In Memoriam: Michael Marmarou

Michael Marmarou, age 69 years, of Kenhorst, Pa., passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at his residence.
Michael was born in Mytilini, Greece on March 25, 1947, a son of the late Ralio (Hioteli) and Hristodolo Marmarou and was the husband of Constantina  (Paraskis) Marmarou, of Kenhorst.
He served in the Greek Army  from 1968 to 1971 and was a self employed painter and contractor.  He also formerly owned and operated Moyer's Cigar Store, Reading.
Michael was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, and was a member of the Filian Society.
He was a former member of the Order of AHEPA, initiated into the Reading, Pa., chapter in 1976.
He loved hunting and fishing and his vacations with his wife, Connie, and children to Greece.
Michael is survived by his two daughters, Rallia Marmarou, of Reading; Evelyn Marmarou, fiance' of Robert Spohn, of Reading; and sister, Hrisavgi, wife of  Ignatou Laskarida, of Athens, Greece.
Michael is also survived by nephew, Hristodolo, husband of Stella Marmarou; nephew Panagioti Marmarou; nephew, Mike, husband of Katarina Marmarou; nephew, Dimitri Marmarou; niece, Ralio, wife of Dimitri Patiti; nephew, Kosta Laskiroudou; and niece, Farsalia, wife of Georgios Manikas, as well as great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Therapon Marmarou.
Family and friends are invited to call Tuesday from 10 AM to 12 PM at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading. Religious service will follow at 12 PM. Interment at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
Flowers and contributions may be made to St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611.
Arrangements entrusted to the John P. Feeney Funeral Home, in Reading's Centre Park Historic District, 625 N. 4th St. at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601

AHEPA Sunday Celebrated by Reading Chapter No. 61

Dozens of members of Gust. C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 stand in the front pews for a Memorial Service during AHEPA  Sunday on May 15, 2016, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

On Sunday, May 15, 2016, more than 40 members of Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 gathered at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church for AHEPA Sunday, a day to honor the memory of departed brothers. Following the church service, the Reading/Berks AHEPA Chapter hosted a luncheon for the entire church congregation. A commemorative booklet listing every deceased member of the Reading/Berks Chapter over the past 90 years was also distributed following the service.

Members of Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 prepare to serve a luncheon following a memorial service during AHEPA Sunday in May 15, 2016, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. Pictured L-R are chapter members Kim Shunk, Gust Kraras, George Giovanis, Chris Dikos, Athan Dialectos and Anthony Koumaras.

Archbishop Demetrios Proclaims May 15 as AHEPA Sunday

Encyclical recognizes AHEPA's promotion of Hellenic ideals 

through its mission and programming

WASHINGTON (May 11, 2016) - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios has proclaimed May 15, 2016 as "AHEPA Sunday" in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The encyclical issued by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios states in part: "On this day we also recognize the members of our beloved AHEPA family, as they are inspired by the power of the faith that we share and their love for humankind to offer service and resources in many ways."

Archbishop Demetrios adds: "For over ninety years the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association has promoted the ideals of philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through many programs and special efforts, including assistance to Greek immigrants, scholarships for youth, housing for senior adults, relief funds following major tragedies, and activism on a wide range of issues."

  

"We are honored and we deeply appreciate the kind and eloquent words Archbishop Demetrios uses to describe the community service work our members provide through the Hellenic ideals promoting through our mission," Supreme President John W. Galanis said. "The AHEPA family values the close ties it has with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We are also grateful for the blessings His Eminence has bestowed upon our organization and members." 

On AHEPA Sunday, Supreme President Galanis also conveys the AHEPA family's appreciation to all donors of the campaign to help to rebuild Saint Nicholas National Shrine at World Trade Center and appeals to the community to continue its diligent effort to reach our goal and witness Saint Nicholas rise again. 

• READ & SHARE: Encyclical of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday
• TAKE ACTION & DONATE: AHEPA-Saint Nicholas National Shrine Campaign

Mother's Day Card Raises Money For Scholarship Fund

This beautiful booklet was distributed on Mother's Day after church services at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The booklet gave AHEPANs an opportunity to pay tribute to the women in their lives and the memory of departed loved ones. All proceeds from the listings in the booklet will go to the chapter Scholarship Fund.