Strong human relationships are built on wonderful shared experiences! That's why our members of the Chapter enjoyed an exciting three days, on April 15-17, on our beautiful islands, Rhodes and Symi.

The emerald island of Rhodes, with its green environment, turquoise waters and brilliant historical monuments, welcomed us with impressive credentials!

Initially, we were guided to the best parts of Rhodes. We visited the Old Town of Rhodes, the oldest of all medieval inhabited cities in Europe, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We toured the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, the interesting Archaeological Museum, the famous Church of St. Catherine and the picturesque Marina Mandraki with two bronze deer on columns, where the feet of the ancient Colossus near Rhodes were located, according to Rhodes. A pleasant surprise is the New Marina of Rhodes, which is expected to be the starting point for radical changes in maritime tourism in Greece, with its strategic position, which connects the Arab countries with Cyprus and Egypt.

We walked the cobbled medieval streets of the history and memories of the Knights of St. John. We made a mental journey through time and saw Lindos, the traditional place that "gave birth" to the first code of Maritime Law, the "Navy Pomegranate Law". We visited Ancient Ialyssos, a citadel on Mount Filerimos, where there was the temple of Athena Poliados, the famous Seven Springs and many other sights of the island. On Saturday we made a small cruise in Symi with a luxury Ferretti yacht.

Symi with its crystal clear waters and pebbly shores welcomed us with an image through a painting: the preserved neoclassical mansions of the island with the rainbow of the colors of the past! A special experience for everyone was our reverent pilgrimage to the  Monastery of the Archangel Michael of Panormitis, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Greece, with its impressive bell tower and glorious history in the depths of the centuries.

A Monastery that attracts thousands of pilgrims, who receive mental and physical rest in its bosom. The monks welcomed us with solemn bells in a joyful atmosphere, guided us to the blessed Monastery and hosted us in mansions! The culmination of the emotion was the pilgrimage of the Ephesus Icon of Brigadier General Archangel Michael, which with its size, its celestial shield, its silver-plated surface and its miraculous power evokes the awe and respect of the pilgrims.

During the visit, in an atmosphere of devotion and piety, as President of the Maritime Chapter, I handed over to the Most Venerable Abbot of the Monastery, Archimandrite Antonios Patros, the amount of 4,000 euros, offered by the Matthew Dimitris Brothers, Panagiotis Iliolopoulos, , Khourdaki Ioanni, Politi Dionysis, Drougo Konstantino, Tzima Andrea, Leoutsako Michalis, for the completion of the construction of Pronaos. This heartfelt donation was made as part of a series of multifaceted social and charitable activities that the Maritime Chapter Hj-45 "St 'Nicholas" has consistently performed since its inception, consistently serving the principles and values ​​of the AHEPA global family.

As a reward for love, I received with emotion from the Abbot the image of the Archangel Michael the Taxiarch. At sunset we toured Symi, with its endless steps and colorful alleys, in the pre-Easter Easter atmosphere of Lazarus Saturday and we felt the moving atmosphere. On the way back we enjoyed a dreamy setting of the "pink full moon" of April that was smiling at us from the sky. The main action of the excursion was the Plenary Session of our Chapter, where the evaluation of the actions that have taken place took place, as well as the planning for the next activities and the actions of social contribution and solidarity.

Issues and proposals for the further development of our chapter were discussed, as well as actions to promote social issues and ways of our contribution to resolve them. Finally, there was an exchange of views and ideas aimed at promoting practices to strengthen our fellow citizens and the cohesion of the social fabric. Completing this wonderful journey, I thank my Brothers for the sum and their touching participation in what we dream and realize together, giving our best! For the images we saw, the experiences of joy, offer and love that we tasted and will bind us forever.

The Easter atmosphere of the days that vibrated the atmosphere of our trip, let it be for all of us a wonderful prelude to the great celebration of Easter, which we all look forward to with reverence and hope for the best to come! I wish the thousands of AHEPA members around the world and to all my Greek compatriots on earth a Happy Resurrection! With peace, well reverence and hope for the best to come! I wish the thousands of AHEPA members around the world and to all my Greek compatriots on earth a Happy Resurrection! With peace, prosperity and love for all! Reverence and hope for the best to come! I wish the thousands of AHEPA members around the world and to all my Greek compatriots on earth a Happy Resurrection! With peace, well