Message from our Chairman
41st NATIONAL CONVENTION
"DEDICATED TO OUR NEW GENERATION"
Well under way are our efforts for the realization of the innovative and pioneering idea of the Convention-cruise “CRETAN ODYSSEY” (ΚΡΗΤΙΚΗ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΝΟΣΤΟΥ).
Undoubtedly the 41st Convention is a remarkable initiative, a Convention with validity and prestige that combines a network of cultural, historical, educational, and recreational aspects and also gives us the opportunity to commemorate the Cretan land.
We are talking about a magnificent voyage and an exploration in the pages of the island’s unique history. Apart from the island’s graphic Venetian cities, the Cretan architecture and the historical sites you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a tender welcome from Crete’s rough shorelines. The major focus of this cruise is our youth; the most important connecting link between us and our future.
This voyage is for our youth an imperative educational experience; a respectful pilgrimage to the land of our ancestors that will bond them emotionally with the island of Crete and the heritage of our fathers’ and forefathers’. Our youth is at the forefront of our efforts and the driving force and that is why we want to educate them. They will have the opportunity to take part in various educational and cultural programs at the convention, such as:
Holy Liturgy at the church of Saint Mina in Heraklion.
Wreath-laying at the memorial of the “Unknown Soldier” accompanied by the President of the Hellenic Republic.
Presentation of the “Venizelion Award”.
Visit at the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Cultural night at the historical fort of Firka at Chania.
Visit and wreath-laying at the graves of the Venizelos’s.
Various cultural events at the District of Rethymno.
Candle-procession from Akrotiri-Prophet Elias to the District of Mousouron.
Various memorable guided tours.
Performances of traditional Cretan dances at various cultural events.
Guided tour in Knossos, entitled: “The Minoan Civilization”.
Guided tour at the historical Library of Alexandria.
Tour of the historical locations: Akrotiri, Graves of the Venizelos family, Holly church of Prophet Elias, and the monuments of the English soldiers that died in the Cretan Battle and Kayale. Guided tour entitled: “The History of Crete”.
Guided tour at the Monastery of Arkadi, entitled: “The Selfless Sacrifice at the Monastery of Arkadi”.
Immense are the efforts of the Convention’s organizing committee to print educational brochures for every location and historical place that we will visit so as to allow us to take our trip in the past to the future.
In addition two spectacular concerts promise to take our breath away while we will be sailing towards and from Alexandria.
In this issue of KPHTH magazine you will have the opportunity to view a brief overview of the schedule of the convention and the cruise-ship’s route.
I wish you a happy summer and upon our return from Crete the President of the P.A.A. and I will present you with a more detailed schedule of the Convention.
With brotherly regards,
For the 41st Convention Organizing Committee
Kostas Travayiakis
GENERAL Chairman
41st CONVENTION NEWS BULLETIN No. 3
“OUR RECENT TRIP IN CRETE”
Our recent trip to Crete, with the President and members of our Executive Council built a strong foundation of cooperation with the General Secretary of the district of Crete, the prefects and mayors of the island. Wherever we visited we sensed the predisposition for help, cooperation, and desire to offer their services, so that our 41st Cruise/Convention becomes a lifetime experience.
We had a fruitful meeting with the Archbishop of Crete, Eirinaios and the Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Theodoros, both of whom expressed their fatherly love for us, Cretans living abroad and their joy to be present at our Convention. With the strong support from both Church and civil authorities, we can, more easily fulfill our aspirations for the Convention, which is composed by an educational, cultural and entertaining program of events and we hope to be an aura of sentiments and to the renewal of our ties with Crete.
Our arduous negotiations with the cruise line company has rendered the lower prices possible in the market, with specific departures-arrivals, meals, cultural events, entertainment, enthralling sightseeing tours and safety, so the passenger will have the ability to choose between an array of cabins (plain, deluxe or suites) and even optional sightseeing tours. Special consideration and prices have been arranged for families with the 3rd and 4th passengers in 4-persons cabins paying significant lower fares. Our fundraising efforts, with your help, will facilitate our Youth to get ready to accept the love of Crete, get acquainted with the roots of their parents and grandparents, the priceless history, the aesthetic beauty and the unique traditions of Crete.
We highly recommend to all, to move fast and secure the cabin of their choice with a $300 deposit. So far, the response is overwhelming and we would not want to leave anyone behind! To handle the Cruise and flight bookings/reservations we have retained the services of HOMERIC TOURS, a commercial tour operator in New York City. Towards the end of October Homeric’s phone lines will be open to receive your phone calls for bookings.
In the next issue of KPHTH we will announce details concerning the itinerary, prices, sightseeing tours and the cultural events that will take place during the convention. The experience of the past, the knowledge of today and the challenge of tomorrow encouraged us to organize this innovative convention and array of events, in order to be able to fulfill the demands of the modern reality.
We wish to thank both the Church and local civil authorities of Crete, and all our friends for supporting our efforts and we promise to continue the pace with the same enthusiasm and determination, always on the footsteps of our Cretans pioneers who started it all more than100 years ago.
We invite you for an unforgettable, sea adventure and a fantastic tour in the breathtaking sea and cities of our magical island, so that we all make the myth reality and the reality a myth.
With fraternal regards,
For the Convention Organizing Committee
Kostas Travayiakis
General Chairman