The AHEPAN - July 2011 - 11

grateful to His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos for the generous amount of time he afforded us on Palm Sunday. Words cannot begin to describe the emotions we all felt attending church services here.” On April 18, His Beatitude arranged to have a tour guide show the delegation all the Holy places in Jerusalem. It seemed every Holy Place in Jerusalem is a Greek Orthodox Church. “It was truly a fantastic tour and one which I would recommend to everyone to go once in their life,” added Karacostas. “It is a trip which will always be vivid in my mind and moving in my heart.”

SP Karacostas pins the new Brethren of AHEPA’s Istanbul Chapter 601.

Past District 25 Governor Mastroyiannis (right, looking on) helped organize the Istanbul Chapter.

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew generously hosted the delegation during its visit to the Patriarchate.

Ecumenical Patriarch Hosts Delegation
The excursion concluded with a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, April 19-20, 2011. The delegation had an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on April 20. His All Holiness expressed his appreciation for the AHEPA family’s assistance on religious freedom issues, including the need to reopen the Theological School of Halki. “We sincerely appreciate the generous amount of time and hospitality His All Holiness afforded us,” said Supreme President Nicholas Karacostas. “We reaffirmed our unwavering support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and pledged to continue our efforts to lift the restrictions placed upon religious freedom in Turkey.” Also, the Ecumenical Patriarch hosted a luncheon for the AHEPA family delegation and the delegation attended the Service of Holy Unction.

nity in Istanbul’s desire to connect with Hellenes from around the world. We are thrilled with the quality of men that comprise the chapter, and we will work to see that it grows and prospers.” According to Karacostas, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was pleased and supportive of the news of the installation of the chapter. Past District 25 District Governor Tassos Mastroyiannis was instrumental in making all of the arrangements.

Supreme President Lauds Delegation
On April 21, the group departed for home, exhausted but accomplished. All in all, the trip was truly one of the finest trips in recent memory having met with all the most important governmental and religious figures and discussing all the important issues we confront as a community. “The Jerusalem leg was a unique and truly eye opening experience and one that will not be forgotten,” Karacostas reflected. The delegation that accompanied Supreme President Karacostas throughout the excursion included: Daughters of Penelope Grand President Christine Constantine, Maids of Athena Grand President Kiki Amanatidis, AHEPA Canadian President Nick Aroutzidis, Supreme Treasurer Col. Nick Vamvakias (ret.), Past Canadian President Anthony Mavromaras, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, Daughters of Penelope Executive Director Elena Saviolakis, District 5 Treasurer Sammy Thomas, and Ahepan Frank Pappas. In Cyprus, District 5 Lt. Gov. Savas Tsivikos, who is also a member of the AHEPA National Cyprus & Hellenic Affairs Committee, joined the delegation. “I commend the members of the delegation for taking the volunteer time out of their professional and personal schedules to accompany me on this landmark excursion,” said Supreme President Karacostas. “I appreciated their support and their participation helped to make this fast-paced excursion a tremendous success.”

Supreme president Formally installs istanbul chapter

With Dr. Eran Lerman, deputy chief of Israel’s National Security Council.

In addition, Supreme President Karacostas officiated over the formal installation of AHEPA Constantine the Great Chapter 601, Istanbul, on April 19. The chapter is comprised of ten members. “This is a proud milestone moment in our organization’s history,” said Karacostas. “We believe it speaks volumes about the Hellenic commu-

July 2011

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The AHEPAN - July 2011

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