His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople visited New York this week, where AHEPA leadership took the opportunity to honor and meet with him. Supreme President Chris Kaitson was joined by Past Supreme Presidents Savas C. Tsivicos, Jimmy Kokotas, Nicholas A. Karacostas, Andrew C. Zachariades, Carl Hollister, and George G. Horiates. Their first event was just after September 11th, at the inaugural “Beacon of Hope” banquet that honored the first responders of the FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD with the Beacon of Hope Award, as well as a special distinction for Patriarch Bartholomew. Additionally, a capacity crowd gathered in support of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Shrine at Ground Zero, where Ahepa was honored to assist in the construction of the only church destroyed on 9/11.

Later in the week, Supreme President Kaitson led the Ahepa delegation to a luncheon in honor of Patriarch Bartholomew. Past Supreme Presidents Nick Karacostas, Savas Tsivicos, Carl Hollister, and Jimmy Kokotas joined members of the Ahepa Supreme Lodge alongside local Ahepa members in this effort. The event was well attended, showing the Patriarch hospitality and grace throughout the entire ceremony and proceeding luncheon.