President Trump Hosts the Greek Independence Day Celebration

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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

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For Orthodox Christians, Easter rituals just beginning

Some 300 million Orthodox Christians around the world are preparing to celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 15.

Unlike mainstream Christian churches which celebrate Easter in accordance with the Western or "Gregorian" calendar, most Orthodox churches observe the Julian calendar.

The Julian calendar was established in 46 B.C. and was used by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 to set the first Easter.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/09/1989576/orthodox-christians-will-wait.html#storylink=cpy

For Orthodox Christians, Easter rituals just beginning - Religion - NewsObserver.com

Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day

Greek Independence Day is March 25. This year commemorates the 191st anniversary (March 25, 1821) of Greece’s independence after 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Turks.

Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day

Berks County Greek festival showcases food, culture, music

READING — The largest ethnic food festival in Berks County returns for its 41st year on the weekend of Oct. 14-15-16 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Greek Food Bazaar to enjoy authentic Greek food and pastry and live music and dancing.

The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using traditional family recipes.

The most popular dish is Athenian-style chicken, which comes in a platter with a side of rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $10. You can substitute Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) for the platter meal on Friday.

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); and Pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béechamel.

All food items are available to eat-in in the church social hall or take-out.
A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, will also be served.

While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek and American 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 throughout the weekend wearing colorful costumes.

After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. An 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.

Festival-goers can also view one of the largest collections of Byzantine iconography in the United States. Guided tours of the church interior are provided on the hour.

A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can pick between popular treats like 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 is Loukoumathes (puffed honey balls), a warm dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. The event is held rain or shine.

Additional parking is available across the street at Berks Catholic High School.
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (Lancaster Avenue), just turn onto Hancock Boulevard between the two car dealerships and stay on the road until you see the church.

For more information, call the church office at 610-374-7511 or visit the church’s website, www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Presidential Proclamation - Greek Independence Day

Presidential Proclamation - Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy

A PROCLAMATION

One hundred ninety years ago, Greece regained its independence and became a symbol of democracy for the world for the second time in history. As America recognizes this milestone in the birthplace of democracy, we also celebrate our warm friendship with Greece and the lasting legacy of Hellenic culture in our own country.

America's Founders drew upon the core democratic principles developed in ancient Greece as they imagined a new government. Since that time, our Union has strived to uphold the belief that each person has a fundamental right to liberty and participation in the democratic process, and Greece has continued to promote those very principles. Over the centuries these cherished ideals -- democracy, equality, and freedom -- have inspired our citizens and the world.

The relationship between the United States and Greece extends beyond our common values and is strengthened by the profound influence of Greek culture on our national life. From the architecture of our historic buildings to the lessons in philosophy and literature passed on in our classrooms, America has drawn on the deep intellectual traditions of the Greeks in our own establishment and growth as a nation. Reinforcing the steadfast bonds between our two countries, Americans of Greek descent have maintained the best of their heritage and immeasurably enriched our national character.

The American people stand with Greece to honor the legacy of democracy wrought over 2,000 years ago and its restoration to the Hellenic Republic nearly 200 years ago. As we celebrate the history and values of Greece and the United States, we also look forward to our shared future and recommit to continuing our work as friends and allies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2011, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

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