Welcome to the fourth & final edition of The AtheNEA for the 2020-2021 year. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and subscribe to our email list to continue receiving all MOA updates. Enjoy!

Our Sisters of Olga Moutselos #255 in Brooklyn, NY welcomed new Sisters into their chapter in April!

Flat Athena

So happy to let you all know that I am finally back on the road! I recently visited one of my favorite MOA chapters, Cassandra-Hera #185 in Calgary, AB, Canada. I have to say thank you to my tour guides for showing me such a great time and taking me to see some beautiful sites (the Wonderland Sculpture was my favorite!). As always it was lovely spending quality time with my sisters. 

I am also very excited to announce that I have arrived in Toronto, ON, Canada to visit some more of my Canadian Sisters in Venus #13 before I hop on another plane to meet Grand Governor Rigo in Greece! I'm very excited to tour around Athens and learn more about my Hellenic heritage. Even though I’ll be miles away, I'm always ready to hop on a plane to visit any one of our wonderful chapters. If you ever want to show me around your city, contact my travel agent Grand Governor Rigo moagrandgovernor@gmail.com or DM me on instagram @FlatAthena.

Fundraising & Philanthropy

For our national project this year, the Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles raised money for the JED Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that works to protect emotional health and prevent suicide in teens and young adults. They partner with high schools and colleges to strengthen mental health initiatives, tackle substance abuse, discuss and implement suicide prevention and offer support during transitional periods. They're equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other while encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

MOA Horoscope

Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Some minor but annoying communications could interrupt your routine today. You won't appreciate the distraction, but it's best to take care of whatever it is and then go back to your tasks. You might have to spend part of the day running errands. Traffic might have you frazzled. Spend the evening relaxing at home. You've worked hard and you deserve it!
 
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Boredom and apathy could tempt you to run and spend a lot of money on luxuries. You might overindulge in food and drink. This can make you feel better temporarily, but in the end all you will have is an empty wallet and a stomachache. Treat yourself, but don't throw caution to the wind. This feeling will pass by tomorrow, and you don't want to regret your day!
 
Leo
July 23 – August 22
A lot of activity could take place around home today. It could involve a number of visitors, or it could simply be a lot of work that needs doing. Either way, you might feel a bit frazzled, and the temptation to run away from it all might be almost irresistible. Relax! There's no need to stress out. Just do what needs to be done and enjoy the rest of the day.
 
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
News of unforeseen success could come your way today, leaving you reeling and breathless. You might feel a bit dazed, like you don't know what to do with yourself. It might take a while to gather yourself. A lot of letters and phone calls may come your way, some routine, some congratulatory. You could write or call a number of your friends. Some errands may be necessary.

Libra
September 23 – October 22
Social events or group activities may prove draining today, as a lot of people might want to take advantage of your talents. Your kind, accommodating nature might cause you to try to make everyone happy, but this isn't realistic. You might stress yourself to the point of not caring what gets done. Be discriminating about what you commit to doing.

Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Excess is the word for today. You may feel overly optimistic and enthusiastic about everything, and you could throw yourself into it all a bit too eagerly. You could take on more than you can handle. There is the danger of tiring yourself out physically. You could also go the other way and become very lazy, not wanting to do much of anything. Remember, moderation is the best approach.

Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
Today you might feel a little depressed and apathetic, like you don't care what happens right now. You might try to get your mind off those feelings by spending money. This works, but don't spend any more than you have to. These feelings really have more to do with the past than the present. If old pain wells up, let it go. Tomorrow all will seem a lot better!

Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Today you might be with friends who want to go out on the town and spend money. Shopping, eating in fancy restaurants, or going to dance clubs could be in their plans. This is fine, as long as you don't get caught up in the excess. Find a happy medium between spending too much and acting like a party pooper.

Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Pressure and worries involving home and family could get in the way of your concentration today. There may have been a quarrel with a household member that weighs on your mind. The best way to deal with this is to give yourself and everyone else time to cool down. Later you're likely to find that it has all blown over.
 

Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Organizing your office and paying bills are likely to be on your agenda today. You could feel overwhelmed by the tasks, and you might be tempted to put them off. It's better to take it slowly until you get everything done. You don't have to do them all at once. This should lessen the stress. Spend a quiet evening at home.

Aries
March 20 – April 19
Excessive food and drink could make you feel rather sluggish and indifferent to everything. This can get in the way of your usual kindness and affection, but it shouldn't. Get some rest, take a stomach remedy, and get back to your old self! You might also be tempted to overspend at some point. Think about it first!

Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Today a number of chores around the home could have you feeling overwhelmed. Family members might abandon you, leaving you disgruntled. Do the most pressing and leave the rest for when they're home! There might be a difference of opinion between you and your mate. Try to see both sides of the issue and circumvent any serious disagreements.

Sisterhood Spotlight

This month's Sisterhood Spotlight goes out to Sister Mary Polydoros of Rodanthi #41 in Houston, TX! Mary is a junior at the University of St. Thomas. She is studying Communications and is also a cheerleader. Mary just finished an amazing term as Chapter President and her sisters in Houston wanted to show their appreciation for her hard work this year. During her term as Chapter President she lead many successful events and fundraisers as well as helping Rodanthi #41 grow their membership and continue to thrive even during a pandemic. She also started a chapter 'Maid of the Month' initiative on their Instagram to recognize outstanding members for their contributions to our Order. Mary is a great leader who always thinks of others first so this month, we want to recognize her! Thank you Mary for everything you do for the Maids of Athena. Our Sisterhood wouldn't be the same without you!

Fashion 101

Our sights are set on summer and for many, the sweet sound of freedom is ringing through the air. With that, our desire to get dressed up again is stronger than ever. As cold days roll away, airier fabrics and lighter hues will have recharged powers. Ahead, a few summer trends to get lost in. 

Matching Sets - If you think the matching sets that we’ve been wearing while working from home will disappear when summer arrives, you’re mistaken, my friend. Matching sets will make a splash this summer in many forms. Not to mention how pastel colors will be the color theme for this season. A pale pastel palette is calming on the nerves and easy on the eyes.

Wide-Leg Pants - Everything old is new again, and that is certainly the case for this summer's fashion trend —wide-leg pants. Taking a nod from the 70s, wide-leg pants will be everywhere this summer. From flowing knit prints to white denim, wide-leg pants come in a multitude of options. Want a pair for a laid-back beach day? Try a cropped knit with a wide elastic waistband that is light and easy to put on and take off. Looking for something more structured for dinner? Dress up a pair of high-waisted pants in a retro print for a night out. There are unlimited choices when it comes to how to wear wide-leg pants.

Rompers - They are a summer fashion trend that is an instant outfit—they’re also a must-have way to stay crisp and cool. Look for light linen designs, sporty pops-of-print like camo, and flowing boho-inspired pieces. Watercolor florals took center stage in our spring color trends and continue right into summer. 

Sisters of District #23 (Eastern Canada) were joined by Grand President Theodora, Grand Secretary Mary & Grand Treasurer Maria at the 86th annual District 23 Convention. Congratulations to the newly elected district lodge!

Chapter Spotlight

This month's chapter spotlight goes to Cassandra-Hera #185 of Calgary, AB. Our Canadian Sisters volunteered with an organization called 'Made by Momma' in March where they prepared five different main courses that were frozen and delivered to 25-30 families in need. In April they volunteered once again, this time preparing 172 servings of food for families facing adversity. These sisters are great role models for volunteerism and community service. Keep up the great work sisters!

Check them out on instagram @moa.calgary

President's Project

This year’s President’s Project was Girls Who Code, an organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like, while building the largest pipeline of future female engineers in the United States. 

Grand President Theodora wants to thank everyone who hosted a fundraiser, purchased an MOA lipstick or supported our fundraising efforts for her president's project this year!

Visit our website for more information about this project. Lipsticks are still available to purchase for $20 on our online store.

 MOA Book Club

Thank you to everyone who participated in the MOA Book Club this year! We had a lot of fun and hope to be able to do it again. For more information about book club or to give suggestions for the future, email Grand Governor Rigo at moagrandgovernor@gmail.com.

Follow Maids of Athena Book Club on Facebook!

With Love in Pi Alpha

In honor of our 90th anniversary this year, the MOA Grand Lodge sent out thank you cards to our MOA Past Grand Presidents to show them how much we value them and their contributions to our Sisterhood over the years. We love and appreciate all of our PGPs and can't wait to see you all again soon!

Our MOA Grand President Theodora mailing the cards to our PGPs!

Taking Care of Your Mind and Soul

In honor of last month being Mental Health Awareness Month and our national project being the JED Foundation, the Xarisa #280 chapter of Tom's River, NJ is hosting a dialogue on the intersectionality of mental health and our orthodox faith.

The featured speaker is Marissa Garoufalis, MSW, LSW. In addition to her current position as a school social worker, Marissa has been involved with Ionian Village. She attended Ionian Village as a camper, staff member, and most recently served as the mental health professional.

This event is open to all MOA & SOP and will take place on Sunday June 13th at 8:00 pm EDT via Zoom. The total time of the event should be roughly one hour. This includes both a presentation, and questions and answers. Those in attendance will be entered to win a few self-care boxes.  

To register visit the link in their instagram bio @MOAXarisa

Advisor's Corner

As we continue this time of exceptional circumstances, I hope you and your family are doing well, are healthy and safe. I also understand that you are doing the best you can encouraging your chapter members to be involved and are adapting to make your virtual connections productive, informative and fun.

As you have now learned the AHEPA Family Supreme Convention is still on and will be held in Athens, Greece at the end of July. Unfortunately, I will miss seeing the gathering of our AHEPA Family this summer but the safety, health and well-being of our members is a priority.

Additionally, due to the uncertainty of traveling and mask mandates, the Maids of Athena Grand Lodge has decided to forego traveling to Greece this summer and will be holding a virtual Supreme Convention meeting on July 15th. Committee meetings will be held a week prior on July 8th, to discuss legislation, growth and expansion and programs. If you plan on attending the Supreme Convention meeting you must register now through the MOA website.

• Continue to purchase or sell raffle tickets to support the JED Foundation. The raffle will take place at the Supreme Convention. Grand prize is $1500.00 and 2nd prize is $500.00.
• Scholarships are still available to those of you who are in good standing – look at the MOA website for additional information.
• Continue to celebrate and promote the Maids of Athena through Instagram & Facebook  - we love seeing what individual chapters are up to!

To our chapter and district leaders, I want to commend you for continuing the good works of the Maids of Athena by submitting your chapter reports, holding virtual meetings with one another and planning events either in person or virtually. We appreciate your leadership!

Lastly, as my second term as MOA Grand Advisor comes to an end, I want to thank the entire MOA Grand Lodge for their hard work, the laughter and persistence through difficult times. Theodora, Maria Ana, Mary, Maria and Rigo…..I wish you much success in your future endeavors and until we actually “see” and hug each other again, I thank you for your continued support and efforts for the good of our order – THE MAIDS OF ATHENA!

With my sincere love and affection in Pi Alpha,

Kathy Leles
MOA Grand Advisor

Our sisters of Rodanthi #41 in Houston, TX welcomed 7 new sisters into their chapter this past month in addition to hosting chapter elections!

Future Events

July 8, 2021 – MOA National Convention Committees Meeting

July 15, 2021 – MOA National Convention General Meeting & Elections

July 25 - 31, 2021 – AHEPA National Convention Athens, Greece

With summer finally here, we hope that everyone continues to stay safe and healthy. We are so proud of our chapters for their accomplishments this year. We know it hasn't been easy, but our chapters adapted, stayed motivated and exceeded our expectations this year. We look forward to next year when we will hopefully be able to resume our usual events and see our sisters again in person!

Wishing everyone a great summer!

With Love In Pi Alpha,

The Maids of Athena Grand Lodge 

PERSISTENCE.