From Australia to US and Greece, SAE's president draws honors

CHICAGO, October 15 -- The decision of the 5th World Convention of Pontian Hellenism to honor President Andew A. Athens at its inaugural ceremony Oct. 27, in Thessaloniki, Greece, caps a long string of awards that organizations around the world recently bestowed on the President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE).

Three themes characterize the awards and other honors recognizing Mr. Athens: Dedication in supporting the Hellenic Diaspora, promotion of health in developing countries and continuing struggle for justice in Cyprus. Two of such honors were received at the SAE regional convention in Australia, one was granted by President Bush at the White House in Washington, one by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also in Washington, and one by the Cyprus Federation of America in New York.

The inaugural session of the Pontian Convention, scheduled to draw participation from Pontian associations and federations from Greece and around the world, is designed to highlight the contributions of Pontians to Greece and to promote international recognition of the Genocide of Pontian Hellenism.

Mr. Athens was selected for this honor "for his contribution to Hellenism Abroad and the Nation," and for founding the Medical Care Initiative in Eastern European countries where Pontians constitute a large segment of the Hellenic communities.

"I am very honored to accept this invitation by Pontian Hellenes who constitute such a large, active and creative part of world Hellenism," Mr. Athens said. He also accepted an invitation to serve on an Honorary Board that also includes the Abbot of the Holy Abbey of Panagia Soumela and the presidents of previous world conventions.

The Pan-Australian Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee Award was given to Mr. Athens in Sydney "for his support of the people of Cyprus in their struggle for justice and peace." The second award was presented to him by the Hellenic Club of Canberra, a community and business group in the capital city of Australia.

Immediately upon his return from Australia, New York's Cypriot community presented Mr. Athens with the Justice for Cyprus award. Congressman Robert Menendez, New Jersey, on the occasion of this award entered a citation in the Congressional Record which describes Mr. Athens as a "True hero of America" and cites his work for the medical centers, his struggle for justice in Cyprus and his activities in Washington and the U.S. in general.

Within a few days, President Bush invited Mr. Athens to a reception in the Rose Garden of the White House honoring him and about 100 humanitarian leaders whose activities reach around the globe.

On a separate occasion also in Washington, the USAID presented Mr. Athens with a citation of appreciation for his effective work "in promoting health in developing countries" in Europe and Eurasia.