Saturday, August 30, 2014
Sunday, July 20, 2014
AHEPA Marks Somber 40th Anniversary of Invasion, Occupation of Cyprus
Calls for Removal of Turkish Troops from Cyprus; Movement on Confidence-Building Measures
WASHINGTON, DC - Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis issued the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey that occurred July 20, 1974:
"Today we ask, 'How long?' as we mark a somber day-the 40th 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 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. Moreover, Turkey's restrictions upon religious freedom and destruction of Cyprus' cultural and religious heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus have been well-documented by the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Law Library of Congress, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, and several media publications.
"In February, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots agreed to a Joint Declaration that provided the foundation for the resumption of settlement talks. Included in the declaration was a commitment 'to efforts to implement confidence building measures that will provide a dynamic impetus to the prospect for a united Cyprus.' Unfortunately, after a promising start, the return of Famagusta or movement on other confidence-building measures has stalled, demonstrating Turkey's intransigence. We hope that bridge-building measures such as the Good Friday service that brought Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots together can serve as an inspiration going forward.
"We vigorously applaud the recent high-level engagement by United States government officials with the Republic of Cyprus, including Vice President Joe Biden's historic May visit and subsequent engagement by the vice president and U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Defense officials. We also laud the bipartisan action taken this week by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and U.S. Representative Ed Royce, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Together, they urged the Obama administration to increase attention to the goal of reunifying Cyprus in a joint letter.
"However, the key to a successful settlement rests in Ankara. We once again call on the U.S. government, as we do every year at this time, 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 United Nations framework, and equally as important, that Turkey must play a constructive role in the movement of confidence-building measures and facilitate the removal of 40,000 of its troops from the island. Thus, on this somber anniversary, we again call on Turkey to begin the removal of its troops from Cyprus. These are troops that we contend would serve a better purpose, especially to NATO, in another theatre, as opposed to Cyprus, where there have been more than 17 million incident-free crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
"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.
"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. This is especially important with the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves within the exclusive economic zones of the Republic of Cyprus and Israel by a U.S. energy firm. Furthermore, a just and viable solution will aid Turkey's candidacy to become a member of the European Union.
"Today, we say 40 years is too long. 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 that benefits all Cypriots is realized."
AHEPA to Mark Anniversary at Supreme Convention
AHEPA will remember the victims of Turkey's illegal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus with a Moment of Silence at the Opening Ceremony of its 92nd Annual Supreme Convention which will be held July 21, 2014. Also during the convention, AHEPA will host AHI Founder Eugene Rossides, a Life Member of AHEPA, for a presentation on his new book, "Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness," on July 24, 2014.
AHEPA proudly participated at a "Rally for Cyprus" on Capitol Hill organized by PSEKA that marked the 40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus, July 16, 2014. AHEPA Chairman of the Board and Past Supreme President Nicholas Karacostas, a refugee from Cyprus, and Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, represented AHEPA on behalf of Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis. Several Ahepans also participated as representatives of other Hellenic or Diaspora organizations. Philip Christopher, president, PSEKA, is also an AHEPA member and special advisor on Cyprus to the AHEPA National Cyprus & Hellenic Affairs Committee.
"We congratulate PSEKA for organizing an outstanding public awareness and advocacy event," Kouzounis added. "We pledge to continue to work with all organizations to ensure the Cyprus issue remains visible and that a just and viable solution for Cyprus and all Cypriots becomes reality."
Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, to protect individuals from the evils of bigotry and discrimination, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.
For more information about AHEPA or how to join, please visit ahepa.org or contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202-232-6300.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
In Memoriam: Constantine 'Gus' Comins
He was the loving and devoted husband to Mary T. (Tabakelis) Comins who passed away June 21, 2012. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. Born on November 5, 1926 in Birdsboro, he was the son of the late Peter J. and Mary (Alexander) Comins.
Constantine was a 1944 graduate of Reading High School, Emory University in Atlanta, GA where he earned a BS in Chemistry in 1950 and Franklin Marshall in 1960, MS in Chemistry. He was a member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where he was former member of Parish Council. He served in the US Navy during WWII.
Mr. Comins was employed at former Western Electric as a chemical plating engineer for 36 years, retiring in 1988. Mr. Comins was involved in many organizations which included former memberships: Order of A.H.E.P.A, Masonic Order, Williamson Lodge #307, past president of the Reading Chemists Club, Director of Reading/Berks Science and Engineering Fair.
Survivors include 4 daughters: JoAnne G. (Comins), wife of Bruce Rick, Prosser, WA; Marian C. (Comins), wife of Mark Drucker, Largo, FL; Constance C. (Comins), wife of Michael Coleman, Glen Mills, PA; Jayme E. Comins, at home. There are 6 grandchildren: George Rick, Gretchen Rick, Jason Drucker, Peter Drucker, Maria Coleman, Alexis Coleman. Other survivors include brother-in-laws, John Tabakelis, husband of Ruth Tabakelis, Morgantown; Thomas J. Bell, widower of Penelope Bell (Twin sister to Mrs. Mary Comins), Wiliamson, NJ.
Services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church: 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd. Reading, PA 19611 with Rev. Spyridon Papademetriou officiating. Family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery with military honors.
Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.
Monday, June 9, 2014
2014 AHEPA Scholarship Banquet Highlights
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Pictured from left to right: District Governor James Gregorakis; Supreme Governor Philip
Yamalis; the 2014 scholarship award recipients: Sterg Dikos, Stephen
Lambriodes and Andrew Lountzis;
Dr.
George J. Giovanis, Chapter #61 President; Past District Governor #5
Gust Kraras; and Chapter Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos.
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Monday, May 26, 2014
From the AHEPA Archives: William Penn Chapter 61 Hosts Testimonial Dinner for Reading Clergy
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
9,000 Page Views
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
AHEPA Scholarship Application Reminder
Thursday, March 20, 2014
President's Report
Thursday, February 20, 2014
In Memoriam: George A. Pappas, Past Chapter President
His later endeavors included ownerships of the Surf Haven Motel in Wildwood, NJ, and the New Jerusalem Inn of Reading.
'Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness'
Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
ROLL CALL OF WILLIAM PENN NO. 61 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
George Giovanis
Christopher Wagner
Tony Phyrillas
Strat Marmarou *
Spiro Phyrillas
William Sianis *
Gus Varish *
Stanley Theodossiou *
Gust Chaknos *
George A. Pappas *
Jim Zaffary *
Peter Morris *
Gus Capiotis *
Mike Firilas *
Nick Kontaxes *
Thomas Boyer *
Charles Billys *
Dr. 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 *
Deceased *
PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
- See more at: http://williampenn61.blogspot.com/#sthash.KIQGipT5.dpufPAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
- See more at: http://williampenn61.blogspot.com/#sthash.KIQGipT5.dpufA Brief History of William Penn Chapter (now Gust C. Kraras Chapter) No. 61 in Reading, Pa.
The William Penn Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) was organized in Reading, Berks County, Pa., by one of the original founders of AHEPA, the late George A. Polos.
Brother Polos came to Reading in the early months of 1925 and spent several weeks in the community talking to Reading-area Greek-Americans about the AHEPA. He initiated the first group of AHEPANs into the Fraternal Order. On March 16, 1925, he initiated another group of 18 members into the AHEPA.
Twenty-five of these brothers signed the petition on May 2, 1925, asking the "Supreme Council of AHEPA," as it was then known, to grant them a charter. The Reading AHEPA Chapter was the sixth one organized in Pennsylvania (and the 61st chartered in the United States).
The official charter for Chapter No. 61 was dated March 16, 1925.
In 1926, the first major banquet was sponsored by the Reading AHEPA Chapter, and among the dignitaries attending were Reading Mayor William Sherman, Berks County Judge John D. Shaffer, and Berks County Superintendent of Schools E.M. Rapp.
Another banquet was held in 1928 with Robert Birch as toastmaster, and among those attending were Mayor J. Henry Stump, the Rev. Miller, and Congressman Charles J. Esterly.
In 1933, the Reading Chapter was host to the Pennsylvania AHEPA District Convention, and just prior to the Convention, the Reading Times newspaper published a glowing editorial on July 10, 1933, praising the work of the local AHEPA chapter.
Now came the Chapter's golden years. With capable men assuming the leadership, the respect for the AHEPA grew, many activities of all kinds were held, and many more joined the Fraternal Order.
The AHEPA Parade Patrol was organized and, under the leadership of the late Peter Eleftheriou, won many awards, including first prize in Easton, Pa.'s 50th Anniversary Parade.
The AHEPA Greek Award was established by the Chapter and given every year to a student attending Albright College who excelled in the studies of Greek.
Then came World War II. Many members of the Order of AHEPA served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some were wounded in combat, but all eventually returned with honorable discharges to rejoin the local Chapter. The Reading Chapter participated in the AHEPA drive to sell War Bonds and, as a result, the entire Order of AHEPA was commended by the U.S. Government for the millions of dollars of War Bonds its members sold.
In 1946, when Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church purchased the building at 8th and Court Streets in downtown Reading and moved the church facilities there, Chapter 61 donated the cost of the Iconostasis (Icon Screen). The cost of the Iconostasis was $1,835, and this was at a time when Chapter dues were $6 per year, and Church membership dues were $12 per year.
When the present church building at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd. was built in 1970, that Iconostasis was taken apart, brought over to the new church from downtown Reading and reassembled, and was used until the present newer Iconostasis was installed in 1995. Some parts of the old Iconostasis are now on display in the church’s Heritage Room.
On May 5, 1957, the Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted a banquet honoring Berks County President Judge H. Robert Mays and Judge Marks on their retirement that year. Charles Alvin Jones, the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, was the main speaker.
In 1959, the Reading AHEPA Chapter entered into an agreement with Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church to rent the old Greek School building at 734 Walnut Street in downtown Reading for $500 per year for its chapter headquarters.
Although this was a commendable effort to provide a home for the local chapter, it later proved to be the downfall of the chapter and almost caused its extinction. Of course, the division of the church that took place about that same time aggravated the situation.
In 1974, the Reading AHEPA chapter was reorganized under the leadership of Michael Firilas, an immigrant from Cyprus, and many new members were initiated, old members were reinstated, and the chapter became very active once again. Brother Firilas was elected to the office of District Governor of Power District No. 4 and later to the Supreme Lodge of the Order of AHEPA.
Brother Firilas was also involved in the national level of AHEPA to lobby for Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of the island.
Around this time, the Daughters of Penelope Proteus Chapter No 197 was re-activated, with most of the wives of AHEPA members joining the local chapter.
In 1978, the Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted the Pennsylvania District Convention again, with many city, county and state officials attending the formal District Banquet on June 17.
Under the leadership of chapter Presidents Bill Sianis, Gus Varish, Spyros Phyrillas, Stratton Marmarou and Tony Phyrillas, the Reading AHEPA chapter enjoyed a renaissance from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, hosting another successful Pennsylvania District Convention in 1988, establishing the first Chapter Scholarship Fund and winning recognition from Power District No. 4 for the initiation of most new members and reinstatement of past members. Chapter membership peaked at 80 during those years.
The Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted a District 4 Bowling Tournament and formed its first Chapter Softball Team during this time.
The Chapter sent full delegations to all District and National AHEPA Conventions throughout these 10 years. Several chapter members served on the District Lodge and Brother Michael Firilas was again elected as a Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA. Brother Firilas was also named 1991 AHEPAN of the Year by Power District No. 4.
The Reading AHEPA chapter also held two successful banquets in honor of U.S. Congressman Gus Yatron (a longtime member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter) and the two pastors who served the Greek Orthodox churches in Reading: Rev. Thomas Pappalas and Rev. Spyridon Papademetriou. The events received coverage in the local Reading newspapers.
During this time, the Reading AHEPA Chapter also attended Reading City Council meetings every March to accept a proclamation for Greek Independence Day from the council and the mayor.
As financial scandals rocked the national AHEPA during the mid-1990s and criminal charges were filed against its top leadership, membership in the fraternity declined significantly and the Reading Chapter, like many others across the country, fell into a period of dormancy. The local chapter was kept alive by Tony Phyrillas, who served 11 years as president and handled most administrative duties for the chapter.
In 2010, a new effort was put forth to return the chapter to its glory days, spearheaded by Gust C. Kraras. Many new members were initiated, and former members were reinstated. A new set of officers was elected, continuing the tradition of their illustrious predecessors. Dr. George Giovanis was elected president, an office he would hold for the next 15 years as he guided the chapter to a new resurgence.
The chapter brought back the Annual AHEPA Day at Saints Constantine and Helen Church each May. The Sunday includes a Memorial Service for all our departed Brothers, followed by a meal served after church. Also, a booklet with all the names of the departed Brothers, the present chapter officers, and the present membership is prepared for distribution to all parishioners that day.
In collaboration with the local St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, the chapter organized a successful Christmas Party for the children of the Saints Constantine and Helen community in 2011, with about 250 children and adults attending. The event has continued in various forms, with proceeds going to charity.
Also, a new idea was put into practice of holding regular dinner meetings at Reading-area restaurants, where the Brothers can enjoy fellowship as true AHEPANS.
An annual AHEPA Golf Tournament was organized, bringing the brothers together for a game of golf, and their families joined afterward for a casual picnic social. The event was eventually named in honor of our late Brother Ernie Orphanos, who organized the first tournament and chaired the event for several years as Athletic Director. The golf tournament, under the chairmanship of Michael Macaronis and Phil Macaronis, continues to serve as the chapter's main source of scholarship revenue each year.
The Reading AHEPA Chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in Pennsylvania in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
By the end of 2013, chapter membership topped 100 Brothers, making William Penn Chapter 61 one of the largest AHEPA chapters in Pennsylvania (and the entire AHEPA domain).
Another milestone for the chapter occurred in 2015. On June 1, 2015, the chapter was renamed in honor of Gust C. Kraras during a 90th Anniversary Banquet. Brother Kraras is a 70-year member of the Order of AHEPA and was a Past District Governor of District No. 5 in New Jersey. Brother Kraras was instrumental in reviving the Reading AHEPA Chapter and guiding its resurgence in the 21st century.
An annual highlight on the chapter calendar is the Scholarship Banquet held each Spring to recognize outstanding high school graduates from our community. Since 2011, the chapter has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships.
Work is underway to celebrate the Reading chapter's 100th anniversary in 2025.
-- Chapter History Compiled by Gust C. Kraras and Tony A. Phyrillas
Monday, December 9, 2013
Pennsylvania AHEPA 'Chapter of the Year' Honors for William Penn Chapter No. 61
William Penn Chapter 61 President George Giovanis receives the District 4 "Ahepa Chapter of The Year" Award from outgoing District Governor Photi Skolikas at the 2013 District Convention at Seven Springs Resorts June 2013. This is the second year in a row that the Reading chapter has been honored by Power District No. 4.