Archbishop Elpidophoros declares May 17 “AHEPA Sunday” across America

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association announced that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has officially proclaimed May 17, 2026, arsenic “AHEPA Sunday” passim the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

In an authoritative encyclical addressed to clergy, parish councils, schools, younker organizations, and the broader Greek Orthodox assemblage successful the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros praised AHEPA’s longstanding publication not lone to the Greek-American community, but besides to wider American society.

Quoting the past Greek rhetorician Isocrates — “the sanction Hellene suggests nary longer a race, but an intelligence” — the Archbishop emphasized that Hellenism represents a broader civilizational perfect rooted successful culture, education, openness, and shared values.

“AHEPA, with its heavy committedness and pridefulness for our shared ethnic, taste and linguistic roots, besides recognizes the inclusiveness that our magnificent Hellenic inheritance people fosters,” the encyclical states.

The Archbishop highlighted that AHEPA’s ngo aligns intimately with some the ideals of Hellenism and the welcoming tone of Orthodox Christianity, noting that the enactment brings unneurotic members from each backgrounds portion moving alongside section parishes to fortify communities and grow outreach.

He besides described the relation arsenic a span connecting the values of Western civilization and Orthodox Christianity, praising its enactment “from the shores of America to the shores of the Bosphorus.”

“May God bless their paramount work,” the Archbishop concluded.

In response, AHEPA said it is honored erstwhile again to person designation from Archbishop Elpidophoros connected the juncture of AHEPA Sunday 2026. The enactment encouraged its section chapters crossed the United States to big commemorative events and activities highlighting their charitable, educational, and assemblage enactment connected some a section and planetary level.

Founded successful 1922, AHEPA remains 1 of the astir influential Greek-American organizations, promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, and civic engagement passim the diaspora.