The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) successfully concluded its 104th Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last weekend. The convention brought together members of the AHEPA Family for a week of fellowship, civic engagement, education, philanthropy, and celebration of Hellenism.
Held during the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, the convention highlighted the historic ties between the ideals of Hellenism and American democracy while showcasing AHEPA’s enduring mission of promoting education, community service, leadership, and good citizenship.
At the conclusion of the Convention, delegates elected and installed the officers who will lead AHEPA during the coming year. Re-elected as Supreme President was E. Chris Kaitson of Houston, Texas. Serving with him are Dr. Zenon Christodolou, Supreme Vice President; Anastasios Moussas, AHEPA Canada President; Themistocles P. Frangos, Supreme Secretary; Marshall Monsell, Supreme Treasurer; Ted Stamas, Supreme Counselor; Bill Poulos III, Supreme Advisor to the Sons of Pericles; and Chris Atsaves, Supreme Athletic Director. Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Within the Daughters of Penelope, Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades was re-elected Grand President.
The Junior Auxiliary organizations elected George G. Kalyvas as Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles, and Cristina Saavedra-Mamounis as Grand President of the Maids of Athena.
The convention officially began with the observance of AHEPA Founders Day, commemorating the organization’s establishment in Atlanta in 1922 by eight visionary Greek immigrants who sought to combat discrimination and assist Greek Americans in becoming fully integrated into American society. More than a century later, AHEPA continues to advance those founding principles through programs that support education, charitable outreach, civic participation, and the preservation of Hellenic heritage.
Philadelphia provided an ideal setting for the convention’s America 250 theme. Delegates participated in historical tours of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and attended events recognizing the contributions of Greek Americans to the nation’s civic and cultural life. AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope also conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier in Washington Square, honoring those who sacrificed for American freedom.
The convention opened with several community-centered events, including the AHEPA Cooley’s Anemia Walk, which raised awareness for research and treatment efforts. Attendees also participated in educational programs exploring Philadelphia’s connection to the Greek War of Independence and the historic support Americans provided to the Greek people during their struggle for freedom.
Throughout the week, delegates conducted the official business of the organization through committee meetings and general sessions. Members debated legislation, reviewed programs, and established priorities for the coming year, reflecting AHEPA’s longstanding commitment to democratic engagement and providing members with opportunities to participate in discussions and help shape the future direction of the organization.
One of the convention’s events was the “America the Beautiful” Reception at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, bringing together members of all the AHEPA Family for an evening celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary and the accomplishments of the Hellenic-American community. Delegates also attended the AMERICA 250 Celebration at Liberty View, overlooking Independence National Historical Park, where the nation’s founding ideals served as the backdrop for honoring leaders who exemplify service to Hellenism and society.
The annual AHEPA Athletics Luncheon, which recognized outstanding athletes, scholar-athletes, and Hall of Fame inductees awarded the national athletic award recipients to professional hockey player Trevor Zegras, Rutgers University football standout Athan Kaliakmanis, and high school basketball athlete Jack Louridas. Numerous scholar-athletes also received scholarships and awards recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to community service.
The convention also celebrated excellence through the AHEPA Family Awards Brunch. Honors included Chapter of the Year, awarded to Marathon Chapter No. 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina; District of the Year, awarded to Empire District No. 6; District Governor of the Year, Andrew Eliopulos; Ahepan of the Year, Michael Pantel; and the Supreme President’s Award of Excellence, presented to Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos.
Veterans were honored during the convention’s “Bouzoukia on the Battleship” event aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey. Retired Major Carl Hollister and Retired Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias received special recognition for their dedicated service to the United States Armed Forces. Their awards symbolized AHEPA’s gratitude to those who defended the freedoms cherished by both Greece and the United States.
Education and cultural preservation also remained central themes throughout the week. The International Hellenic History Tournament concluded during the convention, with “The Pterrific Ptolemies” capturing the championship after a closely contested competition. Delegates also attended a presentation by Archon Tassos Efstratiades on religious freedom and property rights affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey, highlighting issues of ongoing importance to the worldwide Orthodox community.
The convention also welcomed distinguished guests and elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and U.S. Congressman Brendan Boyle, whose participation underscored the important role Greek Americans continue to play in American public life.
The convention culminated with the Grand Convention Banquet, where several distinguished leaders for their professional achievements and contributions to Hellenism. After the invocation from Rev. Elias Villis, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District and Acting Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey, Pantelis Boumpouras received the AHEPA Defender of Hellenism Award, Pete Pahides and the late Gus P. Pahides received the Academy of Achievement in Business Award, and Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, received the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award.
In one of the evening’s most memorable moments, Timothy Joannides, PSG, received the AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of service and leadership. The presentation was met with a standing ovation from convention attendees.
As the convention concluded, delegates departed Philadelphia inspired by a week that celebrated AHEPA’s proud history while looking confidently toward its future, building upon the vision established by its founders more than a century ago. The AHEPA Family will gather next at the 2027 AHEPA Supreme Convention in Chicago, Illinois, July 1-6, 2027.
Text: Marissa Costidis/Orthodox Observer
