N E W S R E L E A S E
After Successful Visits to Cyprus, Patriarchate, and Thessaloniki
AHEPA Delegation Arrives in Athens
ATHENS, Greece—A 10-person AHEPA family delegation led by Supreme President
Franklin R. Manios arrived here today for the final leg of a two-week
journey that is the 77nd Annual AHEPA Family Excursion. Prior to arriving
in Athens, the delegation visited Cyprus, Thessaloniki, Greece; and the
Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“The AHEPA family has been received extremely well on all our visits,”
Supreme President Manios said, adding that there are areas where AHEPA can
make a difference in the region. “The opportunity exists for us to take the
lead, building and solidifying bridges in the Eastern Mediterranean through
educational and cultural programs.”
In Cyprus
Key meetings were held with American Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus
Michael Klosson, President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos,
and Mayor of Nicosia Michael Zambelas.
Also, with the cooperation of the American Embassy in Nicosia, AHEPA hosted
a reception for 25 graduate students from Portland State University’s
Conflict Resolution program. The reception provided an opportunity for the
students as well as the delegation to interact with professionals and
government officials who work on bi-communal programs in Cyprus.
Businessman and Philanthropist George Paraskeavides hosted the delegation
upon its arrival in Cyprus, March 13. He offered that now more than ever
AHEPA’s assistance is needed by Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus’ Ministry of
Foreign Affairs also held receptions in honor of the AHEPA family
delegation.
Moreover, the mayor of the occupied town of Kyrenia was made a member of
AHEPA. Currently, three active AHEPA chapters exist in Cyprus, reported the
supreme president.
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Supreme President
Manios discussed the significance of last week’s briefing on Capitol Hill
held by the Helsinki Commission. The briefing titled “The Greek Orthodox
Church in Turkey: A Victim of Systematic Expropriation” brought focus on the
closure of the Theological School of Halki and other strains on religious
and human rights freedoms experienced by all minorities in Turkey.
The delegation received a tour of the seminary on Sat., March 19. There,
Supreme President Manios reiterated AHEPA’s commitment to work with
organizations seeking to reopen the school. Moreover, on Sun., March 20,
the delegation attended church services and a concert hosted by His All
Holiness to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Famous Greek singer Glykeria
performed.
Patriarch Bartholomew honored Supreme President Manios, bestowing the honor
of Archon Deputatos upon him.
A Visit to the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki
The AHEPA family delegation made a brief, yet important visit to
Thessaloniki, meeting with vibrant local AHEPA family members on March 16,
and with officials of the AHEPA Hospital on March 17.
Meetings in Athens
Today, the delegation will meet with American Ambassador to Greece Charles
Ries and receive a tour of the American Embassy. Later this week, the
delegation will meet with: President Karolos Papoulias, Deputy Foreign
Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis, and Speaker of Parliament Anna
Psarouda-Benaki.
The delegation will pay its respects at the Tomb of the Unknown on Thursday
before observing the celebrations and parade for Greek Independence Day on
Friday. The delegation returns to the United States on Saturday.
Throughout the excursion, the delegation has received media coverage,
including an interview with Antenna Television.
Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope Demetra Kapolis is accompanying
Manios on the excursion.
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