AHEPA Golf Tournament/Pig Roast Rescheduled

Message from Chapter President George J. Giovanis:

Due to severe weather conditions projected for this Sunday, our AHEPA Golf Outing and pig roast has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 17th.

We will have a shot gun start at 1:00 p.m. and the pig roast is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. under the pavilion at the golf course.

If you are unable to participate in our rescheduled festivities (golf and/or pig roast), please contact either George Giovanis (610-775-9602; georgejgiovanis@comcast.net) or Dean Kraras (610-775-5000; dkraras@whitestartours.com) on or before Monday, August 29th. Your registration fee will be reimbursed to you.

For those of you who could not participate on our original date, here is an opportunity to now register for our AHEPA golf outing and/or pig roast on Saturday, September 17th!

Please contact either Dean or George if you can now participate and forward your completed registration form with payment no later than September 9th.

In Memoriam: Stella (Dialectos) Kraras

Stella G. Kraras, 86, died August 13, 2011 in her Wyomissing residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Gust C. Kraras, to whom she was married on April 28, 1946. Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Athanasios and Angeliki (Kostomeris) Dialectos. Mrs. Kraras was a life-long partner in all of the family businesses. She was co-owner of the former College Inn at 14th and Union Streets across from Albright College. She went on to co-own The Lorraine Hotel and Restaurant, White Star Motel and other motels and restaurants in Wildwood, NJ. She also played an active and long-time role at White Star Tours, the family travel company based in Reading, PA. Mrs. Kraras was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, where she was a devoted member and past officer of the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, a member of the Daughters of Penelope Society, and an active participant in the Church's Annual Greek Food Bazaar. A part-time resident of Wildwood, she was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, North Wildwood, NJ, where she was also a member of the St. Sotiros Philoptochos Society. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Christ G., husband of Ann (Baxewanis) Kraras; Angel P., wife of Mauro D. Cammarano; and Patricia "Tula", wife of Bernard Donahue, all of Wyomissing. There are three siblings, Effie, widow of Nicholas Parenti, Reading; Anna, wife of Michael Koumaras, Reading; and Harry, husband of Christine Dialectos, Wyomissing; and one sister-in-law, Joanne Dialectos, wife of Mrs. Kraras's predeceased brother, George, Reading. There are six grandchildren: Dean C., husband of Jennifer Kraras, Marisa C., wife of Scott Hunsicker; Andrew M., husband of Sophia Cammarano; Stephanie M., wife of Gregory Labe; Bernard N. Donahue, Jr. and Stavanna C. Donahue. There are also eight great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Peyton, Christopher and Delaney Kraras; Tommy, Christo and Gram Hunsicker; and Isabelle Cammarano, all who will miss her very much. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved nothing more than spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Church. Contributions may be made to: Sts. Constantine and Helen Church at the above address or St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, St. Demetrios and Ahepa Streets, North Wildwood, NJ 08260. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.

AHEPA Remembers 37th 'Black Anniversary' of Invasion, Occupation of Cyprus

Supreme President Calls for Removal of Turkish Troops from Cyprus

MIAMI BEACH - American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas issued the following statement on the 37th anniversary of the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of the Republic of Cyprus that occurred July 20, 1974:

"Today marks a somber day as we observe the 37th anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by the Republic of Turkey. This was, and remains to this very day, an intolerable act; one that is a gross violation of the rule of law, human rights, and democratic ideals. We pause to remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives and the thousands who went missing, including four American citizens whose investigations remain incomplete. The illegal invasion and occupation caused the displacement of 170,000 Greek Cypriot refugees, including my family, who to this day are unable to return to their homes which is also a violation of human rights as determined by the European Commission on Human Rights.

"The ongoing direct talks between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Dervis Eroglu, under the scope of the high-level UN Agreement of July 8, 2006, have provided minimal tangible progress toward a settlement to reunify Cyprus. This is due to the latter's hardline positions that continue to present proposals outside UN parameters and European Union principles. It is our hope the July 7, 2011 meeting between the two sides and the UN secretary-general in Geneva will impress upon the Turkish Cypriot side the importance of presenting specific positions on the fundamental issues that are founded under UN parameters. This will help the process going forward.

"However, the key to a successful settlement also rests in Ankara. We call on the U.S. government to convey a strong message to Turkey that it must provide the Turkish Cypriot community with the necessary freedom to negotiate a solution within the July 8 framework, and equally as important, facilitate the removal of 43,000 of its troops from the island.

"Therefore, we restate our call for a reunified Cyprus with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship; and with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. We contend that such a solution is in the best interest of all Cypriots, and must emanate from Cypriots themselves without arbitrary timetables.

"Furthermore, on this 'black anniversary' we call on Turkey to begin the removal of its 43,000 troops from Cyprus. These are troops that as American citizens we contend would serve a better purpose, especially to NATO, in another theatre such as Afghanistan as opposed to Cyprus where there have been more than 15 million incident-free crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

"We call for these actions in the best interests of the United States. A just and viable solution to the division of Cyprus will strengthen the eastern Mediterranean and bring peace and security to the region. Furthermore, it will aid Turkey's candidacy to become a member of the European Union.

"Our hope is that we will no longer need to observe this 'black anniversary,' but instead, celebrate the anniversary of a settlement. AHEPA remains committed to doing all within its power to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye until a just and viable solution is realized."

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.ahepa.org

Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Comments on 37th Anniversary of the Turkish Invasion

Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Comments on 37th Anniversary of the Turkish Invasion

500th Visitor to Reading AHEPA website

Our site counter at Reading AHEPA has recorded the 500th unique visitor to the site since it was launched last year. Thanks for checking us out ... and come back again.

Reading AHEPA Elects Chapter Officers for 2011-12

Here are the results of recent elections for 2011-12 officers of William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA:

§ President – George J. Giovanis

§ Vice President – Constantine Kotsakis

§ Treasurer – Tony Phyrillas

§ Secretary – Dean Kraras

§ Board of Governors - Christ Ganas (Chairman), Frankie Petrakis, Stam Zervanos, Michael Chaknos and Christ Kraras

Upcoming Chapter Events

Upcoming Meeting Dates for William Penn Chapter 61:

§ Tuesday, June 21st @ 7:00 p.m. – 3rd and Spruce Café (fellowship social)

Past Presidents of William Penn Chapter 61 Order of AHEPA

Below is a listing of the 33 men who have held the office of President for William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA over the past 85 years:

Tony Phyrillas
Strat Marmarou
Spiro Phyrillas
William Sianis
Gus Varish
Stanley Theodossiou
Gust Chaknos
George Pappas
Jim Zaffary
Peter Morris
Gus Capiotis
Mike Firilas
Nick Kontaxes
Thomas Boyer
Charles Billys
Christ Ganas
Louis Vastardis
Peter George
Gust Kraras
Nick Rellis
Nick Lampros
George Govatos
George Paskopoulos
William Sebecos
Louis Daniels
John Kraras
George Thomas
George Pasayotis
Louis Sofianos
James Grammaticas
James Toulas
Constantine Mantis
C.H. Contos

(Note: Many of the Past Presidents served multiple terms in office)

Archbishop Proclaims AHEPA Sunday

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday - May 15, 2011

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ἀνέστη!

On this fourth Sunday after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha, we commemorate the healing of the paralytic by our Lord Jesus Christ. This Sunday has also been designated in 2011 as our annual recognition of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. The connection of the Sunday of the Paralytic and AHEPA Sunday is very appropriate, as it offers to us a substantive and spiritual focus on the service that is offered in our communities and around the world by the AHEPA family.

The healing of the paralytic is one of many beautiful witnesses we have of the compassion of Christ for those in need. In His abundant grace He offered physical healing, but He also encouraged spiritual renewal through the restoration of the relationship with God. In the spirit and grace of our Lord, the members of AHEPA continue to offer remarkable service through their philanthropic and civic programs and through their care for the intellectual and spiritual development of our youth. This work contributes to the ministry of the Church and offers a witness of the faith of Greek Orthodox Christians who are members of this esteemed organization and faithful members of our parishes.

Thus, it is fitting that on this AHEPA Sunday we honor the members of the AHEPA family and support their work in our communities. I encourage all of our parishes to give special recognition to AHEPA on this day, asking through our prayers for the continued blessings of God upon our calling of offering compassionate and sacrificial service to all humanity.

With paternal love in the Risen Lord,

†DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

Upcoming Meeting Dates for William Penn Chapter 61:

§ Sunday, May 22nd @ 700 p.m. – Deluxe Restaurant (dinner meeting)

§ Sunday, June 12th @ 7:00 p.m. – Business Meeting at Church hall

§ Tuesday, June 21st @ 7:00 p.m. – 3rd and Spruce Café (fellowship social)

Next Chapter Meeting: April 28

Our next AHEPA meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Church.

Our meeting will include the initiation of several new members into the Order of AHEPA.

Additionally, we will receive a report from the Board of Governors followed by input from our membership on the current status of our Chapter and where we go from here after completing one year since being reorganized in March 2010.

AHEPA Pennsylvania District No. 4 website

Visit the Power District No. 4 website - http://ahepa4.org - for information about district scholarships and the upcoming District Convention in Philadelphia.

Upcoming Chapter Events

Upcoming Meeting Dates for William Penn Chapter 61:

§ Thursday, April 28th @ 7:00 p.m. – Business Meeting at Church hall

§ Sunday, May 22nd @ 700 p.m. – Deluxe Restaurant (dinner meeting)

§ Sunday, June 12th @ 7:00 p.m. – Business Meeting at Church hall

§ Tuesday, June 21st @ 7:00 p.m. – 3rd and Spruce Café (fellowship social)

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

Obama celebrates Greek Independence Day

Obama to celebrate Greek Independence Day - San Jose Mercury News

2011 Greek Independence Day Parade

2011 Greek Independence Day Parade on New York's Fifth Avenue Dedicated to "Visit Greece"

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

Upcoming Meeting Dates for William Penn Chapter 61:

§ Tuesday, March 15th @ 7:00 p.m. – 3rd and Spruce Café (fellowship social)

§ Thursday, April 28th @ 7:00 p.m. – Business Meeting at Church hall

§ Sunday, May 22nd @ 700 p.m. – Deluxe Restaurant (dinner meeting)

§ Sunday, June 12th @ 7:00 p.m. – Business Meeting at Church hall

§ Tuesday, June 21st @ 7:00 p.m. – 3rd and Spruce Café (fellowship social)

Junior Achievement to honor Christ Kraras

Junior Achievement of Greater Reading & Lehigh Valley will honor Christ Kraras at the organization's Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Reading in Wyomissing.

Kraras, owner of White Star Travel, Shillington, is a longtime member of William Penn Chapter No. 61.

Junior Achievement chapter begins new era

5 new members initiated

William Penn Chapter No. 61 welcomes its newest members, initiated into the Order of AHEPA on Sunday, Feb. 20.

The newest brothers are Alan Futrick, Stav Koumaras, Andy Lentz, Alex Simotas and Evan Zervanos.

Pennsylvania AHEPA District launches website

AHEPA Power District No. 4 has launched its own website. Check it out at http://ahepa4.org/

The site contains information on the District No. 4 convention, Scholarship forms, and other important documents.

In Memoriam: Augustus 'Gus' Varish

Augustus "Gus" Varish, a Life Member of William Penn Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA, and past chapter president, passed away this week at age 86. May his memory be eternal. His obituary information: Augustus "Gus" Varish, 86, passed away Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, surrounded by his family and friends. Gus was a business agent for the Teamsters Union Local 429 for 25 years; past president of the AHEPA; and lifelong member of SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte; parents, Philotheos and Maria; sisters, Kalliope (Tambakis) and Audrey; and brothers: Elias, George and Ben. He is survived by his brother, Peter; sister-in-law, Delhia; numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, godchildren and exceptionally good friends. Visitation will be held at Henninger Funeral Home Inc., 229 N. Fifth St., Reading, on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., with Trisagion at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to service at 11 a.m. Thursday at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading. Father Spyridon Papademetriou will officiate. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery.

Next Time You're in Athens

Next Time You're in Athens

Gross Violation of Religious Freedoms in the Occupied Cyprus

Gross Violation of Religious Freedoms in the Occupied Part of Cyprus on Christmas

'Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations' exhibit at Smithsonian

More than a million visitors at the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, which is hosting the exhibition “Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations”

In Memoriam: Peter Morris

William Penn Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA, lost one of its Life Members with the passing of Peter Morris. His obituary information: Peter Morris, 91, Reading, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, in the Wyomissing Nursing Center, where was a resident for one month. He is survived by his wife, Amelia P. (Paras) Morris. They were married for 59 years. Born in Reading, on May 1, 1919, he was a son of the late Samuel and Antonia (Kevelos) Morris. Peter was a member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He was retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1940 to 1945, he served in World War II. He was in Iceland for nine months and then in the Pacific until 1945. From Sept. 29, 1950, to September of 1951, he served in Korea. From 1952 to 1961, he was an inspector and on the instructor staff in Dayton, Ohio. From 1961 to 1964, he was stationed at Camp Legeune, N.C. He was also in the Marine Corps Supply Activity in Philadelphia from 1964 to 1966, the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968 and the Fleet Reserves from 1968 to 1975. Peter received the Meritorious Award. After his retirement from the Marines he worked for Wachovia Bank in Reading as a messenger. In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his sister, Evangeline Cranos, Fairfield, Conn.; brother, John Morris, Nashville, Tenn.; and niece, Constance Cranos, and nephew, Christ Cranos, both of Conn. Peter was predeceased by his sister, Martha Joyce. Services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. in SS. Constantine & Helen GOC, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading. Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, Reading, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.theocauman.com.

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

In case you missed it, the Reading AHEPA Chapter was recently featured in the Reading Eagle newspaper.

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

WISDOM OF HELLENISM - Change your life

Greek Americans to Port Authority: Rebuild Ground Zero Church

Greek Americans to Port Authority: Rebuild Ground Zero Church

In Memoriam: Bessie V. Capiotis

Bessie V. Capiotis, a longtime member of the Daughters of Penelope, passed away on July 24, 2010. Sister Capiotis was an active member of the Reading Daughters' Chapter for many decades. From her Obituary:

Bessie V. Capiotis, 89, died July 24, 2010, in Kutztown Manor, where she resided since December 2008. Her husband, Constantine M. Capiotis, died May 24, 1984. Born June 10, 1921, in Monessen, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Maria (Flora) Kontaxes. Bessie was a member of SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a life member of St. Xenia Ladies Philoptochos Society and a member of The Daughters of Penelope. She is survived by two sons, Stratton C., and his wife, Debra L. Capiotis, Oley; and Milton G., and his wife, Sharon A. Capiotis, Spring Township. Other survivors include two sisters, Irene (Kontaxes) Fafalois, Monongahela; and Josephine (Kontaxes) Nobozny, Charleroi. There are also eight grandchildren: Constance, Nickolas, Michael, Christina, Stephen, Peter, Katie and Elisabeth; and five great-grandchildren: Christopher, Zoey, Jacob, Auggie and Elisabeth. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at SS Constantine & Helen GOC, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, and Wednesday, July 28, 2010, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the church. A Trisagion Service will be Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions maybe made to the church at the above address in Bessie's memory. Arrangements are by Theo C. Auman Inc., Reading. Online condolences may be made at www.theocauman.com.

AHI Statement on 36th Anniversary of Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) has issued a statement on the 36th anniversary of Turkey's brutal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus on July 20, 1974.

Read the full release here.

In Memoriam: Donald W. Bankes

Donald W. Bankes passed away on July 11, 2010. Brother Bankes joined the Order of AHEPA in March 1984, and was an active member of William Penn Chapter No. 61 for 20 years. From his Obituary:

Donald W. Bankes, 88, Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2010, at Reading Hospital. He was the widower of Helen (George) Bankes, who passed away in April 2004. She was the love of his life and they were married for more than 57 years. Donald graduated from Northeast Junior High School and Reading Senior High School. He played baseball for Hillside Playground and basketball for Progressive Clothier in the city basketball league. He was the highest scorer in the league for the 1940-1941 season. He was a veteren of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in Italy. Donald worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Reading for 32 years until his retirement in 1980, lastly serving as the Manager of the Parcel Post Annex. He also worked for the Reading Railroad. He attended SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He was a devoted convert to Orthodoxy and served on the Parish Council for 24 years and was financial secretary for 23 years. In his spare time, he loved to golf in the senior league and bowl in the church league. He was an avid fisherman traveling to Maine many times on fishing trips with his friends from the church. He also loved spending time with his family. In his later years, he enjoyed news programs and loved to use his computer. Donald was a loving and devoted husband and father and is survived by his son, William P., husband of Mary, Downingtown; and his daughter, Sharon J., wife of Dean Whitman, Denver Pa. Also survivng are his brother, Robert L., husband of Betty Bankes; and several nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Order of AHEPA, NARFE, and was vice president of the Reading Branch of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. Services will be held on July 15, 2010, at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading. A viewing will be held at the church from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton. Memorial contributions may be made to SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Arrangements were by Theo C. Auman Inc., Reading (www.theocauman.com)

AHEPA Applauds J.Lo for Withdrawing from Occupied Cyprus Gig

AHEPA Applauds J.Lo for Withdrawing from Occupied Cyprus Gig

WASHINGTON - The leading membership-based association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and countless Philhellenes, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), applauds Entertainer Jennifer Lopez for withdrawing from her planned July 24, 2010 performance at a new hotel and casino in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, announced National President Nicholas A. Karacostas.

"We sincerely thank Ms. Lopez for withdrawing from her planned performance in occupied Cyprus," Karacostas said. "Furthermore we commend her outstanding statement that recognizes the importance of not supporting any forms of human rights abuses."

He added, "We congratulate the community, including many members of the AHEPA family, for participating in an overwhelming grassroots outreach campaign that created awareness of the human rights violations committed by Turkey in occupied Cyprus. We also thank everyone who signed the AHEPA petition."

On July 1, AHEPA sent Ms. Lopez a letter requesting her to cancel her performance. In addition, AHEPA provided Ms. Lopez's publicist with supporting documentation by experts about the destruction of Cyprus' cultural and religious heritage by Turkey and the latter's violations of international law, including an April 2009 Law Library of Congress's report to Congress, background information about a July 21, 2009 U.S. Helsinki Commission briefing titled "Cyprus' Religious Cultural Heritage in Peril," and a Feb. 1, 2010 feature article in The Weekly Standard titled "Bare Ruined Choirs: Turkey's war on the cultural heritage of Cyprus"

Jennifer Lopez Out of Controversial N. Cyprus Concert

Jennifer Lopez Out of Controversial N. Cyprus Concert

SUPPORT CAMPAIGN TO STOP JENNIFER LOPEZ FROM VISITING TURKISH-OCCUPIED CYPRUS

The Cyprus Action Network of America is continuing its grassroots campaign to stop Jennifer Lopez from making an illegal visit to Turkish-Occupied Cyprus.

From a CANA press release:

In recent days an overwhelming number of emails and calls have been sent in protest to the "William Morris Agency" in New York that represents Lopez in New York. There is no evidence NONE that Jennifer Lopez has withdrawn or denied that she is going to Turkish-Occupied-Cyprus. We urge all activists to keep trying to bring media attention to her illegal visit. We urge you all to continue until we or anyone else receives official confirmation of her cancelling from the right channels.

Please emphasize in your letters to Lopez that besides the fact the illegal pseudo-state is recognized by no-one but the human-rights-abusing Turkish government, we also note in Jennifer Lopez’s case the hypocrisy of her and her agent "William Morris Agency" disregarding the fact that the illegal Turkish military-occupiers are the unrepentant rapists of 800 Greek-Cypriot women.

The northern third of the island of Cyprus has been under Turkish military occupation since 1974.

Thousands have supported the CANA campaign to persuade Lopez to cancel her appearance by joining the Facebook group AGAINST JENNIFER LOPEZ PERFORMING IN OCCUPIED CYPRUS, which has attracted almost 6,000 members in just a few days.

For more on CANA's efforts to bring justice to Cyprus, visit the group's Web site by clicking here.

'CYPRUS: CROSSROADS OF CIVILIZATIONS' TO OPEN AT SMITHSONIAN IN SEPTEMBER

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of independence for the Republic of Cyprus, a special exhibit, "Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations," will open at the the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C., in September.

The exhibit will feature more than 200 rare artifacts (sculptural figures, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings) from the country's 10,000-year-old history.

Ranging from 10,000 B.C. to 1803 A.D., the approximately 220 objects presented in this exhibition are but a fraction of the artifacts discovered by Cypriot and foreign excavators, including many American archaeologists, according to International Arts & Artists.

Ranging from objects of the earliest villages to masterpieces of medieval religious art, this exhibition presents an overview of the unique culture of Cyprus to the North American public for the first time, according to IA&A.

"Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations" will run from Sept. 29, 2010, until May 1, 2011, at the Smithsonian.

'Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations' to Open at Smithsonian in September

PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Scroll down on the right side of this site and check out the list of all the Past Presidents of William Penn Chapter No. 61.

The list, in chronological order, was compiled by Gust Kraras and Tony Phyrillas using past chapter minutes and other AHEPA archives.

Several brothers have served as Chapter President at different times during the chapter's history. In those cases, they are listed in the order of their most recent year(s) of service.

MEMBERSHIP IS GROWING

The William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA now boasts more than 50 members initiated or reinstated in just the three months since the chapter was reactivated.

We are now one of the biggest chapters in Pennsylvania!

MAY 16 IS AHEPA SUNDAY

Archbishop Proclaims May 16 as AHEPA Sunday
Encyclical is annual observance and recognition of AHEPA's good work

WASHINGTON - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios has proclaimed May 16, 2010 as "AHEPA Sunday" in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

"On this day we as the Holy Archdiocese of America recognize the members and service of the American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association. The AHEPA family has a long history of promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence in a spirit of true diakonia and community," wrote the archbishop in the Encyclical.

"We are very grateful and honored by the eloquent words His Eminence used to describe the hard work that our members carry-out on a daily basis," said Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas. "The Order of AHEPA is proud of its 88-year history and standing with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; a relationship that has depicted the two entities as being 'The Twin Pillars of Hellenism' in America. This relationship has blossomed over the past ten-and-a-half years with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios."

For a full copy of the Encyclical, visit www.ahepa.org or http://www.goarch.org/news/archiepiscopalencyclicalahepasunday-en

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202-232-6300, or visit www.ahepa.org

CHAPTER OFFICERS WITH DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

Pictured left-to-right: Chapter Treasurer Tony Phyrillas, Chapter President George Giovanis, District Governor Jack McCabe, Chapter Vice President Strat Marmarou, and Chapter Secretary Dean Kraras. Back row: Executive Secretary William Mackrides and Gus Seiss, president of the Lancaster AHEPA Chapter (Red Rose No. 71)

NEW PRESIDENT TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

Captain of the Guard Gust Kraras presents Brother George Giovanis to be sworn in by Executive Secretary William Mackrides

SWEARING-IN OF NEW MEMBERS

District Governor Jack McCabe and Executive Secretary William Mackrides (pictured above) presided over the mass initiation of 27 new members into William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA on Sunday, March 14, 2010, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading PA.

WELCOME TO THE READING, PA, AHEPA CHAPTER

Welcome to the official Website of William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).

AHEPA Chapter No. 61 was founded on March 16, 1925, and has been serving the Reading, Pa., and surrounding communities of Berks County for the past 85 years.

Although the chapter has had ups and downs through the years, it was reactivated in March 2010 and Reading now boasts one of the largest AHEPA chapters in Pennsylvania.