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Introduction
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The Founding of EKA and its history
to the end of the 19th Century
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EKA in the 20th century
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EKA today
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Past Presidents and Committee members of EKA
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The Alexander the Great Centre of Post-Graduate Studies and Research
AIMS
Stefanos P. Tamvakis and his eight colleagues of the Executive Committee of EKA are attempting to rebuild and extend the life of the Hellenic community in Egypt. They worked closely with the late Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa H.B. Parthenios III and continue with the co-operation and support of the current Patriarch H.B. Petros VII, as they aim to turn the tide and continue a dynamic Hellenic presence in Alexandria into the twenty-first century :1. EKA is working closely with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) a non-government, non-profit organisation which represents expatriate Greeks. In 1995, Stefanos P. Tamvakis was elected Regional President of the Asia-Africa region of SAE and the Regional Office of SAE, which represents Greeks living throughout the two continents, was set up within the buildings of EKA. Through SAE the Hellenic Community aims to reach out to other Hellenic Communities abroad and take an active part in the creation and support of ecumenical Hellenism.
2. EKA is making every effort to strengthen ties and encourage cultural exchange and a healthy trading relationship between Greece and Egypt and is proud to say that ties between the Hellenic community, the Government of Greece and the Egyptian Authorities have never been closer.
3. EKA is taking every opportunity to promote the name of Alexandria and the activities of the Hellenes of Alexandria as well as opportunities for Greeks in Egypt and Egyptians in Greece through Egyptian-Greek leagues and organisations in both countries.
4. EKA proposes to breathe new life into the last Greek Quarter of Chatby, Alexandria, by establishing a School of Archaeological and Classical Studies bearing the name "Alexander the Great", so ensuring the continuation of an active Hellenic presence and constant cultural exchange.
EKA - Activities
Churches : EKA maintains and runs the following six Churches:The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin (Evangelismou tis Theotokou),
The Church of the Great Archangels (Pammegiston Taxiarchon)
St. George's Church (Agiou Georgiou) situated in the grounds of the Retirement Home,
The Church of Prophet Elias (Prophiti Elias)
St. Katherine's Church (Agias Aikaterinis) in the building of the old Benakis Orphanage and present day Consulate General of Greece
The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin (Koimiseos tis Theotokou) situated in the grounds of the Hellenic Community Cemetery.
Schools : There are currently 75 pupils attending the Hellenic Community Schools (Averof Junior and Senior High Schools and Tositsas-Pratsikeios Junior School, Nursery School and Day-Care Centre).
The Schools, which are staffed by teachers posted to Alexandria by the Greek Ministry of Education and by local teaching staff, follow the curriculum approved by the Greek Authorities and in addition offer Arabic Language courses for pupils native to Egypt. Facilities include : school doctor and clinic, Physics and Chemistry labs, gymnasium, playing fields, library, Computer Studies room. and a school bus. There is also a large theatre with a seating capacity of 400.
Despite the small number of pupils the schools have a full calendar of sports, social and cultural events including:
Celebration of Greek National Holidays
Scouts and Guides
Greek Country dancing
Hellenic Night
School trips
Sports Day
Theatrical games
Retirement Home : The Antoniadis-Kaniskeris Retirement Home, named after the two great Alexandrian philanthropists, is now housed in the old Kaniskeris Orphanage building. Today the Home houses and cares for 54 elderly folk.
Community Services : Community Services are provided by EKA. Medical examination, home visits, treatment and the provision of medical supplies are offered free of charge to the needy of the community. Food is provided for the residents of the Old People's Home and the needy of the community by the Benakis Community Kitchens.
Scholarships : EKA offers financial help to the youth of the community who wish to continue with Higher Education. Currently 18 Alexandrians studying in Greece and 3 who are studying in Egypt receive scholarships from EKA.
In 1993, EKA celebrated its 150th Anniversary which was attended by over two thousand people many of whom were ex-Alexandrians who had travelled from all over the world to attend.