Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

If you missed the premiere screening of the award-winning documentary:


THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW 1940- 1960


or you would like to see it again, please join us on a relaxed and enjoyable Sunday afternoon.



March 14, 2010, at 4:00 PM
at the Loyola Marymount University campus.

(see the attached flier for details) (LMU_Flier_pdf)


This documentary is part 2 of the 3-part series: The Greeks of Southern California- Through the Century. Academy Award winner, Olympia Dukakis returns to host and narrate.


A lot of time and effort went into making this excellent production and everyone who has seen it really enjoyed it. Here's what people are saying:


"This documentary is a real gem that epitomizes the generous contributions of first generation Greek Americans from every profession. We are the product of a great generation of extraordinary immigrants who fought hard to make good. THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW heightened my pride as a Greek American." - John Aniston, Actor




"The film is so successful on many levels, as a human document, a reflection of social changes, a confirmation of moral strength and traditional values. Also the film is brilliantly written, directed and edited. GHS has given birth to a work of art." - Mavis Manus, Freelance Columnist and Film Critic




"Every Greek American MUST see and own this wonderful film! Even other ethnic groups will appreciate it. This documentary will educate and entertain you! Pride for your heritage will increase one hundred fold after viewing THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW. I guarantee it! " - Stratton Leopold, Producer




So don't miss seeing it! Make your reservations early because seating is limited!!!


Please see the attached flier for more details and call for reservations:


Zoye Fidler at (818) 386-1942
Shelly Papadopoulos at (310) 528-8214

In memory of Athan Karras

It is with a deep feeling of sadness that we inform you of the passing of Athan "Thanasis" Karas on February, 12, 2010. After very serious complications from an open heart surgery, the legend "synonymous to Greek Folk Dancing" passed away.
Please join us in extending our most sincere condolences to his family and the entire Greek Folk Dance Community.
Memorial Services will be held at Saint Sophia Cathedral on Wednesday & Thursday. View a bio of "Thanasis" and his contributions to the comnunity & the arts.

When the Olympic Torch arrives in Langley next Monday, it will be day 102 of a 106-day journey that began in Greece, and has crossed every province and territory in Canada.
For the 2010 Winter Olympics, the torch was first carried by Greek skier Vassilis Dimitriadis (foto), who took it out of the stadium at Olympia for the first of thousands of legs.
On 7th of February the Greek delegation for the Winter Olympic Games will leave for Vancouver. In the delegation will be the athletes: Vasilis Dimitriadis (giant slalom), Lefteris Fafalis (cross-country skiing), Athanassios Tsakiris (biathlon), Sophia Ralli (ski slalom), Stefanos Aleksios Tsimikalis (alpine skiing). Lefteris Fafalis who is currently at a competition outside Greece will travel to Vancouver by himself. The following week for Vancouver will also leave the President of the Greek Olympic Committee – Spiros Kapralos and the secretary in chief Manolis Katsiadakis. According to the words of the leader of the delegation Vasilis Kotsaras, the main goal for the athletes during the games, which will be held between February 12th and 28th will be to qualify among the first 30 as each place better than the first thirty would be equal to a medal for Greece. According to Kotsaras the Greek athletes already have a medal and this is the medal for clear sport, the sport without doping and stimulating substances, of the respect to the task which Greece has assigned to them.
On Feb. 12, the flame will be carried into B.C. Place Stadium to light the Olympic cauldron and signify the opening of the games.
The Olympic Games run from Feb. 12 to 28, and will be followed by the 2010 Paralympic Games, which run from March 12 to 21. A Paralympic torch relay will begin March 3 in Ottawa

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 **
*Connect with your higher Zen and bring in quality candidates for membership in 2010*

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. James P. Brown, D.C.
Vice. Pres. Alex Chuchas,
Treasurers- Steve & Chris Compogiannis,
Sec’y & immediate Past President James Arger,
Past District Governor- Costandinos 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.

AHEPA Saddened by Chicago's Greektown Fire
WASHINGTON - Nicholas A. Karacostas, supreme president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and countless Philhellenes, issued the following statement on Sunday's fire that swept through Chicago's Greektown neighborhood:
"We were saddened to learn about the fire that devastated four businesses in Chicago's beloved Greektown section. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
"Obviously Greektown is a favorite destination of many visitors to Chicago and it holds a special place in the hearts of all Greek Americans.
"The strength and determination of the vibrant Greek American community of Chicago will help the rebuilding process, and more importantly, aid those individuals who are affected by this disaster.
"As such, I've asked AHEPA chapters in the Chicagoland area to explore ways in which they can help those in need."

A message from the
desk ofMonday, February 1, 2010
Contact: Nicholas A. Karacostas
SupremePresident@ahepa.org




Dear Brothers, Sisters, and friends of the AHEPA Family:

I'm thrilled to present an exciting exclusive offer that you will not want to miss as a dedicated Hellene or Philhellene.

Through a partnership, the AHEPA family has been afforded the unique opportunity of possessing 300 entry spots in the 2010 Athens Marathon. Why is this year's Marathon so special? The 2010 Athens Marathon will commemorate the 2,500 anniversary of the Battle of Marathon and the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens. Upon arriving at Athens, Pheidippides proclaimed, "We have won" and dropped dead from exhaustion. The 2010 Athens Marathon will be held October 31.

If you are an enthusiast of running, a history buff, or simply a proud Hellene or Philhellene, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will cherish forever and will want to share with family and friends. Moreover, as a result of your participation, you will be supporting the AHEPA Charitable Foundation, a 501c3 entity that assists individuals of all races, color, and creeds, in their time of need -- whether they are victims of natural or manmade disasters or suffer from deadly diseases.

Please visit www.ahepa.org/marathon for information about travel logistics and to download a fundraising kit.

We encourage you to pass this opportunity along to any family members, friends, neighbors, or business colleagues who may be interested to participate.

Thank you.