Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered his warm congratulations and best wishes to the members of the Hellenic American Educational and Progressive Organization (AHEPA) on the occasion of Sunday, May 17, which is dedicated to the Organization.
As the Archbishop of America pointed out in his encyclical for AHEPA encyclical, this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible, as in other years, to organize appropriate events for the promotion of the important mission of AHEPA.
He added, however, that we could wholeheartedly commemorate the work of AHEPA, which for almost a century was a flagship of the Greek-American history in the United States and around the world.
AHEPA has always been among the extraordinary pillars of the Greek diaspora, either it is the defense of the Greek Orthodox Faith in times of anti-immigrant prejudice, or establishment of medical and housing facilities in the USA and in Greece, or advocacy for the freedom of Greece and in particular for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“Now, AHEPA is helping to meet the crisis with their faithful chapters across America, and we are thankful for their ceaseless contributions. Together, we will get through this crisis, but we must work even more closely now to preserve our Church and our communities, and to advance the goals of AHEPA in this hour of need.
May God always bless the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, its chapters and families, and keep them safe and healthy for many more years to come,” the Archbishop emphasized in his encyclical.