Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

We have a new Supreme President-Gus J. James II. elected at the annual supreme covention in Boston. He has a very ambitious agenda for his year in office. You will be getting details shortly

In our September newsletter we gave information on Constantino Brumidi(s) known as the artist of the United States Capitol. On July 22nd, on the 200th anniversary of his birth The Ahepa and the National Italian American Foundation hosted two receptions in our Nation's capitol to honor Brumidi's art and his bithday. Many legislators spoke highly of this man of art

Hellenic Army ALSOS, next to the Ministry of Defense, in Athens served as a fitting venue for Greek-Ameican volunteers of the U.S.Army's Company C 2671st Special reconnaissance Batgalion who were honored on May 26th 2005 for their sevice during WWII as they fought together with resistance forces in 1944 to liberate occupied Greece from the Nazis
Cadet Sakellaarios M Spirtos, the son of late Past supreme Pres. Dr. Micheal Spirtos graduated from West Point in May. His Brother Micheal home on leave from Irag pinned the 2nd Lieutenant bars on his brother.

December Newsletter
ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
Est. 1929
“Keeping the Spirit Alive in 2005 and in the Mix in 2006”
http://www.ahepa20.org/~chapter243/

As we travel through this holiday season we realize how very special the month of December is. It is the month that we remember the birth of the son of God and of his many teachings. The prime teaching is of LOVE, and from that center manifest many expressions of LOVE. Chief among them is Service to your fellow man, Stewardship of those things that are dear to you, Forgiveness and Faith.
The Order of Ahepa founded in 1922 stands on a foundation supported by these pillars of LOVE. Organized initially to aid the Greek immigrant is assimilating into the fabric of the American society, Ahepa has evolved into an International organization which expresses LOVE by it’s many programs in many different countries.
The most visible expressions of these principles however are seen in our local civic communities, and Orthodox Church communities. Our promotion of Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence are ideals that touch our moral center and benefit all of us. Your support of our programs, and fund raisers allow us to pursue our goals, but more importantly create a sense of community. A community of people of like mind, and spirit, with a depth of character that is always expressing those manifestations of LOVE. You find this everyday at Saint Barbara as people meet, teach, and care for the property.
This very special Ahepa Chapter is blessed with energetic members who are willing to share their special gifts as expressions of Love in service to our fellow man. We are always ready to welcome men who have this mind-set. If you are one of those who have an interest in our work, we ask you to contact one of us, or leave word in the Church office
December is special also because we celebrate the name day of our Patron Saint Barbara. This year our weekend celebration is on Dec. 3rd and 4th.. We will be hosting our Metropolitan Gerasimos, celebrating the name day of St. Barbara, and Fr. Paul’s 10th anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood.. We hope to see all of you on this special weekend. Please respond by November 29th to Philoptohos President Penny Papazacharioudakis or the church office.
Our Ahepa November Glendi was very successful. Everyone had a fun time. We Thank You for your support.
We have applications for the Ahepa District Scholarship program. Any District 20 member of the Ahepa family or children of District 20 members are eligible. Get the applications now to give plenty of time for submission on March 1st, 2006
Visit our web site for National and International Ahepa News items
We wish you a wonderful month and we thank you for your support.
James Brown. President