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Monday, October 28, 2013

AHEPA Observes OXI Day

AHEPA Observes Oxi Day


FDR's Words About Greece's Defiance Remembered


WASHINGTON - Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis issued the following statement on the 73rd anniversary of "Oxi Day" when Greece issued a defiant "No" to the evils of fascism presented by the Axis powers, and instead, said "Yes" to freedom on October 28, 1940. The Greeks successfully fought back against the Italian army, pushing the invaders back into Albania after one week. It would prove to be a costly military campaign for the Axis power.
"On this day, 73 years ago the citizens of Greece took a courageous stand against tyranny and fascism and fought tooth and nail to defend their autonomy.
"This gutsy, noble defense by the Greeks of their beloved homeland, not just against the Italians but also the Germans, was noted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a member of AHEPA, who told the AHEPA Supreme Lodge in a meeting on April 25, 1941: 'The heroic struggle of the Greek people to defend their liberties and their homes against the aggression of Germany after they had so signally defeated the Italian attempt at invasion has stirred the hearts and aroused the sympathy of the whole American people.'
"Today, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, of which many of its members fought heroically behind enemy lines in Greece during World War II, commemorates the 73rd anniversary of 'Oxi' Day, observing it as a day to celebrate freedom, justice, liberty, and the passion of the Hellenic spirit.
"Please take a moment to pause and reflect on this remarkable moment in our Hellenic history."

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Greek Food Bazaar Returns To Reading, Pa., Oct. 18-19-20

Enjoy a visit to Greece without leaving Berks County when the 43rd annual Greek Food Bazaar returns Oct. 18-19-20 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.
In addition to authentic Greek food and pastry, the three-day festival features live music, dancing, gift rooms and church tours. 
The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using family recipes handed down through generations. All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out. 
Athenian-style chicken platters, which comes with pastitsio or rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $12 will be offered all weekend in the main dining hall. You can substitute plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal. 
There are also a la carte items such gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches; calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; moussaka (eggplant casserole); arni psito (roast lamb cooked with herbs); and pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel sauce). 
A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, are available, as well as domestic and imported beers.
While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister duo who are also church members. 
The church’s youth dance group, Kefi, will perform traditional Greek dances wearing colorful costumes throughout the weekend. 
After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. The Agora (Greek market) offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms. 
A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can sample baklava (almonds, butter and honey layered in flaky pastry), teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar);, koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie); and galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).
Another Greek delicacy offered throughout the weekend is loukoumades (puffed honey balls), a warm, dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Additional parking across the street at Berks Catholic High School. The event will be held rain or shine. 
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (also known as Lancaster Avenue).
 
For more information, call 610-374-7511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org