United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

UHAC is a non-profit cultural, educational and social issues organization [designated as 501 (c) (3) by the IRS] that coordinates and unifies the activities of Hellenic organizations and individuals in promoting and supporting Hellenism and Orthodoxy, and fosters good relations between the U.S. and Greece.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

The United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), created in 1974, serves as an umbrella and unifying organization for Greek-Americans in the United States. The organization was founded by a group of Greek-American community and religious leaders came together in Chicago to work for Hellenism. UHAC functions on a national and local level to promote U.S. government policies that are beneficial to Greece, Cyprus and Greek Orthodoxy. The organization was spurred into formation by the brutal invasion of Cyprus. In resistance, UHAC was organized to fight for the rule of law, justice and equality to protect Hellenic ideals and culture. In doing so, UHAC has promoted Hellenic culture, history, religion, heritage and interests everywhere from American schools and museums to the White House.

UHAC founded the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in Chicago, the only such institution in the United States, and it operates the oldest Greek-American newspaper in the central United States, “The Greek Star”, which has been in print continuously for over 100 years. UHAC also works with other organizations such as International Christian Charities, the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and the Archdiocese of the United States to help organize and fund humanitarian efforts around the world.

Over the years, UHAC has worked with the Governments of Greece and Cyprus and with the Patriarchate and the Archdiocese to promote cultural and educational exhibits in cooperation with Chicago institutions. The exhibits include, “The Search for Alexander” with the world-class Art Institute of Chicago, “Olympism in Chicago” with the University of Illinois, the National Dance Troupe of Cyprus at the Arie Crown Theater, and the Lyceum Dancers at the Auditorium Theater among several others. For over 20 years UHAC has hosted “Greek Heritage Week” which included a public program of music and dance in the main plaza in front of Chicago City Hall, “Greek Heritage Night”, an education and cultural program presented at one of the many Greek Orthodox churches, and other programs around the City, culminating with the colorful and grand full scale “Greek Parade” through downtown Chicago.

UHAC raises funds through voluntary donations from corporations and individuals. In addition, each year UHAC has a banquet to honor worthy Hellenes. UHAC has honored in the past such dignitaries as:Dora Bakoyianni, Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Paul Sarbanes, former U.S. Senator from Maryland; George Papandreou, former Foreign Minister of Greece; George Stephanopoulos, then senior advisor to President Clinton; Michael Dukakis, former candidate for president and governor of Massachusetts; Dimitri Avramopoulos, former Mayor of Athens; the late Archbishop Iakovos, former Primate of North and South America; the late Archbishop Makarios, former President of the Republic of Cyprus; John Stamos, Olympia Dukakis and Melina Kanakaredes, noted actors; and many others.

PRINCIPLES

UHAC was established to pursue the following principles or guidelines in no particular order:

• to coordinate and unify programs promoting the general welfare and safeguarding the ethno-religious legacy of Americans of Greek descent;

• to promote among all Americans an understanding and appreciation of Greek culture, ideals, and traditions;

• to organize events projecting the cultural heritage, richness, and relevance of Greek thought and civilization through the millennia;

• to project the educational, cultural, civic, and religious concerns of the Greek Orthodox communities on a local and national level;

• to promote relations between the United States and the democratic government of Greece;

• to respond to the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Greek Orthodox Christian community in Istanbul;

• to respond to the tragedy of Cyprus and the Cypriot refugees;

• to support human rights and justice for all people.

• to encourage, honor and project talented, creative, and accomplished persons of Greek heritage and other from all spheres of artistic, intellectual, and social involvement; and

• to support the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center to preserve our Greek experience in America.