PARISH INFORMATION

AHEPA

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
AHEPA- Land of the Sky Chapter #28
Daughters of Penelope- Kirki Chapter #313

AHEPA - with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece and Australia was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by visionary Americans of Greek descent to protect Hellenes from bigotry and to help assimilate them into American society in the early 20th Century. Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Hellenic descent, application for membership is open to everyone who believes in the mission of the organization.

The Daughters of Penelope was established in 1929 as the Women's Auxiliary of AHEPA. It is the first Greek-American women's organization in the United States. One of its crowning achievements is Penelope House, a shelter for battered women in Mobile, Alabama, the first shelter of it’s kind to protect the women and their children in that state.

The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, & Family And Individual Excellence

All Christian women are invited to join the monthly meetings and activities of our Kirki Chapter.

Land of the Sky Chapter #28 prides itself on this concept of a family unit working together toward a common goal. Chapter #28 was founded in 1922! The AHEPA Brothers who meet at Holy Trinity once a month have made great contributions to the community throughout their history. Most notable is The National Greek Autism Project initiated by our local AHEPA Chapter #28 and sister Kirki Chapter #313.

The initial inspiration for The Greek Autism Project of Asheville North Carolina began when Kirki sister, Catherine Faherty, had her breakthrough book, “Asperger’s: What Does It Mean To Me?” published. At that time not one book was available about that subject in the Greek language. The author and the brothers and sisters of our chapters were successful in their efforts to elevate the project to a national level. Enough funds were then raised to translate and publish books on autism in Greek to educate teachers, doctors, and the general public in Greece. Additional donations were sent to the "Society for the Protection of Autistic People" in Greece, to support them in their efforts at improving the lives of families touched by autism. Greek professionals still come to intern here in North Carolina and Catherine is still active with seminars here and in Thessaloniki.

Currently our Land of the Sky Chapter is working towards opening an AHEPA HOUSE (for Senior citizens) in Asheville. To help with this very worthwhile community project, contact any AHEPA brother. Current AHEPA & DOP contacts are in our church newsletter. Much more information about the whole AHEPA family is available at: http://www.ahepa.org

February 2005, AHEPA honored these brothers pictured above for their many years of service to the brotherhood, community & church:

AHEPA President - George Kaltsunis      DOP President - Maria Anagnostopoulos

OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS & PROGRAMS

Evrytanian Association of America - Originally, this association was organized in the United States by immigrants from The State of Evrytania in Greece to promote fellowship here and to help those neighbors and family, “left behind” recover from WWII and the Greek civil war. That mountainous region in Greece is very similar in geography to that of Western North Carolina. The men’s group called, “Velouchi” (which means “mountain”) and the women’s group, the “Daughters of Evrytania” have an office in Charlotte, NC to help organize their fund-raising efforts for scholarships, summer camps in Greece, and other projects. For information about activities or to join, call Association Presidents: Gus Dermas or Ismini Barlas.

The Asheville Sister Cities Program - is open to all individuals offering activities encompassing youth, education, professional, cultural, joint business ventures, student exchanges, training, and volunteer opportunities. Sister City International- provides opportunities for pairs of cities around the world to further global understanding. Each Sister-City pair sets their own initiatives and projects. Current “Sister Cities” of Asheville: Saumur, France; San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico; Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, Russia; & Karpenisi, Greece.

http://www.sister-cities.org

The Foundation for Modern Greek Studies - Church citizens, concerned by the downward use of the Greek language can breathe a sigh of relief. How? By supporting The Foundation for Modern Greek Studies right here at home at UNC- Asheville. All over the country “Modern Greek Studies” Chairs have been established to promote Greek study. When a "chair" is instituted at a University- that means the program is to be taught there and promoted continually! And that includes the teaching of the Greek language. The seed money required provides the initial funds for professors, classes, lectures (private and public) and monies are kept in trust by the University to make sure the program continues to perpetuity. A committee has been formed in our area and all those who are interested may contact William J. Vlahoulis