SAE President targets aid to Southern Russia Hellenes

CHICAGO, November 15 -- Hellenes in Russia are expected to be the next target group for basic medical care assistance, it was concluded after meetings SAE President Andrew A. Athens held with Vladimir Kashiev, new president of the Association of Hellenic Organizations of Russia, during the European District convention in Frankfurt, Germany, last week.

About 250,000 Hellenes live in Russia with a large segment concentrated around Stavropol, in the southern part of the country. As in other republics of the former Soviet Union, basic social services vanished after the collapse of communism. "These communities around the Black Sea helped Greece for centuries during the Ottoman occupation ," Mr. Athens said. "They helped financially and politically. Now it is our turn to help them at a very difficult time in their history. We will hold another meeting in Moscow, early in 2003, to determine how we will proceed with our plans."

SAE's president recently concluded a successful three-week trip that took him to five countries on three continents. In Athens and Thessaloniki SAE's President met with Greek government officials on national issues and trade projects. In Constantinople he met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and visited the famous Theological School of Halki which Hellenes seek to re-open as it has been closed by the Turkish government.

In Jerusalem, Mr. Athens met with counsels to the Israeli President and Prime Minister in his campaign to secure the official recognition of Jerusalem Patriarch Ireneos by the Israeli government. His tour also included stops in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he participated in SAE's Asia-Africa regional convention.