Order of AHEPA

08/07/2026

Ahepa Family members from across the Ahepa domain come together to bid farewell to our departed brother Demetrios Kirkiles.

Demetrios served Ahepa in several capacity on the local, district and national levels. Past Supreme Treasurer, as well as Past Supreme Counselor for several years.

His service to Ahepa will be a void which cannot be overstated.

The wishes of the family are to help establish scholarship in Demetri’s name. Please donate by following this link:

https://www.givesendgo.com/demetrios-c-kirkiles?utm_source=email&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=demetrios-c-kirkiles

Memory eternal

Chris Kaitson
AHEPA Veterans Affairs
Sons of Pericles Supreme Lodge
Daughters of Penelope
Themistocles Frangos
Zenon Christodoulou
Anastasios Moussas
AHEPA Boca Raton Chapter 487

08/06/2026

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today's throwback is to the 104th Supreme Convention in Historic Philadelphia! Last week on this day, we honored our Nation's Veterans aboard the Battleship New Jersey, an incredible event apart of an incredible week of community, family, fraternity, and of course, Hellenism. We hope everyone had an excellent time over the week and look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's Convention, July 1-6, 2027 in Chicago. See you all there!

08/01/2026

Last night, we held our annual Grand Convention Banquet at the Philadelphia Sheraton.

This is one of our most luxury events of the week, gathering the largest share of the convention of any event. In addition to dinner, a dance and drinks, the banquet honored several outstanding individuals for their contributions to their communities and Hellenism.

The honorees and their respective awards were as follows: Pantelis Boumpouras: AHEPA Defender of Hellenism Award, Pete Pahides and the late Gus P. Pahides of blessed memory: Academy of Achievement in Business Award, and Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award.

The Banquet opened with an official welcome from Board of Trustees Vice Chairman, George Horiates, PSP, as he introduced Mr. Benjamin Franklin and Mrs. Betsy Ross.

Just thereafter, we had an invocation from Rev. Elias Villias, the interim Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey followed by remarks from U.S. Congressman Brenden Boyle, who spoke as a testament to the Greek Americans who have supported him throughout his time in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Additionally, Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basili Ronstadt and Daughters of Penelope Grand President Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades offered remarks, speaking to their time serving as the Presidents of the AHEPA Family over the past year/s.

Our honorees then received their awards as they were called up one at a time to offer remarks on how they've taken the lessons of Hellenism with them in their everyday lives. This principle serves as the guiding light for so many AHEPA Family members, truly pushing the bounds of what excellence means in our modern world.

The evening then concluded with an address from Supreme President Kaitson. After a week of hard work, he took the opportunity to thank all those who attended and recognize one final individual for their embodiment of AHEPA's most prized principals. In so, Mr. Timothy Joannides, PSG received the AHEPA Lifetime Achievement award to a standing ovation.

08/01/2026

Ahepa Supreme Lodge elected for the 2026-27 year. Supreme President Chris Kaitson relected for a second term in Philadelphia.

The 2026-27 year kicked off with an installation at the Union League, a members only club founded in 1862, in Philadelphia. Ahepa family members watches as all four orders were sworn in to office and as introductory remarks for the ensuing year.

Additionally the two newly elected board members were also sworn in.

Congratulations to all officer and best of luck for a great year!

Chris Kaitson
Sons of Pericles Supreme Lodge
Daughters of Penelope
Maids of Athena

07/31/2026

Last night, we hosted our "Bouzoukia on the Battleship" event on the Battleship New Jersey (BB-62), taking the opportunity to honor two incredible veterans for their years of service to the United States Armed Forces. The two veterans who received honors were Ret. Major Carl Hollister and Ret. Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias.

Both honorees received an incredible and unique award - original pieces of the Battleship's deck, carved into the shape of the very battleship on which they were honored.

Guests aboard the Battleship were treated a buffet of snacks, dinner and desserts as well as a cash bar which provided specially crafted beers bearing the Battleship's name.

After the official program concluded, a traditional Greek dance ensued as guests danced in celebration of American Freedom and the very heroes who fought to give it to us.

Today, July 31st, we hosted a special presentation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate by Brother and Archon of Saint Andrew, Tassos Efstratiades as well as the International Hellenic History Tournament Finals, where the Pterrific Ptolemies defeated The Byzantine Brothers to win the championship.

View the full release here: https://conta.cc/4x5jHcK

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Another memorable evening highlighted the 104th Annual AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia as more than 500 members of the AHEPA Family came together aboard the historic USS New Jersey, one of America’s most decorated World War II battleships.

From the weather decks to the ship’s storied interior, brothers, sisters, and friends reunited in fellowship, enjoyed a magnificent buffet, and celebrated the enduring spirit of the AHEPA Family.

Supreme President Chris Kaitson started the evening’s program by handing out special Red White and Blue lapel pins to all veterans and paid tribute to our nation’s veterans, recognizing their unwavering service and sacrifice.

Representing all veterans in attendance, Retired Major Carl Hollister, U.S. Army, and Retired Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias, U.S. Army, were honored for their distinguished military service and lifelong commitment to our country.

It was another unforgettable night of camaraderie, patriotism, and pride, reflecting AHEPA’s enduring commitment to honoring those who have served while strengthening the bonds of our Hellenic American family.

MC Themistocles Frangos recognized the honored military members and of course the organizers which included comments by former Past Supreme President George G. Horiates.
Chris Kaitson
Horiates George G
Carol Vamvakias
Zenon Christodoulou
Sons of Pericles Supreme Lodge
Daughters of Penelope
Themistocles Frangos

07/30/2026

Last night, we hosted our AMERICA 250 Celebration at Liberty View at the Philadelphia Independence Center, convening hundreds of convention-goers for a evening of honors and fun.

The event began with several buffets and a cash bar as attendees mingled and viewed all the various exhibits in the center.

The awards section of the program then ensued as various AHEPA leaders spoke, including AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, Supreme Vice President Dr. Zenon Christodolou, Daughters of Penelope Grand President Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basili Ronstadt and Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens.

AHEPA Board of Trustees Vice Chairman George Horiates, PSP, then spoke and introduced the honoree of the evening, Dr. Elias Iliades. Dr. Iliades was awarded the AHEPA Hellenism Award for his lifelong contributions to Hellenism as well as for serving his community, aiding many young Hellenic professionals in their advancement throughout his career as well as virtually all Hellenic organizations.

Today, July 30th, we additionally hosted the annual AHEPA Family Awards Brunch.

The awards brunch is a special occurrence during the convention, convening all four orders for a celebration of one another before they break for official delegate meetings and votes.

View the full release here: https://conta.cc/3TpMpXi