AHEPA E-News Volume 19, Issue 17 | Wednesday, April 30, 2025

AHEPA Family Participates in Boston Greek Independence Celebrations

Over the weekend, the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England played host to a slightly belated celebration of Greek Independence in Boston, Massachusetts. The celebration commenced with the signing of a letter of intent between Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas, symbolizing a commitment to deepen cultural and civic ties between the two cities. Present at this significant event was Alex Geourntas, Boston City Clerk and Secretary of the AHEPA Board of Trustees, underscoring the importance of the Hellenic-American community in fostering international relationships. A flag raising at Boston City Hall followed, and on the evening of Saturday, April 26th, a Dinner Gala was held at the Boston Quincy Marriott, gathering dignitaries and community leaders to celebrate Hellenism.

The 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade took place on Sunday, April 27. Nearly 100 Hellenic groups participated, marching along Boylston Street to Charles Street, culminating at Boston Common. The event featured the New England Evzones, Greek dance troupes, local churches, and universities, celebrating the theme “Philhellenism and the Spirit of Greece.” The New England AHEPA Family made an excellent showing with representatives from all four orders marching collectively under the AHEPA Banner of District 8, and Board of Trustees Secretary Alex Geourntas serving as an Honorary Grand Marshal. The Sons of Pericles from Boston and Lowell, MA led the group alongside Athens Chapter 24 President Chris Tsiotos, dressed as an evzone. They were followed by AHEPA District 8 Governor Dino Constantinou, DOP Grand Governor Lainie Damaskos-Christou, and DOP PGP Elaine Kevgas leading a large group that contained AHEPA Family members from Districts 7, 8, 9, and even 23! Following the parade, Boston Common transformed into “Plaka,” Athens’ central square, offering attendees a rich cultural experience with traditional Greek music, dancing, and cuisine.

District 23 Hosts AHEPA Hellenic History Tournament in Montreal

This past weekend, the AHEPA Family of District 23 proudly hosted the AHEPA District 23 Hellenic History Tournament in Montreal, Quebec. Fourteen teams from Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto came together for a spirited and unforgettable celebration of knowledge and camaraderie. A special thank you to James Hutchison and his committee for their outstanding organization, and congratulations to the Ottawa team, "Seleucid Smackdown," sponsored by the Parnassos Hellenic Cultural Society of Ottawa, for their well-earned victory. The district was honored to welcome distinguished guests, including Senator Hon. Leo Housakos, MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, and EMSB Director General Nick Katalifos, whose presence made the event even more memorable. Through gatherings like these, we not only honour the timeless legacy of Hellenism but inspire new generations to carry forward the greatness of Greek history.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Celebrates 100 Years

AHEPA Gust C. Kraras Chapter 61 of Reading, PA, hosted their 100-Year Anniversary and Scholarship banquet this Spring. Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson, Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos, Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou, and District #4 Governor Christ Megoulas were in attendance. The program included AHEPA Heroes medals presented by the Supreme Vice President to Chapter President, Dr. George Giovanis, Chris, and Gus Kraras. Additionally, scholarships were presented to four deserving students. Dr. Giovanis also presented a check for the amount of $500.00 to District Governor, Christ Megoulas for the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey, Penn. Congratulations, Brothers, on 100 years!

District 20 AHEPA Family Supports Camp Agape

Over the weekend, AHEPA District 20 Governor Jim Dedakis and DOP District 20 Governor Sofie Batshoun represented the District 20 AHEPA Family at the Kids 'n' Cancer event in Newport Beach, California. This event, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco's Ladies Philoptochos Society, serves as a fundraiser for Camp Agape. Camp Agape is dedicated to providing support for children afflicted with cancer and their families. This beloved ministry offers a compassionate and caring environment, exemplary of Christ's unconditional love, along with an opportunity to shape meaningful friendships and create precious memories. Collectively, the AHEPA of District 20 was able to raise and donate $10,000 to Camp Agape, and the DOP of District 20 were able to give $2500.

Sad News: Constantine "Connie" P. Calliontzis, PSG, Passes Away

Brother Constantine "Connie" Calliontzis, beloved and esteemed member of AHEPA Athens Chapter #24 of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Brother Connie was 94 years old. The following tribute was provided by his Chapter Brothers in his memory. "Our chapter has lost an accomplished Brother who dedicated his time and effort to ensure AHEPA continues to be a great fraternal organization. Brother Connie was initiated as a member of our chapter on December 15, 1992, and he was a loyal AHEPAN for 33 years. Brother Connie served our chapter with the utmost dedication first as Chapter Vice President and then Chapter President. He also served as President of our Chapter’s Charitable and Educational Corporation for many years. He never wavered in his pursuit to be an example of leadership and humility in all that he did. He continued his service to AHEPA at the District level serving as District Governor of Bay State District 8 (MA) and various committees on the District 8 Lodge, and then serving as Supreme Governor of Region 4 which covers all of New England for two terms. Continuing his service at the National level, Brother Connie was elected as a Member of the AHEPA Board of Trustees, serving his fraternity with a unique drive and accomplishment. Brother Connie will be greatly missed by our membership and the AHEPA Family throughout the AHEPA domain. He was a positive force in our fraternity for many years and his legacy will no doubt continue for many years to come!" Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Connie's wife Betty, his children, and his entire family during this difficult time. May his memory be eternal!

Time's Running Out! Important Deadlines Approach!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 TODAY!!!!! Deadline for 2025 Journey to Greece Program Applications Don't miss out! Click the link below for more information and to apply!

Click to Learn More about Journey to Greece!

Click to Apply to Journey to Greece!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 TODAY!!!!! Deadline for 2025 Sons of Pericles Scholarship Applications Don't miss out! Click the link below for more information and to apply!

Click for more information and to Apply!

SUNDAY, JUNE 1 Chapter Delegate & Alternate Reporting Forms Due Contact membership@ahepa.org if you have not received yours

MONDAY, JUNE 2 Constantine and Patricia Mavroyannis Scholarship Applications Due

Download the Mavroyannis Scholarship Application

AHEPA Re-Launches Grassroots Network

Join us! With legislative initiatives underway in the 119th Congress, and in the lead-up to our annual Capitol Hill Day, we are making a push to bolster our Congressional Grassroots Network.  The initiative will reside mostly in the form of an email list for all those interested.  Distributed in email will be: New legislation announcements & updates Call to action letters Requests to mobilize Supporting materials surrounding active legislation Template letters to members of Congress Information sheets & statements AHEPA letters of legislation support To join the network, click the link below. Presidents and Governors, please notify your Chapters and Districts of the effort – we request all able members participate.  Once joining, wait for further instruction. More information will come during and following this year’s Capitol Hill Day on May 22nd in Washington, D.C.

Sign up for the Grassroots Network Here!

AHEPA National Banquet Sponsorship Available!

Join the AHEPA Family in Washington, DC on May 21, 2025 for our 2025 AHEPA National Banquet, to be held at the historic Mayflower Hotel! This event will be held in conjunction with AHEPA Capitol Hill day, which is scheduled for May 22, 2025 at 10am. AHEPA is currently selling tickets by way of full table sponsorships. Each table seats ten individuals. For more information about available sponsorships, ticketing, and reserving your hotel room at the Mayflower, visit the links below! Become a Banquet Sponsor! Click Here for more Information!

The Spring 2025 AHEPAN is Here! Hot off the electronic press! The Spring 2025 issue of The AHEPAN is here! Read the latest issue of The AHEPAN today! Read the Issue!

Supreme Convention 2025 Sponsorships Are Here!

Make sure your Chapter, District, Family or Business are represented at the AHEPA Supreme Convention! Put your name on one of our events, or just purchase an ad in our digital convention album. Explore sponsorship opportunities in the links below!

Individual & Chapter Sponsorships

Corporate Sponsorships

Click to Visit the Supreme Convention Page! Click for Discounted Park Tickets!

Dust off your Mickey ears, The Order of AHEPA is going back to the happiest place on earth, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida! We’ve got a week full of fun for the whole family that you’re not going to want to miss out on! Join us once again at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, where we’ve secured a special convention rate for our attendees starting at $199/night plus tax. You know the deal, these rooms are going to sell out quickly, so book now! Click to Book Your Hotel Room! Click to Book Your Airport Shuttle!

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