ASTORIA – During the coronavirus pandemic, AHEPA Hermes Chapter 186 and Empire State District 6 responded to the profound need in the community with the effort, labeled “Labor of Charity and Love Campaign” in Astoria, Long Island City, East Elmhurst, Woodside, Sunnyside, and beyond.

The effort providing a gourmet lunch for the elderly, infirm, and all those most in need Monday-Friday began April 13-24 at Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Astoria, and Woodhaven Public Housing buildings and then moved to the next host site, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Astoria.

The charitable effort was sponsored by AHEPA Hermes Chapter 186 member Ignazio S. Terranova, who is a candidate for the New York State Senate from Astoria. Financial support was provided by the generosity of Seth Weissman of Weissman Equities, and #REhasYourBack and with the full support of the AHEPA District 6 Lodge and, especially the District 6 Governor Ilias “Lou” Katsos. 

The efforts were planned and coordinated by New York State District 6 Warden Brother George Zouvelos, the immediate past president, and also a member and chair of the executive board of Hermes 186. Zouvelos’ assistants included Chapter Secretary Peter Argyropoulos along with the brave volunteers including Hermes past president Louis Kokalis, and Chapter members Ted Kouris and Anthony Pappas. Along with the Hermes volunteers, members of the Daughters of Penelope Astoria Ilion Chapter 135 Effie Argyropoulos, Stella Phillips Kokalis, and Anastasia Zouvelos, also participated, as did ArchimandriteNektarios Papazafiropoulos, Van Christakos, George Delis, 14th Congressional District candidate Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, candidate for the 12th District New York State Senate seat and Hermes member Ignazio “Iggy” Terranova, and Paul Halvatzis.

The community effort at St. Demetrios Cathedral will last until May 8. Thereafter, it will continue at a Roman Catholic Church most in need to be named shortly.