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American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
AHEPA
FoundedJuly 26, 1922; 104 years ago (1922-07-26)
Atlanta, Georgia, US
TypeFraternal order
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
EmphasisGreek heritage
ScopeInternational
Colors  Blue,   White and   Red
PublicationThe AHEPAN
Chapters400+ active
Members30,000+ [1] active
500,000 lifetime
NicknameOrder of AHEPA
Headquarters1909 Q Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
United States
Websitewww.ahepa.org

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA, usually referred to as the Order of AHEPA) is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. AHEPA was founded with a focus on civil rights, particularly to counteract the Ku Klux Klan. It is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

History

[edit]
AHEPA headquarters located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) fraternity was established in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922.[2] Its eight founders were residents of Atlanta who were of Greek descent, including Harry Angelopoulos, George Campbell, James Campbell, Nicholas D. Chotas, George A. Polos, Spiro J. Stamos, and James Vlass.[2] Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greeks in America, assist them with citizenship and assimilation into American culture, and combat prejudice.[2] At that meeting Chotas was elected its first president.[2] In its early years, AHEPA worked with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith in order to combat discrimination, particularly against the Ku Klux Klan.[3][4][5]

As Greek Americans assimilated into American society, AHEPA's mission shifted toward the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.[6][7] AHEPA expanded to countries in Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.[8]

The AHEPA Family consists of four organizations: the AHEPA (men), Daughters of Penelope (women), Sons of Pericles (young men), and Maids of Athena (young women).[9][10][11] AHEPA publishes The AHEPAN, which is the second largest Greek American publication in circulation. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association also maintains ties with a similar Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.[citation needed]

Symbols

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The association's colors are blue and white, based on the traditional colors of Greece.[12] It also uses the color red.[12]

Membership

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Originally, membership was restricted to only Greeks. At its third meeting, the Order decided to change this, allowing non-Greeks to join. In 1979, AHEPA had over 25,000 members in 400 chapters.[13] By 1989, the number climbed to 60,000, despite an overall decline in memberships of fraternal groups during this period.[7] An estimated 500,000 men have been inducted into the Order of AHEPA over its 90-year history.[14]

Governance

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Originally, AHEPA was organized on a lodge system like that of the Masons or Oddfellows. Local units were called Subordinate Lodges, and state or territory structures were called Superior Lodges. Today, it consists of the supreme lodge, districts, and chapters.

Supreme Lodge

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The Supreme Lodge is the main governing body of the AHEPA. The Supreme Lodge is headquartered at 1909 Q St NW in Washington, D.C.[15] It is elected at the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA, a session including the majority of the organization's members.[16] It consists of the following officers:[17][13]

  • Supreme President
  • Supreme Vice President
  • Canadian President
  • Supreme Secretary
  • Supreme Treasurer
  • Supreme Counselor
  • Supreme Athletic Director
  • National Sons of Pericles Advisor
  • Supreme/Regional Governor (9)

Chapters

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Local groups of AHEPA are called chapters. The Supreme Lodge can charter a chapter to a group of at least ten men.[18] The chapter's main officer positions are president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, chaplain, warden, and captain of the Guard.[19] There have been 540 chapters chartered in the United States, sixteen chartered in Canada, thirty chartered in Greece, five chartered in Cyprus, and ten chartered in Europe. Over 400 chapters are active in the United States, Canada, and Europe.[6] There are sister chapters in AHEPA Australasia (Australia and New Zealand).

Districts

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Chapters are organized into 28 districts.[8] Districts elect officers at annual district conventions, held in May, June, or July.[20] District officers include district governor, lieutenant governor, district secretary, district treasurer, district marshal, district warden, and district athletic director.[21] Current districts include:[8]

Number Name Area served References
1 Mother Dother Lodge Georgia, Alabama, northwest Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee [22]
2 Citrus Florida (except northwest) [23]
3 Capital District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia [24]
4 Power Pennsylvania [25]
5 Garden Delaware, New Jersey [26]
6 Empire New York [27]
7 Yankee Connecticut, Rhode Island [28]
8 Bay State Massachusetts
9 Northern New England Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont [29]
10 Automotive Michigan [30]
11 Buckeye Ohio, Kentucky, part of West Virginia [31]
12 Hoosier Indiana [32]
13 Blue Ribbon Illinois, Wisconsin [33]
14 Grainsfield Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and eastern Missouri
16 Delta Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and western Missouri [34]
17 Rocky Mountain Colorado, Idaho, Montana, western Nebraska, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Ely, Nevada [35]
20 El Camino Real Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Southern California [36]
21 Golden Gate Northern California and Nevada (except Ely) [37]
22 Firewood Oregon, Washington, and Alaska [38]
23 Beaver Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick
24 Royal Canadian Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
25 Hellas Greece
26 Canadian British Columbia
27 Cyprus Cyprus
28 European Europe, except for Cyprus and Greece
Australia Australia, New Zealand

Activities

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Politics

[edit]

AHEPA has taken a stand on the Cyprus issue since 1955 when it formed the "Justice for Cyprus" committee to support Cyprus' independence.[13] Through the decades, the organization has continued to advocate on issues relating to Greece and Cyprus in Washington, while also educating the public about these topics.[7]

For each Congress, AHEPA compiles a Congressional scorecard on issues of importance to the American Hellenic community and the organization. The purpose of the scorecard is to educate AHEPA's membership and the community on how engaged members of Congress are on these issues, or at least, their level of awareness.[citation needed]

AHEPA Center, New York

Awards

[edit]

AHEPA recognizes distinguished achievements in various categories such as public service, government, law, business, journalism, science, the arts, military service, and humanitarian. Some of its awards include the Academy of Achievement Award, AHEPAN of the Year, and the Pericles Award.[39][40]

Socrates Award

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The Socrates Award recognizes prominent men and women who have emulated ancient Hellenic ideals. This is the most prestigious award AHEPA awards and has been presented at the AHEPA National Banquet since 1964.[41] Past recipients of the Socrates Award include:[41]

Athletic Hall of Fame

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Each year, at the Supreme Convention, inductions are made into the AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame. The AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to honor outstanding Hellenic athletes and sports personages.[42]

MemberYear inductedMemberYear inducted
Harry Agganis1975Alex Aronis2000
Dee Andros1975George Bollas Sr.2000
Peter Clentzos1975Alex G. Spanos2000
Alex Kampouris1975Peter G. Stark2000
Alex Karras1975Jimmie Angelopoulos2002
Jim Londos1975John Critzos II2002
Milt Pappas1975Charles George2002
Pete Pihos1975Michael Siganos2002
Lou Tsioropoulos1975Peter Angelos2003
Gus Zarnas1975George Dimit2003
Alex Grammas1976Jim Korfas2003
Johnny Morris1976Tom Palis2003
George Saimes1976Jim Carson2004
Dr. George Kaftan1977Jim Daopoulos2004
James Kekeris1977Nick Pappas2004
Gus Triandos1977Lou Skizas2004
Mike Castronis1978Mike Balitsaris2005
William Mackrides1978Chris Kontos2005
Gus Zitrides1978Manuel Scarmoutsos2005
Arthur Gregory1979Ernie Serfas2005
Billy Loes1979Anthony Loukas2006
Anton Christoforides1980George Makris2006
Gus Niarhos1980Carl Angelos2007
Nick Kerasiotis1981George Pappas2007
Andy Marefos1981Andy Sideris2007
Chris Pelekoudas1981John Galaris2009
Nick Kladis1982Greg Manesiotis2009
Dr. Monthe Kofos1982Vasili (Billy) Pappas2009
Archie Matsos1982Pete Sampras2009
Nick Rassas1982Gus Constantine2010
George Zaharias1982Eric Karros2010
Ted Karras1983Steve Lappas2010
John Maskas1983Stanley Maratos2010
Nick Matis1984Art Anastopoulo2011
Leah Poulos-Mueller1984Adam Archuletta2011
Chris Farasopoulos1985Nick Kypreos2011
Dr. George Poloynis1986Stan Spirou2011
Nick Rodis1986George Theodore2011
John Mellekas1986Dean Lampros2012
Plato Andros1987Steve Leondis2012
Louis Manesiotis1987Nick Pappageorge2012
John Karras1988Tom Pappas2012
Menil Mavraides1988Leonidas Tsantiris2012
Eugene Rossides1989William Atessis2013
Nickos Spanakos1989Nick Galis2013
Petros Spanakos1989Bill Gazonas2013
Van Nomikos1990Greg Louganis2013
Peter Tountas1990Charles Theokas2013
Alex Athas1991Peter Karmanos Jr.2014
Bob Costas1991Joe Panos2014
Louis Karras1991Matt Stover2014
Archie Kodros1991Kirk Vidas2014
Mike Schooles1991Theodore ("Ted") Leonsis2015
Nick Conteas1992Christina Loukas2015
Bill Korinthias1992Bob Barnek2015
Lee Palles1992Paul J. Kaliades2015
George Theodoratos1992Nicolette Gianulias2016
Joe Collins1993Niko Koutouvides2016
Ted Gregory1993John Margaritis2016
Spiros Siaggas1993Steven Schubert2016
Chris Vagotis1993Christos Tsiotos2016
Al Campanis1994May Kotsopoulos2017
John Diamantakos1994Dan Mavraides2017
Peter Kouchalakis1994Nick Tsiotos2017
John Scolinos1994Aleke Joy Tsoubanos2017
Jimmy Caras1995Dr. James Vailas2017
George Dales1995Harry Cicma2018
James Poulos1995Michele Koclanes2018
David Psaltis1995George Papadakos2018
Augustus Ganakas1996Mark Philippoussis2018
Dr. Tom Katsimpalis1996George Ravanis2018
John Tsitouris1996Lt. Colonel Thomas Bellairs2019
Paul Xanthos1996Valorie Kondos Field2019
Ernest Afaganis1997Peter Laskaris2019
Phil Bouzeos1997Adam Rand2019
John Pachivas Sr.1997George Veras2019
Lou Tsipis1997George John2020
Nick Sacrinty1998Stamos Mazarakis2020
Robert Samaras1998Eleni Rossides2020
Fred Smerlas1998Christopher Soukas2020
Leo Thalassites1998Marcos Baghdatis2021
George Catavolos1999Speros Dedes2021
Art Demmas1999Pyrros Dimas2021
Tom Laris1999Emmanuel Pihakis2021
Diana Nyad1999Kurt Rambis2021
Stella Sampras-Webster2021Alex Anthopoulos2022
Jim Karsatos2022Nick Markakis2022
Tony Pashos2022Nick Voris2022
Samantha Prahalis2022George Kokinis2023
George Kostelis2023Alexi Lalas2023
Nick Mourouzis2023Kristofer O'Dowd2023
Jason Zafiros2023Michael Bramos2024
Paul Kostacopoulos2024Stylianos Kyriakides2024
Angelo Loukas2024Leonidas "Lonie" Paxton2024
Mike Moustakas2025Jimmy Patsos2025
Peter Soteropoulos2025Nicholas Theodorou2025
Clint Zavaras2025

Harry Agganis Award

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The Harry Agganis Hellenic Athlete Award is awarded annually to the outstanding Hellene in the field of athletics, professional or amateur, of college level and above.[43]

YearAward winnerSport YearAward winnerSport
1955Alex AronisFootball 1990Pete SamprasTennis
1956George SpanesFootball 1991Karen Choppelas HorstmeyerBasketball coach
1957Alex KarrasFootball 1992Steve LappasNCAA basketball coach
1958Lou TsiriopoulosBasketball 1993Chris KontosHockey
1959Gus TriandosBaseball 1994Alkis PanagoulisSoccer coach
1960Milt PappasBaseball 1995John MitsopoulosWeight lifting
1961Chris PelekoudasBaseball umpire 1996Peter Karmanos Jr.Hockey
1962Alex GrammasBaseball 1997Spiros SiaggasAHEPA athletics
1963George SaimesFootball 1998Peter ClentzosOlympic pole vaulter
1964NONENONE 1999James DaopoulosNFL Super Bowl Referee
1965Chris PelekoudasBaseball umpire 2000John KorfasBasketball
1966Peter TountasBowling 2001Matt StoverFootball
1967Dee AndrosFootball 2002NoneNone
1968NoneNone 2003NoneNone
1969Angelo LoukasFootball 2004Tom PappasDecathlon
1970George AllenTrack 2005NONENONE
1971George PappasBowling 2006NONENONE
1972Gus GanakasBasketball 2007NONENONE
1973Chris FarasopoulosFootball 2008NoneNone
1974Alex StrikeWorld Judo Champ 2009Nick MarkakisBaseball
1975Leah PoulosOlympic Speed Skater 2010George JohnSoccer
1976NONENONE 2011Dan MavraidesBasketball
1977John ScolinosBaseball Coach 2012William VlachosRimington Finalist
1978NONENONE 2013Niko KoutouvidesFootball
1979Alec CampanisL.A. Dodgers GM 2014Kostas KoufosBasketball
1980Lee PallesDecathlon 2015Giannis AntetokounmpoBasketball
1981Fred SmerlasFootball 2016Mike MoustakasBaseball
1982Art DemmasNFL Referee 2017Giannis AntetokounmpoBasketball
1983Greg LouganisOlympic Diving 2018Dean KarnazesUltra-Marathoner Runner
1984Mike CastronisNCAA Football Coach 2019Cody BellingerBaseball
1985Greg LouganisOlympic Diving 2020Stefanos TsitsipasTennis
1986Peter DalisUCLA Athletic Director 2021Ted KarrasFootball
1987Greg TafralisTrack 2022Jordan KyrouHockey
1988Tom PatsalisTrack 2023Maria SakkariTennis
1989Chris CheliosHockey 2024George KarlaftisFootball
2025Nick CalathesBasketball

Notable members

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See also

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References

[edit]
  1. "How to Plan A Successful AHEPA Day Program" (PDF). AHEPA. May 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Leber, George J. (1972). History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972. Washington, D.C.: Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  3. Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. "The History of AHEPA – Ahepa Frankfurt A617". Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  4. Tsounis, Catherine (August 2, 2013). "NY AHEPA Chapter 349 Held Scholarship Event". News from Greece | Hellenic News of America. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  5. "AHEPA Fulfills Pledge". Leadership 100. 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  6. 1 2 AHEPA website ahepa.org
  7. 1 2 3 Alan Axelrod, International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, New York: Facts on File, 1997, pp.4-5
  8. 1 2 3 "District Governors". The Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  9. "Home". Daughters of Penelope. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  10. "About Us". Sons of Pericles. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  11. "About". Maids of Athena. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  12. 1 2 "Hellenic Groups". The Museum of Fezology. July 30, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 Schmidt, Alvin J. Fraternal Organizations. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1980. pp. 23 and 25. ISBN 9780313214363
  14. AHEPA membership fact sheet via AHEPA HQ in Washington, DC
  15. "Contact Us". The Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  16. AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 13
  17. "Supreme Lodge". The Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  18. AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 8
  19. AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 9
  20. AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 11
  21. AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 12
  22. "AHEPA District 1". AHEPA District 1. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  23. "Chapter Directory". AHEPA District 2. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  24. "Chapter Directory". AHEPA District 3. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  25. "Chapters". AHEPA District 4. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  26. "Chapters - New Jersey & Delaware". AHEPA District 5. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  27. "Chapters". AHEPA District 6. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  28. "Yankee District 7 Chapters". AHEPA District 7. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  29. "Welcome To AHEPA - District 9". AHEPA District 9. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  30. "Find My Chapter". AHEPA District 10. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  31. "History of the Buckeye | AHEPA Buckeye District #11". Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  32. "Chapters". AHEPA Hoosier District 12. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  33. "Chapters". AHEPA District 13. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  34. "Chapters". AHEPA Region 16. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  35. "Home". AHEPA District 17. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  36. "Home". AHEPA District 20. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  37. "Chapters". AHEPA District 21. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  38. "Firwood District - Home Page". AHEPA District 22. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  39. "Archive". The Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  40. "AHEPA Presents Cardin with 2023 Pericles Award – The Order of AHEPA". Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  41. 1 2 Leber, George J. (1972). "AHEPA Socratic / Socrates Award". History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972. Washington, D.C.: Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  42. "Athletics". The Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  43. Order of AHEPA 90th Anniversary 1922-2012, 2012 AHEPA Family Album, 90th Supreme Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 22–27, 2012
  44. Conversations with F.D.R. at his AHEPA Initiation: Frigates, Battleships, Espionage and a Sentimental Bond with Greece, by Leonidas V. Georgiou, New York: Knollwood Press, 2019. Available through AbeBooks.com.
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