In Memoriam: Michael A. Firilas, Past Supreme Governor, District Governor of AHEPA

Michael A. Firilas, one of the leading figures in the history of the Reading/Berks County Chapter of the Order of AHEPA, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at the age of 88, in his home in New Port Ritchie, Fla.

Brother Mike, a past president of AHEPA Chapter No. 61, was instrumental in reviving the chapter in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, personally recruiting most of the chapter members. He rose to prominence in the AHEPA in Pennsylvania and nationally, serving as District Governor of Power District No. 4 in 1980, and as a Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA in 1986.

For many years, he spearheaded AHEPA's efforts to gain justice for his homeland of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of 1974 as a member of the AHEPA Cyprus Committee. Brother Mike was honored as AHEPAN of the Year by Pennsylvania's Power District No. 4 in 1991.

He was initiated into the AHEPA on Nov. 24, 1963. In addition to his 57 years of membership in the AHEPA, Brother Mike was also a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Lions International. He was also a longtime member of the GAPA Chapter in Reading, Pa., and also served as District Governor of that service organization.

He was very active in leadership roles at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., serving many years on the Parish Council, including three terms as Council President. He also served multiple times as Chairman of the church's annual Greek Food Bazaar fundraiser.

Mike's dedication to the church culminated with his designation as an Archon, the highest honor bestowed for a lay member of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Born in Cyprus on Nov. 1, 1931, Mike Firilas immigrated to the United States in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he came to Reading, Pa., where he established a successful painting/sandblasting business. He later purchased and operated Reading Paint and Wallpaper Company.

After retiring, Mike and his wife moved to Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Kula; his daughter, Mary, wife of Spiro G. Patton of Florida; and his son, Dr. Anthony Firilas and his wife, Kim, and grandchildren Keira and Michael, all of South Carolina. He is also survived by a brother, Andrea, and three sisters, Adriana, Despina and Vefa, all of Cyprus.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Vasilis and Anastasis; and three sisters: Cornelia, Eleni and Lukia.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to either St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road, New Port Ritchey, FL 34654; or to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611.

Reading AHEPA Chapter Awards 7 Scholarships to 2020 Graduates

The Gust C. Kraras Chapter of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) is proud to celebrate the 95th anniversary of our AHEPA chapter in serving our Church and community.  Over the years, we have been truly blessed to have so many capable individuals in our Reading chapter in promoting our mission of Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence.  Our fraternal organization has had an extensive history, worthy mission and notable charitable undertakings during the past 95 years.

This year, we have recognized seven outstanding AHEPA scholarship award recipients from our community. We feel these fine students will go on to great accomplishments and honor the mission and rich tradition of our fraternal organization. Each of these talented youth have very promising futures exhibited by outstanding academic achievement performance, leadership qualities and active involvement in Church, school and community activities.  To our scholarship recipients, we offer our best wishes for a vibrant and rewarding life in service to God and to others.

Antonia Dikos is the daughter of Chris and Valerie Dikos. Toni will be graduating from Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School completing a college preparatory & honors course of studies.  She will continue her education at Clemson University in South Carolina.  Toni’s school and community activities include 4.0 award, National Honor Society, Big Spartan – Little Spartan program, youth advisory committee and GOYA secretary.  Toni’s ultimate goal is “…to explore all the options in my life draws out for me – allowing me to eventually making a prominent decision that I will most likely amplify with other passions as I travel through life.”

Alan Futrick Jr. is the son of Alan and Jennifer Futrick.  AJ will be graduating from Wilson High School completing a college preparatory course of study.  He is planning to enroll at West Chester University pursuing an education degree.  AJ’s activities and accomplishments are extensive including National Society of High School Scholars, high honor roll, PA Football News All State Academic Team, GOYA, altar boy, food pantry volunteer, track & field team, football team captain, baseball and Reading Fightin Phils mascot.

Gabe Koumaras is the son of Stephan Koumaras and Kristy Hummel.  He will be graduating in June from Schuylkill Valley High School.  Following graduation, he will be attending Kutztown University of Pennsylvania majoring in political science and government.  Gabe’s school and community activities include honor roll, section leader in concert band, marching band and jazz band.  Additionally, he was an officer in the debate club, rock climbing club, mock trial member, baseball team and GOYA basketball team.

Mackenzie Kraras is the daughter of Dean and Jennifer Kraras.  She will be graduating from Wilson High School in June and continuing her education at High Point University in North Carolina.  Mackenzie’s school and community activities include football cheerleader, mini thon captain, dance team, internships at Wilson West Middle School as an aid in reading classes and Highlands Retirement Community working in human resources and marketing.  Mackenzie indicated that “by working with people everyday, I learned more about the importance of helping others and formed close relationships.”

Peyton Kraras is the daughter of Dean and Jennifer Kraras.  She will be graduating from Wilson High School in June and continuing her education at Marymount University in Arlington, VA.  While her course of study is undecided, she is seriously considering a program in fashion merchandising.  Peyton’s school and community activities include varsity school golf team, mini thon participant, school honor roll, school honors internship program, worked at the Reading Fightin Phils’ team store handling merchandise, online purchases, marketing products and managing their social media.

Amara Midouhas is the daughter of Matthew and Helen Midouhas.  In June, she will be graduating from Berks Catholic High School completing a honors and advanced placement course of studies.  Amara has been accepted to attend Temple University this fall pursuing a course of study in business and economics.  Her school and community activities include lacrosse, field hockey, honor roll, National Honor Society, GOYA officer, the traditional Greek dance troupe Kefi, Jamaica mission trip, oratorical festival, student ambassador and Church choir.

Dante Porcaro is the son of Dean and Denise Porcaro.  This year, he will be graduating from Berks Catholic High School including college prep, honors and advanced placement course of studies.  In the fall, Dante plans to enroll at Temple University pursuing a course of study in psychology.  His school and community activities involve Student Government representative, GOYA president, team leader in the philanthropy groups of YAL and YAC, cross country runner and team captain and track & field distance runner and manager.