Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Hot Off The Press: The AHEPAN Summer 2008 Issue
WASHINGTON (AHEPAN Magazine) -- Can't wait for your copy to come in the mail? Burning to find out more about the historic Supreme Convention in Athens, the unstopable AHEPA All-star Basketball Team -- or to find out what's going on in chapters across the country? Well, suffer no more!
Download the Summer 2008 issue online!

Archaeological dig may have unearthed the city of Troy
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ANI Monday 29th September, 2008

Washington, September 29 : Ancient Greek texts like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" are revealing new secrets about the ancient world, the most prominent being the discovery of a site that might be the city of Troy.

Thanks to evidence from a range of disciplines, experts are in the middle of a massive reappraisal of these foundational works of Western literature.

Recent advances in archeology and linguistics offer the strongest support yet that the Trojan War did take place, with evidence coming from the large excavation at the likely site of Troy, as well as new analysis of cuneiform tablets from the dominant empire of the region.

In 1870, German businessman and self-taught archeologist Heinrich Schliemann, landed on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) with a copy of "The Iliad" in his hand.

On the plain before him, an unimpressive mound of grass and stone and bushes swelled 100 feet into the air. Tradition had long identified this mound, called Hisarlik, as a possible site of the historical Troy.

Schliemann soon reported to the world that he and his diggers had found the charred remains of Troy just where Homer said it would be.

The news was a worldwide sensation, and Schliemann's view that the Homeric epics were fairly accurate chronicles of Late Bronze Age history, dominated scholarship for more than 50 years.

But, in fact, Schliemann hadn't found Homer's Troy.

Hisarlik was occupied from 3000 BC until 500 AD, and subsequent archeological excavations showed that the civilization Schliemann chipped from the mound actually ended more than 1,000 years before the Trojan War could realistically have been fought.

But the newest digging at Troy is tipping the consensus again, perhaps this time for good. Schliemann and Blegen, it now appears, had only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

The mound at Hisarlik thrusts up from the plain, but most of its ruins are concealed beneath the surface.

In a project that has now been underway for 20 years, the German archeologist Manfred Korfmann and hundreds of collaborators have discovered a large lower city that surrounded the citadel.

Using new tools, such as computer modeling and imaging technology that allows them to "see" into the earth before digging, Korfmann and his colleagues determined that this city's borders were 10 to 15 times larger than previously thought.

They also found that it supported a population of 5,000 to 10,000 - a big city for its time and place, with impressive defenses and an underground water system for surviving sieges.

Critically, the city bore signs of being pillaged and burned around 1200 BC, precisely the time when the Trojan War would have been fought.

AHEPA Director of Athletics Position Announcement




Dear Brothers:



Supreme President Ike Gulas announced that for the first time in thirty nine years the position of Director of Athletics is open due to the unfortunate loss of Brother Monthe Kofos who dedicated a large part of his life to AHEPA Athletics. As our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Kofos family we must look to who will continue Dr. Kofos' legacy.



AHEPA is asking for all members who feel like they meet the qualifications and are interested in filling this most important position to submit a resume and bio to athletics@ahepa.org explaining why they would like to serve in this capacity. Only the individuals who want to serve should respond. This is not a nominating process and those who would like to enter someone else's name should encourage that person to apply.



AHEPA Athletics has been a wonderful way for members and non members to come together and participate. We are looking for a new dynamic leader who will take the AHEPA Department of Athletics to new heights. The deadline for this process will be Monday October 6, 2008. Please send all information pertaining to this issue to the email listed above. All bios and resumes must be sent via email or us mail by October 6, 2008. Thank you






Fraternally,


Basil Mossaidis,
AHEPA Executive Director

Brothers Mark and John Thanos of Chesterton, IN
Brother Mark Thanos was many things: an active Ahepan, a caring husband, a devoted father, a scholar, an athlete, a good neighbor ... and a hero. Sadly, Brother Mark and his father John Thanos (also an Ahepan) were taken from us last week, when they put their own lives at risk to save a neighbor's son, being swept away by flood waters. Many stories of triumph and tragedy pass through our Order, but few bring such mixed emotions of sorrow and pride. Brothers Mark and John Thanos represent the very best in our order and the very ideals of Greek heritage we pledge to keep strong. May their memory be eternal.



Please join us as we honor Brothers Mark and John Thanos as AHEPA's Greeks of the Week!

[Celebration of OXI Day]
The Story of OXI Day

by Greg Kavounas

By October 1940 most of Europe had fallen under the aggressor forces of the Axis of Germany and Italy. These forces justified themselves on the principles of nazism, which were against democracy, freedom of speech, equality of human beings, and other teachings of Hellenism. In the USA, the Order of AHEPA had been the first organization to publicly condemn nazism. The moral support that was welcome, but did not change the fact that Greece, a country of 8 million citizens, was poorly prepared for war.

The Italian army crossed over to Albania, Greece’s neighbor to the north. On the morning of the 28th, Mussolini issued Greece an ultimatum: Greece was to offer no resistance to his so-called 8 million bayonets, and she was to become a “protectorate” of Italy.

Any practical leader would have heeded the downside. But, echoing the sentiment of almost all the Greeks, Metaxas responded:

OXI (oh-hee), which means NO.

This was not about being pragmatic. It was about repeating a lesson that Greece had already taught to the world. This is the meaning of OXI Day.

The rest is history, although it did not go quite as Italy planned:

The superior Italian army indeed invaded. Four months later, however, they had been pushed by the Greeks back into Albania. This was the first land defeat of the Axis forces, and a ray of hope for democracies world wide. Churchill wrote “Greeks do not fight like heroes; heroes fight like Greeks”.

So, Hitler had to come to Mussolini’s help. Greece then fell, lasting longer than France and Poland and the other bigger powers before it. But the detour through Greece cost Hitler five precious weeks in the spring. So he had to delay the invasion into Russia by five summer weeks. His armies experienced five more weeks of the inhospitable Russian winter, which helped eventually defeat them. (The Russians managed to maintain a second front through 1944. The bulk of the German army remained there while D-Day took place.)

ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS

On Thursday, October 2nd and Friday, October 3rd the AHEPA 302 Senior Apartments now in construction at 377 E. Gilbert Street, San Bernardino, CA 92404 applications/interviews will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day at the Unified Baptist Church, 1094 E. Baseline, San Bernardino, CA 92404.

Each applicant should be prepared for an interview with all social security data, assets, pensions, banking, medical, pharmaceutical information, including addresses of those listed for third party verification.

Resident requirements are 62 years of age for head of households or older and not to exceed the maximum income limits of 1 person $23,300 and 2-persons $26,650.

Only 135 applications will be available on a first come first served basis and will be ranked chronological order of postmark.

This project is sponsored by the Arrowhead Chapters of the order of Ahepa.

George Theios - gstlaw@jps.net

Tony Theodorou - agtgt@msn.com

New York Life Launches Voluntary Program to Reach out to Heirs of Greek Policies
NEW YORK (Greek News) -- September 15, 2008 -- New York Life Insurance Company announced an outreach program to locate and compensate heirs of approximately 1,000 life insurance policies issued to Greeks in the Ottoman Empire prior to 1915. ... read more.

International Herald Tribune - September 8, 2008
Orthodox Christianity Under Threat

Kathimerini - September 15, 2008
Poll Shows Voters' Discontent

Times Online - September 13, 2008
"Greek Security Team" Hacks into Big Bang Computer Network

“Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922” by Christos Papoutsy; Peter E. Randall Publishers; cloth; 254 pages, with extensive index and illustrations; $30.

Just when you think you know a little something about history, along comes a book full of surprises.

Truth be told, I knew nothing about the rescue of hundreds of thousands of Greek refugees from the quay at Smyrna in 1922. For the Greek community, this event, I’m told by Christos Papoutsy, is as significant as Hiroshima or Pearl Harbor, a war tragedy of earthshaking proportions.

Papoutsy, of Rye Beach, spent 10 years researching the Smyrna Catastrophe, in which many died before many were saved through evacuation. His book, “Ships of Mercy,” tells the story of how these refugees came to be in Smyrna, what happened to them there and how some of them, in the end, escaped.

Ike Pappas, who broadcast Lee Harvey Oswald's shooting, dead at 75
Posted by News Editor at 9/3/2008 10:34 PM and is filed under Greek-Americans
Canadian Press:
NEW YORK — Ike Pappas, a veteran CBS newsman who was steps away from presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald when he was fatally shot, and reported the chaotic scene live on the air, has died at age 75.Pappas, who also covered major events like the Vietnam War and anti-war demonstrations at home, died Sunday in an Arlington, Va., hospital of complications from heart disease, his family said.A New York City native, Pappas was in Dallas after John F. Kennedy's Nov. 22, 1963, assassination, reporting for radio station WNEW, when police brought the manacled Oswald into the police station basement two days later to be transferred to the jail.He had just asked the suspect, "You have anything to say in your defence?" when someone shoved Pappas, a gunshot sounded and Oswald crumpled, mortally wounded."There's a shot! Oswald has been shot! Oswald has been shot!" Pappas said on the air. "A shot rang out. Mass confusion here, all the doors have been locked. Holy mackerel!""One of the wildest scenes I've ever seen," he said seconds later.The person who had elbowed Pappas aside turned out to be Jack Ruby, the seedy nightclub owner was convicted of killing Oswald. Pappas told the story in testimony at Ruby's trial and later to the Warren Commission that investigated the Kennedy assassination.Born April 16, 1933, Icarus N. Pappas served in the U.S. Army, joined CBS news as a radio writer in 1964 and became a network correspondent in 1967. Besides the Vietnam War, he covered the 1967 Six Day War in Israel, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, the Kent State shootings in 1970, and coups in Greece, Bolivia and Chile, according to records provided by CBS.Based in Washington, he was assigned to cover the Pentagon, the CIA, labour and other beats. One of 200 CBS News employees laid off by the network in 1987, he formed his own video production company, known as Ike Inc., writing and producing TV documentaries for PBS and other outlets.In 1988 he made his film debut, portraying a reporter in the Paul Magursky-directed comedy, "Moon Over Parador."Pappas lived in McLean, Va. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, two sons, Theodore and Alexander, and a daughter, Sarah Thomason, and two grandchildren.

California Legislature Unanimously Endorses Religious Freedom Resolution for the Ecumenical PatriarchateSACRAMENTO (Archon News) -- September 05, 2008 -- After one year of intense work, the California State Senate Joint Resolution for Religious Freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (SJR 17) has passed unanimously by both houses of the California Legislature. ... read more.

The Santa Barbara AHEPA Proudly Presents
Saturday, November 1, 2008- 6P.M.
GLENDI
Join us for a very special evening of dancing, dining, and merrymaking!
Greek Food & Greek Entertainment

Greek and American Band Music Performed by THE GREEKS
Traditional Greek Dinner (Paithaikia- Lamb Chops), Greek Dessert

Seating is limited. Reservations, Event and Ticket Information, contact
Jim Arger at (805)-376-9352 or Bill Poulis at (805)-682-4733
All profits from this event will be donated to AHEPA Philanthropy Programs
R.S.V.P. by October 16.

The Orthodox Center
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
1205 San Antonio Creek Road
Santa Barbara
Adults $45
Students $25 (22 years and younger)
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church/www.santabarbara.net
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To ensure your reservation, please make checks payable to Order of AHEPA and mail this coupon to: Order of AHEPA. Stephen Compogiannis, 5290 Overpass Rd. Suite 124,
Santa Barbara, Ca. 93111

Name___________________Phone________________Email Address_______________

Amount Enclosed: $____________for ______________Adults________Students

Ahepa Chapter243 general information
ORDER OF AHEPA SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243 Established October 17, 1929 “Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community” “Keeping the Spirit Alive”http://www.ahepa20.org/%60chapter243/www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008"General mailng address:Ahepa Chapter #243 c/o Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church1205 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111(805) 683-4492, Fax (805) 964-2774 http://www.saintbarbara.net/ (please note our e-mail address above)2008-2009 officersPres. James Arger, Vice. Pres. George Papazacharioudakis, Treasurers- Steve & Chris Compogiannis, Sec'y & immediatePast President James Brown, Past District Governor Costandino FrangosMeetings held on the third Monday of the month (12) @ Harry's Plaza Cafe' in the Lorretto Plaza at the corner of State St. and Las Positas Rd, 6:30-6:45 start time We have a wide range of vision and activity. We welcome your visitation.

ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
Established October 17, 1929
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
“Keeping the Spirit Alive”
http://www.ahepa20.org/`chapter243/
www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008”

MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2008

**LATE BREAKING NEWS**

August is the eighth month of the year but is month three of our chapter year. It is also known through out the USA as the month where most school students return to school and begin their academic year. Our chapter followed suit. We returned to our home (Harry’s Plaza Café) to begin tackling the pressing issues of the fall months.

Joining us were three visitors, one of them a student (very appropriate) and two long standing members of our church- one is a recent convert to Orthodoxy. Also with us was Fr. Simon. His presence always is welcome as is his Blessings for our endeavors on behalf of Ahepa and the Parish of Saint Barbara. Welcome to all.

August in the Greek is Augoustos and in the United States is a month-long celebration of National Goat Cheese Month. So eat your Feta!! These month-long National recognitions are an American tradition, like having fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

From the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-“Once you have a sense of mission, you have the essence of your own reactivity. You have the basic direction from which to set your long-range and short term goals.”

These minutes were recorded by our hard working Chapter Vice-President, George Papazacharioudakis (aka Mr. Raytheon). I thank him for standing in for me and dutifully recording the nuances of the meeting. I just put the icing on the cake. (JB)

Our next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2008 at Harry’s Plaza Café’. Hopefully the remodeling of the Plaza will be closer to completion-but then Athens was not built in a day either.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEB SITE RECENTLY?



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President Arger called our meeting to order at 6:45

Attendance: Fr. Simon, Bill Poulis, Brian Iorio, Costa Gastouniotis, George Alexiades, Jim Arger, Greg Pantages, George Alexiadis, Steve Compogiannis, Alex Chucas(?) George Fakinos, Chris Compogiannis, Costa Frangos, Alex Haimanis, and George Papazacharioudakis.

Opening prayer was offered by Fr. Simon.

Welcome and Introductions: Brian Iorio, Alex Chucas and George Fakinos were introduced and we were very pleased to see new talents and energy possibly added to our active chapter. Alex is a new graduate from UCSB, a church member and works for ATK Defense Company in Goleta. Brian is also a long standing member of the church and friends with most members. George and wife Barbara with a young daughter lives in Carpinteria and most everyone knows them from the church.

Last month’s minutes Approved as is by Bill Poulis and second by Chris Compogiannis.

Happy Dollars: Most stories and appreciations were centered on the new comers and our chapter’s contributions to the SB Greek festival. Costa Gastouniotis is happy that is going to Greece to rebuild his summer home in Greece that was heavily damaged fro the last earthquakes.

Glendi: Jim Arger reported on the Nov Glendi plans. The price is set at $45 and $25 for adults and students respectively. Decorations and settings will be like last year (paper clothes and candles). The Arger family will work out the details. Raffle tickets will be sold with 50-50 winning splits. Comps will be limited to AHEPA District Governor and Priest’s family. Advertisement to go in the next church Epistle and chapter to send by bulk mail which is ½ price if mailing is greater than 200.

Chapter Correspondence: Received a Thank You note for our festival contributions. Request for donations to the Greek Heritage Society were declined for now based on lack of chapter recognition and organizational goals not clear or specific to our chapter. Costa Frangos will investigate and get back to the chapter with more information for future consideration.

Treasurer, Chris Compogiannis reported $9275 in the savings with $273 Happy Dollars included and $1580.45 in checking account. Account balance reflects $200 spent for festival ads by Chapter. Festival individual donations were $500 plus the AHEPA banner donated by Greg Pantages.

Meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer by Fr. Simon.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Gregory P. Brown (9/25). Costantinos Frangos (9/21) and Constatine Gastouniotis (9/25) WOW! Two on the same date!!

See you at Harry’s on September 15, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,
George Papazacharioudakis.
Chapter Vice-President.

"In the Hellenic spirit of philanthropy and good citizenry, we are activating the AHEPA Emergency Response Team, and placing our chapters on alert, in anticipation of the great need for assistance that will result from the storm's landfall. However, we hope and pray for the best."
The Greek American community has a significant presence in the Gulf Coast. AHEPA operates 14 HUD Section 202 Senior Citizen Housing apartment complexes in Alabama, ten of which are in Mobile, Ala., and five senior housing complexes in Houston. The Daughters of Penelope, an affiliate organization of AHEPA, sponsors Penelope House. Located in Mobile, Ala., Penelope House is the first shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children established in Alabama. Moreover, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the first Greek Orthodox Church established in North and South America, is located in New Orleans. Finally, Daughters of Penelope Grand President Barbara Stavis Wolf, of Covington, La., which is a suburb of New Orleans, is one of the evacuees.