders (pictured).

Proceeds go to the AHEPA 501(c)3 Foundation.

more info

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

22 | Greek Independence Day Parade, Chicago

June

1 | Deadline: AHEPA Centennial Supreme Convention pre-registration

5 | Greek Independence Day Parade, New York City

10| Greeks in New York | Become a Sponsor!

23 – 26 | AHEPA Centennial Celebration, Atlanta

Greek American News Digest

Editor’s Note: Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members

Greek leader tells Congress democracy is tested by Russia

Associated Press (May 17)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the U.S. Congress on Tuesday their shared belief in “freedom over tyranny, in democracy over authoritarianism” is being tested as he focused on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. read more

Biden praises Greece for leadership after Russia invasion

Associated Press (May 16)

President Joe Biden on Monday thanked Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his country’s “moral leadership” in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the two held talks at the White House on Monday about the ongoing conflict. read more

Mitsotakis Confirms Greek Interest in F-35s at White House Reception

The National Herald (May 17)

A wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and international interest were raised during the private meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US President J