Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Follow the 87th Supreme Convention Online!
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Convention) -- For those not able to attend this year's AHEPA Supreme Convention in San Francisco, you will be able to follow the excitement online. Tune in to Basil's Blog for daily daily photos and updates. On Twitter, search realtime tweets using hashtag #AHEPAsc. Get regular updates on Facebook, and watch live video coverage of the Supreme Convention Grand Banquet via UStream.

THIS Thursday and Friday, June 25th and 26th, we have the honor of hosting the miracle-working Icon of the Theotokos, which resides in Hawaii, but is making a tour through California. This Icon is streams myrrh, and has worked many miracles of healing of soul and body.



On Thursday, June 25th, the Icon will be in our Sanctuary from about 3 pm. We will celebrate a Paraclesis (Supplication) Service to the holy Theotokos at 6 pm. Please make an effort to join us to supplicate the Theotokos for the healing of friends and family.



On Friday, June 26th, the Icon will be in our Sanctuary for an Orthros (8:30 am) and Divine Liturgy (9:30 am). Again, if you are able, please join us for these services. The Icon will leave Saint Barbara’s at about 1 pm on Friday.



Please invite friends and neighbors – Orthodox or non-Orthodox – as it is indeed a rare opportunity to behold such a miracle in today’s times.



Please open the link below for history and information on this holy Icon:



http://www.orthodoxhawaii.org/icons.html





Here is some more information that was emailed to me about the icon:



http://www.hbindependent.com/articles/2009/02/04/blogs_and_columns/soulfood/hbi-soulfood02052009.txt



http://www.hbindependent.com/articles/2009/01/14/blogs_and_columns/soulfood/hbi-soulfood01152009.txt



http://erininoxford.blogspot.com/2009/01/mircales.html



http://jzahariades.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/myrrh-streaming-icon



http://sacredandtheprofane.com/2009/01/25/the-weeping-icon/



http://logismoitouaaron.blogspot.com/2009/02/another-item-on-calendar-today-is.html



http://dailyweaving.blogspot.com/2008/10/myrrh-streaming-icons.html



http://www.orthodoxhawaii.org/icons.html

Video Exclusive: Grand Opening Ceremony-New Acropolis Museum
On June 20, 2009, the New Acropolis Museum had its Grand Opening with heads of state and royalty from all over the world in attendance. As newsletter members of CelebrateGreece.com, please enjoy our exclusive video coverage of this pivotal event in modern Greek history. (please click on any of the video players below or click here)
©CelebrateGreece.com Some footage and imagery courtesy of ERT. Thank you to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture

AHEPA District 20 is pleased to announce the “Greek Weekend at Sea” cruise to Mexico. The cruise ship Carnival Paradise will depart from Long Beach, California on Friday, January 22, 2010 for Ensenada, Mexico, and return on Monday, January 25, 2010. The 2010 AHEPA Family Midwinter District Conference will be held in conjunction with the cruise.

The “Greek Weekend at Sea” cruise is open to everyone and not only members of AHEPA or DOP. We encourage you to bring family and friends and join us for what promises to be a fantastic weekend adventure at sea. For additional information about the amenities available aboard the cruise ship Carnival Paradise, please visit http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_paradise/default.aspx?shipCode=PA.

To receive the discounted “AHEPA 20” rates (which incluse of all meals, entertainment and taxes), you must make a $100 per person deposit by Monday, July 6, 2009. After that date, the discounted AHEPA 20 group rate will no longer be available and room availability may be restricted.

For additional information about the Greek Weekend at Sea cruise and the procedure to follow to make your reservations, please review the attached flyer and information sheet. We will post additional and updated information about the Greek Weekend at Sea cruise from time to time as necessary at www.ahepa20.org.

CONFERENCE AT SEA
Plan your vacation in advance, have your passport ready and just pack up your bag and your bathing suit and let us start the year with something different!

Do you want to have a meeting? You got it
Do you want to have some fun? You got it
Do you want to dress up for dinner? You got it

Come join us on a unique floating resort

Carnival Cruise Lines: Carnival Paradise

3-night Baja Cruise

Includes all your meals and entertainment

Roundtrip from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico
January 22nd – 25th, 2010

Come aboard!

For information or for booking number: Contact Georgia Gastouniotis, DOP/PDG at 805-455-6725 or e-mail ginagaston@cox.net

Air flight reservations and transportation to the Harbor from Airport is available upon request at time of reservations.

State Room Prices including taxes per person includes all your meals and entertainment (Alcoholic beverages are not included).
IS “Interior” $280.00
OV “Ocean View” $320.00
Demi-Suite & Penthouse Prices are available upon request.

Additional Fees will apply to your State Room price:

 Fuel Supplement fees $9.00 per person if barrel is above $70.00
 Gratuities $10.00 per person per day (3 days $30.00)
 Optional: Vacation Protection Plan Insurance at $49.00 per person is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Must confirm by July 6th, 2009. A deposit of $100.00 per person must be sent to guarantee a stateroom and the balance must be paid in full by November 9th, 2009.

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/~ chapter243/
Or www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)
** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
*If each brings in one new member-that will be fine in 2009*

General mailing address: Ahepa Chapter #243, c/o Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 1205 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 officers:
Pres. JamesP. Brown,D.C.,
Vice. Pres. Alex Chuchas,
Treasurers- Steve & Chris Compogiannis,
Sec’y & immediate Past President James Arger,
Past District Governor Costandino Frangos.
Meetings 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
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
www.ahepa20.org/chapters
ahepa243@gmail.com

Remembering our “Mission Statement” (above), this chapter embarks on a new chapter year-planning our activities of philanthropy and service with a focus on our young adults whom we believe need to be aware of their Hellenic ideals which will draw them closer to us. Our current environment is changing (good or bad) and we are considering change in how our chapter approaches the challenges before us. We are narrowing our focus on our youth, and on our fund-raisers which have social and identity benefits for everyone. We will reach out in our community at large for talent and special interests and utilize these gifts for the greater good. We have many events planned and we ask for your support in these endeavors.
We offer congratulations to the recent recipients of the District 20 Scholarship awards from Ahepa/Daughter’s of Penelope-Alexis Keramaris, Elenni Pantages, and Louis Arger.
Please visit our web site for National and Local, and Chapter news of interest Contact us at our e-mail address above.
May your summer be fun-filled,
Members of Chapter #243

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/
Or www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)
** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
*If each brings in one new member-that will be fine in 2009*

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AND THE MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2009

It is with humble appreciation that I thank the chapter for another opportunity to be of service as President of this very special Ahepa chapter of Santa Barbara. We are a group of very talented, optimistic, goal orientated men providing service to our community. This is accomplished as a team utilizing our various talents to achieve common, specific goals that we put before us. Our officers have met in the first of a series of meetings to plan our year’s work, set goals, and discuss a plan to successfully achieve our goals. This will be our main topic at our meeting on the 15th. All of us are indeed blessed to enjoy the company of men of common background and purpose.
As the world around us seems to be changing so must we. I encourage all of you to “Think out of the box and to think Big” Consider our meetings, our events, including different venue sites, and in offering our members and even men outside of our organization opportunities to take an active role in participation. We have members with skills and talents that can stretch if asked to do so. Further this will ensure the viability of our chapter in the future and also provide a model to build on. Let us be fearless in this endeavor.
We must congratulate Jim Ager for completion of two successful years as President of this chapter. The chapter is well and secure and in a prominent position in the Santa Barbara community. We must also congratulate our Vice-President Alex Chuchas for the very successful YAL event of the 6th which raised funds to aid those adversely affected by the recent fire. The involvement of our young adults is vital to our future community.
LET’S LOOK FORWORD TO A SUCCESSFUL FUN-FILLED YEAR.
May 18, 2009 Minutes
(Minutes taken by George Papazacharioudakis)

Attendance: Steve Compogiannis, Chris Compogiannis, Brian Iorio, Bill Perstulakis, Alex Chuckas, John Demourkas, Panos Mitroulias, Bill Poulis, George Alexiadis, Alex Haimanis, Costas Frangos, Jim Arger and Kosta Dalvendes.

Opening prayer was lead by Bill Poulis.

Happy Dollars: Most comments were centered on the Jesusita fire being brought under control. Bother Bill Poulis and George Papazacharioudakis were evacuated and returned back to their homes safely.



(2)

April Minutes: The April minutes were approved by Alex Haimanis and seconded by Bill Poulis.

Treasury report: Chris Compogiannis reported $257 in the Happy dollars account (post AHEPA dinner at the Harbor refund), $9647.12 in savings and $1064.16 in checking.
A motion was made Alex Haimanis and second by Bill Poulis to make a $500 donation to the Albanian/Indian/Guatamala/Gana Orphanages.

Correspondence: AHEPA National convention to be held in San Francisco between June 29 and July 5. President Goulis requested $500 from each chapter to help promote Hellenism. Request was rejected on the basis of objective being vague and not enough specifics.
District 20 convention to be held in Anaheim from June 11 to June 14 Alex Haimanis was elected unanimously by our chapter to be AHEPAN of the Year nominee at the District convention. Our chapter committed a half page Ad as we have normally done each year.

November 09 Glendi: Jim Arger informed by Father that Oct 31 is the set date for the Glendi. Nov 7 is not available and Nov 14 is a little too close and in competition with the Church December activities. The Oct 31 is Halloween night and not appropriate for a Glendi event. Jim Arger to check again for the Nov 14 availability or check for another location Nov 7

2009 election of Officers: Chris Compogiannis nominated Jim Brown for president and Alex Chuckas for vise president; Jim Arger moved to approve the motion and was seconded by Alex Haimanis. Jim Arger was nominated and accepted the recording secretary position. Chris Compogiannis was nominated as treasurer and corresponding secretary. All were in favor.

Greek Independence: Held on March 29 after church service. A Great presentation by Pheadon Kyriakidis. Pheadon is moving to Greece to take a teaching position at Mytelene University, an island off the Turkish coast.
The event netted $505 with the proceeds going to Sunday school and Church operating budget as a 50/50 split.

Social Events: Jim Arger is the Chairman for the Church Crab Fest fundraiser event. AHEPA will be assisting Jim as required. Brian Iorio reported that the First Annual Spring Family BBQ at Tuckers Grove has been rescheduled from May 16 to August 22, due to Jesusita fire.
Closing Prayer: By Bill Poulis, 8:00 PM.
Our next meeting is June 15, 2009 at Harry’s Plaza Café’ See you at 6:30 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
George Papazacharioudakis, Vice-President.

Contact: Basil Mossaidis
BMossaidis@ahepa.org
Phone: (202) 232-6300




Supreme President Announces Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and friends of the AHEPA Family:

Life Member Alec Gulas, father of Supreme President Ike Gulas received one of two AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Awards. The award to Gulas was to be presented at the 87th Grand Banquet held July 3, 2009 at the annual AHEPA Supreme Convention in San Francisco. Alec, a lifelong member of Chapter No. 3, Birmingham, Ala., will not be attending the Supreme Convention, so the award was conveyed to him at the District #1 District Convention on June 6, 2009.

Supreme President Gulas stated, " ... members like my father preserved AHEPA for my generation to and that of my son." The supreme president made the announcement at a banquet where Alec was present and visibly touched as the crowd honored him with a standing ovation.

The AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor a special brother, who the supreme president believes embodies a lifetime of service to AHEPA. Alec is the 11th individual to ever receive the honor.

"Many members work all their lives for AHEPA, and often are never recognized for their sacrifices and commitments," said Gulas. "My father is one of those members who for years would close his eating establishment to host the chapter meeting. AHEPA has thousands of unsung heroes like my dad."

The second of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be announced and awarded at the 87th Grand Banquet.

ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243 f
Established October 17, 1929
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community

The thirty-two members of this energetic chapter congratulate Officers of District 20 for their dedicated efforts in improving the long range goals of District 20 and its’ membership.

Santa Barbara Chapter #243 also expresses its’ Thanks and Appreciation for the support and guidance graciously afforded to us by the District Officers and loudly declare-“Job Well Done.”

We also express our appreciation to Ahepa Chapter #411 (Disneyland) for hosting the 78th Annual El Comino Real-District 20 Ahepa Family Convention. We are aware of the magnitude of the undertaking and we commend you for your efforts.

Our Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter #243 and our Parish Community of Saint Barbara
invite you to join us in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and enjoy the cool breezes from the Gold Coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Come and enjoy our Santa Barbara Greek Festival, listed by our Chamber of Commerce as a highlighted event, and held this year on August 1st and 2nd, our Chapter #243 Birthday Party on Saturday October 17th, and our annual Ahepa Glendi to be held on Saturday November 14th. You will have an enjoyable time at these events.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

The members of Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter #243

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fa thers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

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I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ..... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?



Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.


The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.


The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'


The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.



The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.


The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.



The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, theGod of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.



The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.


The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'



After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

Hello, Brothers. Here are the above Bylaws. You may wish to print them and take them to the District Convention next week.

The 2008 bylaws are posted at http://www.ahepa20.org/forms/bylaws.htm .

Steve Tripodes