Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas received investiture into the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, an organization with the fundamental goal to promote religious freedom, well-being and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the investiture ceremony held at Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New York City, Oct. 31, 2021.
Supreme President Kokotas, Chairman of the Board Nicholas A. Karacostas, Supreme Lodge officers, several Past Supreme Presidents, and Executive Director Basil Mossaidis attended events held during Archon Weekend in New York City, including the Athenagoras Human Rights Award Dinner, Oct. 30. The gala honored Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, BioNTech CEO Dr. Uğur Şahin, and Regeneron Scientific Founder and President Dr. George D. Yancopoulos.
In 1996, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle presented the Order of AHEPA with its Athenagoras Human Rights Award.
Also yesterday, Supreme President Kokotas delivered remarks at a Celebratory Anniversary Dinner to rejoice in the 30-year anniversary of His All-Holiness’ election and enthronement.
Top: AHEPA’s past and current leadership with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Elpidophoros. (photo credit: GANP/Dimitrios Panagos)
Middle: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invests Supreme President Kokotas into the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.
Bottom: Pfizer CEO Dr. Bourla looks on as Supreme President Kokotas greets Regeneron Scientific Founder and President Dr. Yancopoulos. (photo credit: GANP/Dimitrios Panagos)
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Banquet Video Available
If you were unable to attend, a full-length video of AHEPA’s 45th Biennial Congressional Banquet in honor of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, is available. The October 24 event also marked the commencement of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s historic third Apostolic Visit to the United States.
Congressional Action on F-16s Commended
AHEPA commends bipartisan congressional action to oppose a reported request from Turkey to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and dozens of modernization kits for its existing warplanes from the United States, announced Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. The legislators also are seeking additional information from the U.S. Department of State.
Members of the U.S House of Representatives sent two different letters to the Biden administration in opposition to Turkey’s reported request. U.S. Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) led on one letter that garnered the support of 41 U.S. representatives. U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) led on another letter that garnered the support of 11 U.S. representatives.
“Turkey continues to prove itself to be a de-stabilizing presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and an unreliable member of NATO,” Kokotas said. “We commend the members of Congress who took the lead on these initiatives to send a clear message to the Administration. The resounding bipartisan opposition to Turkey’s request is justified and applauded.”
AHEPA applauds the introduction of a bipartisan-backed congressional resolution to commemorate Oxi Day and to celebrate Greece’s resistance to Axis Powers by U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), on Oct. 28, 2021. The resolution, H.Res.753, has 14 original co-sponsors.
“AHEPA applauds and proudly supports the Oxi Day resolution introduced by Congressman Pappas with the bipartisan support of several Hellenic Caucus members,” Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas said. “I commend their leadership to commemorate the anniversary of Oxi Day and to recognize the historical significance of Greece’s role during World War II. Greece’s denial of fascism set the tone for the Allied response and does not garner the attention it deserves in the annals of history.”
“On October 28, 1940, the Greek people demonstrated unprecedented spirit and courage, changing the trajectory of history,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “81 years later the Greek community continues to celebrate our refusal to bow to the Axis powers. As a proud Greek-American and in recognition of this year’s bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, I am honored to lead this resolution that celebrates our Greek allies and our shared democratic values.”
The Ahepan Magazine Is Out!
Hot off the electronic press! The Fall 2021 edition of The Ahepan magazine is out! Catch a recap of the epic 99th Supreme Convention held in Athens, Greece, a feature on the appreciation for U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt’s diplomatic excellence, and a spotlight on AHEPA’s National Athletics program awardees and Hall of Fame inductees. Also, read the latest news from the AHEPA National Housing program and AHEPA chapters across the globe to see how AHEPA strengthens our communities each and every day!
AHEPA Responds to Call to Action, Opens Emergency Relief Fund
Shortly after concluding business at our Athens Supreme Convention, an onslaught of wildfires devastated Greece. Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas immediately opened the Emergency Relief Fund and called on Ahepans from across the globe to mobilize. As they have in the past, Ahepans heeded the call and stepped up to assist in any way possible. As monetary donations continue to pour in, Ahepans also have volunteered their time and resources by donating bottles of water or by contributing to actual fire relief.
Stateside, Hurricane Ida came barreling through the Gulf, leaving devastation in her wake in Louisiana and causing severe flooding and tornado damage in the mid-Atlantic up to parts of New England. AHEPA is working with the District 16 AHEPA family to determine how we can assist those affected by the hurricane to help them recover as quickly as possible.
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Greek American News Digest
Editor’s Note: Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members
Orthodox patriarch blesses shrine near 9/11 memorial
The Washington Post via Associated Press (Nov. 2).The spiritual leader of the world’s Eastern Orthodox Christians gave his formal blessing Tuesday to an ornate shrine that will replace a small parish church destroyed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. read more
Greece Is Getting Rewired for the Future
New York Times (Oct. 29).As climate change bears down, Greece is upending its sources of energy and trying to reshape its economic destiny. read more
Greece reports record high daily COVID-19 infections
Reuters (Nov. 1).Greece recorded 5,449 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, authorities said on Monday, the highest single-day figure since the pandemic began early last year. read more
Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew says young people can ‘save democracy and our planet’
National Catholic Reporter (Oct. 30).Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are interrelated crises that challenge churches to respond with both faith and science, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said Oct. 28 at the University of Notre Dame, where he received an honorary doctorate. read more
Greek president to Germany’s Merkel: Greece often felt alone
Associated Press (Oct. 29).Greece’s often-strained relations in past years with European economic powerhouse Germany took center stage Friday during a visit to Athens by outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel as both the country’s president and prime minister aired past grievances. read more
Greek “Ultracar” Company SP Automotive Debuts $14-Million Dollar Car With 3,065 Horsepower
autoevolution (Nov. 1).The SP Automotive Chaos is the world’s very first “Ultracar” according to its builders. We can’t really disagree either. If it makes it to real production, it would be more powerful than anything before it. read more
