Dear Brothers,
 
As the year draws to an end, I would  like to thank you for your efforts and
contributions to the work of Ahepa over  the past year. I also want to take few
moments of your time to reflect on the mission of Ahepa and what it is that draws
us to its fold.
 
As Canadians of Greek descent we all share a common history, a common legacy,
a common heritage. When we hear others  speak about the contributions of
Hellenes to philosophy, politics, science, the arts and literature we feel a strong
sense of pride. When we hear others make derogatory statements about
Greeks we feel insulted. When politicians  remind us that Greece is the birthplace
of democracy we feel important. When we are denied opportunities because of our
name or ethnic background we feel discriminated. When we meet fellow Greeks in
our travels around the world we feel like family with them. When we see Greece or
Cyprus being threatened by its neighbours or other powers we feel patriotism and
compelled to take action. When Greeks excel around the world, as when Greece
won the Euro 2004 soccer cup or staged the most successful Athens 2004
Olympic Games we feel elated.
 
We are a community within the broader community. We are also a global
community that in addition to those who live in Greece and Cyprus proper
also includes all of us whether we happen to live in Canada or the United States,
Australia or Argentina, Albania or Germany, the United Kingdom or South Africa,
what I call ecumenical Hellenism.  As long as our hearts, minds and soul remain
connected to our Hellenic roots we feel the urge to stay and work together, to
join together and work for a common cause. This, brothers has been the mission
of Ahepa since it’s founding over 88 years ago. Although times have changed
since 1922, and the challenges facing the Greek communities and Hellenism have
become less acute, Ahepa still remains as relevant today.
 
Being a member of Ahepa and contributing to its work is an affirmation of our
identity, an acceptance of the need for something greater and the ring that keeps
us all connected. As we come together with our families and friends to
celebrate the Holy Christmas and the coming of a New Year let us also reflect on
our responsibilities as parents, friends and citizens to remind ourselves and our
loved ones of the purpose of our Ahepa Family, why we are involved and what we
can do more. Retaining and attracting new members to Ahepa is the least we can
do for our common cause. Your membership fee not only supports Ahepa's work
at the local Chapter level, but goes to support the mission of the Canadian Order
of Ahepa at the District and National levels and Ahepa in Washington, D.C. and
around the world. As you know, Ahepa is the only transnational organization of
Greeks of the Diaspora and also serves  as the single most important advocacy
group that defends and promotes the interests of Greece, Cyprus, the Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople and Greek Orthodox Faith in the most important
centre of power in the world today.
 
2010 will be a memorable year for our Chapter. We are engaged in a fund raising
drive to support the Montreal Shriner's Hospital and  the Giant Steps Foundation
for autistic children that  will culminate with the 11th Annual Saint Valentine's
Ball on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Intercontinental Hotel and World Trade
Centre. We are also hosting the 88th Ahepa Family Supreme Convention on July
11-18, 2010 at the Delta Centre-Ville Hotel that will bring Ahepans and their
families from all over the world to our city.
 
More than any other year Ahepa needs you and you need Ahepa.
On behalf of our Executive let me wish you a Merry Christmas and a Healthy,
Happy and Productive New Year!
 
Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Καλή Χρονιά!
 
Fraternally yours,
 
Ken Matziorinis
President
Ahepa Mount-Royal Chapter CJ7
www.ahepamontreal.org