The AHEPAN - Summer 2010 - (Page 12)

Annual Excursion Continues to Build Bridges, Seek Solutions T he 82nd Annual AHEPA Excursion to Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate commenced April 1, 2010 with the AHEPA family delegation’s arrival at Constantinople to attend Holy Week services. The excursion was led by Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas. Daughters of Penelope Grand President Elaine M. Sampanis, Maids of Athena Grand President Sia Zois, and AHEPA Canadian President Nick Aroutzidis, and several AHEPA family members representing districts and chapters across the AHEPA family domain, joined the supreme president. On Friday April 2, 2010, Supreme President Karacostas met with U.S. Consul General Sharon Anderholm Wiener for a comprehensive briefing of bilateral relations between the United States and Turkey and issues regarding religious freedom and human rights in Turkey. Also on Good Friday, the entire AHEPA family delegation had a private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at which His All Holiness once again expressed his happiness for the AHEPA family’s support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Supreme President Karacostas also met privately with the Ecumenical Patriarch for a quick review of the dire situation the Ecumenical Patriarchate faces on a daily basis. A small exchange of gifts concluded the visit, and the entire delegation attended Holy Friday Services. delegation tours halki Seminary The delegation visited the Theological School of Halki and received a private tour of the seminary and the 600-yearold document library. A brief review of the seminary’s history was also provided by the Metropolitan in charge of the school who thanked the AHEPA family for its tireless work in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The delegation attended Anastasi services with the capacity crowd of St. George Church at the Phanar. After services, the supreme president attended a private dinner with His All Holiness. excursion travels to thessaloniki, meets with Various Government officials The excursion continued to Thessaloniki, Greece, where the delegation arrived on Monday, April 5. The contingent attended a dinner in its honor hosted by AHEPA Chapter HJ3, Thessaloniki. On Tuesday morning, the group visited with His Excellency Panagiotis Psomiadis, the Prefect of Thessaloniki. Prefect Psomiadis expressed his personal excitement to see AHEPA doing such great works. He stated that although Greece is undergoing a financial crisis that this visit by the AHEPA family is a great way to show support for Greece. The AHEPA family delegation in front of City Hall in Nicosia. MOA Grand President Zois, Supreme President Karacostas, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, DOP Grand President Sampanis, and Canadian President Aroutzidis share a moment together following their meeting. 12 the ahepan Summer 2010 www.ahepa.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Summer 2010

The AHEPAN - Summer 2010
Table of Contents
Supreme President’s Message
Daughters of Penelope President’s Message
Sons and Maids Presidents’ Messages
AHEPA Family News
Mailbag
Book Review
Annual Excursion Continues to Build Bridges, Seek Solutions
United We Serve
Chicago’s Regional Salute Banquet Inspires, Honors Many from Midwest
Civic Responsibility
Housing
Athletics
2010 Athletics Calendar
AHEPA Family Chapter News
In Memoriam

The AHEPAN - Summer 2010