PORT JEFFERSON, NY – AHEPA Chapter 319 of Port Jefferson is continuing its efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, noting in a May 16 news release that “even through these troubling times we have managed to stick together, reach out to one another, and fully engage the fundamentals of the Order of AHEPA for the benefit of our beloved community.”

Through the use of today’s latest technology along with some innovative thinking, the chapter was able to brainstorm, implement, and execute a plan to extend a helping hand by raising enough funds to send out 1,000 masks and 3,000 pairs of gloves to almost 250 families and parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson, NY.

“We look forward to continue helping our community through our efforts so that we can overcome all obstacles together, united, and as a family,” the Chapter said in its news release, and included a message to the community written by their Chapter Chaplain, Father Demetrios Calogredes. The full message follows:

May 15, 2020

Beloved Parishioners,

Christos Anesti! I greet you during this most blessed and glorious Paschal season. I pray that you are all healthy and safe in your homes.

This Sunday May 17, 2020, is the 5th Sunday of Pascha. We read in today’s Gospel about Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. The Lord tells the woman that God the Father does not need to be worshipped only on the mountain or in Jerusalem. God is a Spirit and can be worshipped anywhere. He must be worshipped with our Spirits and in truth. After speaking with Jesus, the Samaritan woman realized that he is the Messiah – The Christ – the savior of the world. Later on, in her life she became an Apostle, traveled to many lands, proclaiming Salvation and the Kingdom of God.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has proclaimed today, the 3rd Sunday of May as National AHEPA Day. The AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) is an international organization with chapters in the United States, Greece, and worldwide. Begun in 1922, this organization seeks to promote the lofty and time-honored Hellenic ideals of Education, Democracy, Love of the Orthodox Faith and Church, Philanthropy, Justice, and Brotherhood. The AHEPA supports the re-building of St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero, aid to those suffering from the ravages of fires, earthquakes, and diseases.

In order to help our Parishioners with combating the terrible Coronavirus, our Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 has ordered masks and gloves to be sent to all our Church Members. Each family member of our Parish will receive masks and gloves which they will utilize as they go out for shopping and other necessary trips. The cost of the masks, gloves, and mailing has been entirely funded through contributions by the AHEPA Brothers.

If anyone may need more masks and gloves, please contact our Church office Monday-Friday from 10 AM-4 PM at 631-473-0894 to make an appointment in order to obtain them free of charge.

Our beloved Church is in need of the following:

Volunteers who are in good health who can help with weeding and cleaning up of our Church gardens. Those interested, please give your names and phone numbers to the Church office Monday-Friday from 10 AM-4 PM. We will contact you soon.

Be Strong in the Power of the Lord!

With Love in The Risen Christ,

+Father Demetrios