WASHINGTON, DC —  His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has proclaimed May 17, 2026, as “AHEPA Sunday” in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Encyclical, issued by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, states: 

“To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the

Presvyteres and Diakonisses, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Members of Leadership 100, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America:

… the name Hellene suggests no longer a race, but an intelligence….

(Isokrates, Panygeric:50)

My beloved brothers and sisters in the Risen Lord,

Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!

Today, when we celebrate our annual observance of AHEPA Sunday, we take a significant moment in our Church Year to acknowledge the contributions of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association to our community.

And not only to the Omogeneia, but to the wider American Society as well. This is because, as Isocrates observed nearly 2,400 years ago, to be Greek is truly a civilizational project. AHEPA, with its deep commitment and pride for our shared ethnic, cultural and linguistic roots, also recognizes the inclusiveness that our magnificent Hellenic inheritance naturally fosters.

AHEPA reflects the breadth and openness of its mission by filling its ranks from all the members of our communities, regardless of background. In this way, AHEPA is utterly aligned with the highest goals and aspiration of the Hellenic ideal and, indeed,

the welcoming spirit of Orthodox Christianity. Working in tandem with the local

parishes, AHEPA expands the reach of our core communities and brings more and more people into the Fold of the Great Shepherd, our Resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore, on this AHEPA Sunday, let us give thanks for the many and multiform offerings that this vital Association brings to the life of our Church and to the world. Hellenes span the globe with the unique intelligence that gave birth both to Western Civilization and the Christian Church as a world-changing religion. AHEPA serves both these ends, from the shores of America to the shores of the Bosphorus.

May God bless their paramount work!”

Brothers,

AHEPA is honored, once again, to be recognized by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros on the occasion of AHEPA Sunday 2026. In observance of this day, we ask all of our chapters try and host an event to commemorate or highlight the good work that they’ve done. This can help the community learn not just about our organization, but about the impact AHEPA has on a local and global level. Below, you’ll find a link to the AHEPA Day Planbook with some ideas on what your Chapter can do to celebrate.

Make sure you let us know what your Chapter does to celebrate! Send pictures and write-ups to stefanos@ahepa.org.

Fraternally,

Basil Mossaidis