Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Community commemoration on the occasion of the 106th Anniversary of the Greek Pontic Genocide and AHEPA Day

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Community of Pawtucket, Rhode Island Father Philipp Zymaris, Stefanos Svitlitsas, Vasilis Chrysanthopoulos, Hellenic Navy Officers Captain Theodoros Theodorou and Commander Konstantinos Voskakis, Olympia Ahepa Chapter 121 President Ioannis Apostolakis and Parish Council President George Karalis gather attend church service and gather to commemorate the Greek Pontian Genocide and Ahepa Day

(Pawtucket, Rhode Island, R.I. 5/18/2025) State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-33 Coventry and West Greenwich) and State Senator David Tikoian (D-22Simthfield, North Providence and Lincoln) with the entire Assumption Greek Orthodox Church community of Pawtucket Rhode Island hosted a commemoration on the occasion of the 106th Anniversary of the Greek Pontic Genocide and AHEPA Day at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and community center in Pawtucket Rhode Island on May 18, 2025.

The day began with a Sunday liturgy service in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church commemorating the occasion of the 106th Anniversary of the Greek Pontic Genocide and AHEPA Day. Following the service at the church the entire community gathered in the community room where Olympia Chapter 121, President Ioannis Apostolakis began the program thanking both Senators Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis and David Tikoian for sponsoring Senate Bill S1080.pdf recognizing the Greek Pontic Genocide that took place 106 years ago and also the Rhode Island Greek heritage motor vehicle license plate in conjunction with AHEPA, Senate bill S0155.pdf and also thanked Senator

Hannah Gallo (D-27 Cranston and West Warwick) who could not attend but sent her message of support for both pieces of legislation.

From Left to right: Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis, Hellenic Navy Officer Captain Theodoros Theodorou, Stefanos Svitlitsas, Olympia Ahepa Chapter 121 President Ioannis Apostolakis, State Senator David Tikoian, Hellenic Navy Commander Konstantinos Voskakis and Vasilis Chrysanthopoulos (Οι πολιτειακοί γερουσιαστές του Ρόουντ Άιλαντ τιμούν τον εορτασμό της γενοκτονίας των Ελλήνων Ποντίων και την Ημέρα της Αχέπα στην Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία της Κοίμησης της Θεοτόκου, Pawtucket, Ρόουντ Άιλαντ, ΗΠΑ, 18 Μαΐου 2025)

Stefanos Svitlitsas of Pontian roots emphasized the history of the Greek Pontian genocide while Vasilis Chrysanthopoulos translated in English to the parishioners and guests. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Principal Panayiota Vastis, Greek language teachers, Stavroula Papavasileiou and Sophia Augoustakis, along with past AHEPA president John Lyssikatos and retired Reverand George Economou were also in attendance along with all many Ahepan brothers of Olympia Ahepa Chapter 121.

All the parishioners and Ahepan members in attendance participated in voting for one of the five final versions of the Greek Heritage-AHEPA license plate that were submitted by graphic designer Ioanna Dafoulas Savoie. Along with the Ahepan Annunciation and St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church chapters the winning license plate will be submitted to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for final approval to make sure it meets all the rules and regulations.