Archdiocese mourns the passing of Andrew A. Athens

Archbishop Demetrios expresses condolences

New York (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America) – Andrew A. Athens, Archon Maestor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and president of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for almost two decades (1974-1995) fell asleep in the Lord today March 14, 2013. He was 91 years old. Athens was the first world president of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), founder of the United Hellenic-American Congress (UHAC) and Hellenicare, co-founder of Leadership 100, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH) and many other philanthropic and public benefit organizations and foundations.

Upon learning the very sad news of Andrew Athens’ passing, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America contacted Mr. Athens’ family and expressed his heartfelt condolences and he then made the following statement:

“On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the Clergy and Lay Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I am offering our profound condolences to the family of our beloved and esteemed Archon and co-worker in the Lord, Andrew Athens. He was a tireless worker for Orthodoxy and Hellenism for many decades, as Archon of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, as president of the Archdiocesan Council, as World president of the Council of Hellenes Abroad and as founder, supporter and member of a multitude of philanthropic organizations and foundations. Andrew Athens was a giant and a champion of offering to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to the Omogeneia, to Greece and Cyprus and to Hellenism in general. His passing creates a void that is hard to fill. His example of long-lasting and unselfish offering and service to Orthodoxy and Hellenism is worth emulation. May God give eternal rest to his beautiful and great Orthodox and Greek soul and may He preserve his memory eternal.”

Archbishop Demetrios will travel to Chicago to officiate at the funeral of Andrew Athens on Tuesday March 19, 2013.

Archon Maestor Andrew A. Athens leaves global legacy

Through the hands of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, of blessed memory, the Order of Saint Andrew presents the 1991 Athenagoras Human Rights Award to Archon Andrew A. Athens.

The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle expresses our heartfelt condolences to the beloved family of Archon Maestor Andrew A. Athens on the passing of this extraordinary Archon who leaves a global legacy of good works and unparalleled philanthropy.  His remarkable diakonia to the Church includes his leadership in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council, the establishment of Leadership 100 and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), as well as his consistent and relentless pursuit of a just resolution in Cyprus and the creation of Hellenicare offering medical care and humanitarian assistance to the needy in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

We are conveying the above message of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America regarding the passing of this beloved Archon.

Eternal be his memory.

In the Service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,

Anthony J. Limberakis, MD

Archon Aktouarios

National Commander