AHEPA Sunday
Wednesday, May 15, 2019GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
News Release - May 15, 2019 - AHEPA Sunday
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ἀνέστη!
In the glorious light and joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and as we commemorate the Sunday of the Paralytic, I am happy to convey to you the greetings and blessings our new Archbishop, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
In the healing of the paralytic, not only did Jesus reveal His power to renew life, but He also anticipated His Resurrection and the victory over death for all who believe. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life (John 5:24).
Throughout these days following the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha, we exult in our salvation. We give thanks to God for His infinite wisdom and marvelous grace, for through Christ we are redeemed and are heirs of the promise of eternal life. With joy in our hearts and the Gospel on our lips, we are sharing this light and life with all so they may hear His word and believe. We are commissioned by our Lord to engage with each and every person so that they may find abundant life.
This engagement with the world and with those in need is also the focus of the members of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, also known as AHEPA. The AHEPA family, which also includes the Sons of Pericles, the Daughters of Penelope, and the Maids of Athena, has been dedicated to civic engagement for almost a century. Through their good works in education and philanthropy, they have let their light of service and compassion shine before others. In addition, their focus on the qualities of ancient Greek culture have supported an emphasis on civic responsibility. The members of AHEPA are committed to the quality and value of life, knowing that people of all ages are more engaged with their societies when basic needs are met, that our youth as our future need guidance and opportunities, and that our strength in engaging with the critical issues of today is found in our unity, our volunteerism, and our faith.
In this season of Pascha and on this commemoration of the Sunday of the Paralytic when we rejoice in the power and life that comes from Christ, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to observe AHEPA Sunday. Please recognized and honor the members of the AHEPA family, highlighting the work that AHEPA continues to do throughout this nation and around the world. Through their work and our service through our parishes, we continue to offer a witness of the power of our faith and heritage, seeking to engage and enlighten others to secure and protect life here and now and for all eternity.
With Archpastoral love in the Risen Lord,
+ Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
Archiepiscopal Vicar