Reading AHEPA Chapter 61 Celebrates 100th Anniversary!

Three AHEPA Heroes Medals were presented at the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 100th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured l-r: AHEPA Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou, Chapter Member Dean Kraras, Chapter Member Christ G. Kraras, District 4 Governor Chris Megoulas, Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis, AHEPA Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson and AHEPA Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Some 200 AHEPANS, family members, invited guests and supporters gathered on April 27, 2025, to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event – the 100th anniversary of the Reading, Pa., AHEPA Chapter.

The Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 was chartered on March 16, 1925, originally as William Penn Chapter No. 61 before it was renamed in 2015 in honor of a longtime AHEPAN who revitalized the chapter.

With three members of the Supreme Lodge and Pennsylvania District No. 4 District Governor Chris Megoulas in attendance on April 27, guests were treated to a catered luncheon and program in the Kraras Hall at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson, Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou and Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos represented the Order of AHEPA.

Festivities began with the screening of a short film recapping the history of the Order of AHEPA, followed by presentations of various awards. The 100th Anniversary Banquet also doubled as the chapter’s annual Scholarship Dinner, with scholarships awarded to deserving high school graduates from the church community.

Guests received a booklet that included the history of the chapter, well-wishes from patrons and a commemorative 100th Anniversary mug to remember the occasion.

Christos Dikos and Christ G. Kraras served as co-masters of ceremony for the event.

While the Reading, Pa., AHEPA Chapter has had its peaks and valleys throughout its century of operation, the last 15 years have been extraordinary.

Since the chapter was revitalized in 2010 under the direction of the late Gust C. Kraras and Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis, it has been one of fastest fastest-growing and most active in the AHEPA Domain.

Many new members were initiated, and former members reinstated. As a result, the Reading AHEPA was recognized as Chapter of the Year in Pennsylvania by Power District 4 in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Reading AHEPA Chapter was also recognized as the 2014 Chapter of the Year in the AHEPA domain worldwide.

In addition to membership growth, the Reading AHEPA continues to provide service to others through donations and support to our church and community-at-large, including $50,000 in scholarships to deserving youth since 2011; $5,000 toward the digging and building of a water well for an Orthodox Seminary in Guatemala to provide clean water; $4,000 donation to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); $5,000 to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church AGAPE Ministry; annual scholarships for the Church Oratorical contest; and $3,000 for the Reading Education Foundation to support innovated practices in an urban school district.

Representatives from the Reading Education Foundation, Gordon Hoodak, Executive Director of the Reading Education Foundation, and Stella Leonti, were invited to the banquet.

Christine Folk, Director of Mary’s Shelter of Reading, accepted a $1,000 donation from the chapter. Mary’s Shelter is a housing and social service agency that addresses pregnancy, parenting, and youth homelessness.

Rick Perez, CEO of the Olivet Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Reading, and Leo Martinez, Reading School Board member, accepted a $1,000 donation from the chapter. Olivet serves more than 3,000 youth each year, offering after-school programs and mentoring.

District 4 District Governor Chris Megoulas accepted a $500 chapter donation on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey. Each AHEPA chapter in Pennsylvania has been asked to support this district charity goal for 2025.

The Reading AHEPA Chapter also presented the Supreme Lodge officers with a $1,000 check to the AHEPA Charitable Fund to help Helene & Milton Hurricane victims.

The local chapter holds a Scholarship Banquet every spring to recognize high school graduates. It was combined this year with the 100th Anniversary celebration. Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos presented $1,000 scholarships to four graduates from our church community: Christo Hunsicker, Christopher Kraras, Nathan Radwanski and Nikolas Rohm.

The 2025 Chapter 61 Scholarship Recipients, from l-r: Christo Hunsicker, Nathan Radwanski, Nikolas Rohm and Christopher Kraras. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

The Supreme Lodge officers also recognized the late Gust C. Kraras with a certificate and AHEPA Heroes Medal for his dedication and decades of  service to AHEPA. The award was accepted by his grandson, Dean Kraras.

Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson surprised two more Reading AHEPA Chapter leaders with the presentation of the Order of AHEPA Heroes Medal.

The medals were presented to Christ Kraras and Dr. George Giovanis, who is serving his 15th year as Chapter President.

The AHEPA Heroes Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and tireless effort to serve our communities as a devoted AHEPA member. This medal is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to AHEPA.

In addition to Dr. Giovanis, also attending the banquet were all the living Past Chapter Presidents: Tony Phyrillas, Spiro Phyrillas, Strat Marmarou and Christopher Wagner. Thirty-five men had held the office of Chapter President over the past 100 years.

The AHEPA Heroes Medal is presented to Dr. George Giovanis. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Christ Kraras is presented the AHEPA Heroes Medal by members of the Supreme Lodge. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

AHEPA Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson reads the 100th Anniversary Proclamation. (Photo by Phil Macaronis) 

Guests received a commemorative booklet and 100th Anniversary mug. 

AHEPANs and guests enjoy a delicious meal by Kathryn's Katering. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Co-MC Chris Dikos welcomes everyone to the 100th Anniversary Celebration at Kraras Hall in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Pennsylvania District 4 Governor Chris Megoulas thanks the Reading Chapter for a $500 donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

A string quartet from Governor Mifflin High School entertains guests during the 100th Anniversary Banquet. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Members of the AHEPA Supreme Lodge and District Governor Chris Megoulas present Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis with a Certificate honoring Chapter 61 for 100 years of community service as part of the AHEPA fraternity. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis presented a check to Thomas Crassas to cover the expenses of the monthly Food Pantry program at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for 2025 and 2026. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos introduced this year's recipients. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Christo Hunsicker with Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

AHEPANS and guests were treated to a delicious luncheon on April 27, 2025, at Kraras Hall. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Nikolas Rohm with Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Christopher Kraras with his Family. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Dr. George Giovanis has served as President of AHEPA Chapter 61 for the past 15 years. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis presents a donation to a representative of Mary's Shelter of Reading. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Nathan Radwanski with Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Christo Hunsicker with his Family. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Supreme Lodge Officers present the AHEPA Heroes Medal to Dean Kraras in honor of his grandfather, the late Gust C. Kraras. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Christopher Kraras with Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Christ Kraras congratulates his grandsons, Christopher Kraras and Christo Hunsicker, two of the 2025 AHEPA Chapter Scholarship Recipients. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis presents a donation to representatives of the Olivet Boys' and Girls' Club of Reading. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Co-MC Christ Kraras, who also received the AHEPA Heroes Medal, addresses the audience at the 100th Anniversary Banquet. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Co-MC Chris Dikos is all smiles at the 100th Anniversary Banquet. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship Recipient Nikolas Rohm and Family. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

Scholarship recipient Nathan Radwanski and his Family. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2025 Oratorical Festival Participants

Senior Division First Place Winner DaMarcus Peoples accepts a certificate and scholarship money from Christos Dikos, President of the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Teddy Antonellos, winner of the Junior Division, accepts a certificate and scholarship from Christos Dikos, President of the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

From l-r: Father Theodore Petrides, DaMarcus Peoples, Joshua Westover, Teddy Antonellos, Gram Hunsicker and Father Emmanuel Maginas.

The Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter 61 awarded the 2025 Patrick Phyrillas Memorial Scholarship to two participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. 

The winning participants were DaMarcus Peoples in the Senior Division and Teddy Antonellos in the Junior Division. Each student was awarded $500.00. DaMarcus is an 11th-grade student at Reading High School. Teddy is a 9th-grade student at Wilson High School.

Other participants in the 2025 contest were Gram Hunsicker, an 8th Grader at Wilson Southern Middle School and Joshua Westover, a 7th Grader at Wyomissing Junior/Senior High School.

The Scholarship was created in honor of Patrick Phyrillas, who passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, at the age of 22, following a tragic automobile accident. Patrick was the son of Tony and Soula Phyrillas. Tony has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 40 years and has served in all the officer positions in the chapter, including 11 terms as President.

Patrick Phyrillas participated in the Oratorical Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church every year from 4th through 12th grades. May His Memory Be Eternal.

The History of AHEPA

In Memoriam: Peter Zeppos

After a lifetime serving others, Panagiotis (Peter) D. Zeppos, 92, of Wyomissing, was called home to God’s eternal table on February 13, 2025. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Maria P. (Houhouli) Zeppos, as a loving and devoted husband for over 66 years.

Known as “The Boss” to his closest family, Peter spent his entire life taking care of the people he loved and filling their plates with exceptional food. Anyone lucky enough to have had his Pastitsio would rate it worthy of a Michelin Star. He was a legend to all who knew him with the strength of an ox, the heart of a teddy bear, and an undeniable sense of humor.

Born on January 7th, 1933 in Vlahokerasia, Arcadias, Greece, to the late Demosthenes and Magdalene Zeppos, Peter’s unwavering hard work and sacrifice started at just 13 years old, when he left home for Athens to attend school and work with his uncle in leather goods production.

At 17, he came to America, where he worked at the Crystal Restaurant for two years before joining the US Army and returning to his station in Germany. While deployed, he attended culinary school and learned to cook. He prepared meals for hundreds of soldiers in one sitting, an approach he has continued to take when cooking for family gatherings.

In 1955, Peter earned his US citizenship, settling back in Reading, PA to work at the Chat a While Inn. Shortly after, the Zeppos family restaurant legacy began with the purchase of the Eat Well Restaurant on 9th St. in Lebanon. In 1962, he purchased the Eat Well Diner on East Cumberland St., which quickly became a local staple for almost four decades. As its head chef and also co-owner of the Hitching Post Restaurant in West Lawn, the only days you wouldn’t find Peter at work were Christmas and New Year’s Day, when he still had a spatula in hand, cooking for loved ones at their home on Chestnut St. He took his only vacation back to Greece in 1958 to marry the love of his life, Maria. After retiring in 2000, the two moved to Wyomissing to be closer to their family.

Very proud of his Greek heritage, Peter was an active member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, the Order of AHEPA and a familiar face in the kitchen during the annual Greek Food Bazaar. To Peter, family was the center of his entire world. His home was the gathering place for every holiday and special occasion, and no one who stopped by would ever leave hungry. If you did make a surprise visit, you would likely find him out back doing yard work or tending his flourishing garden. He loved visiting his childhood home in Greece, heading to the Jersey Shore with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, and attending as many of their sports and activities as he could.

In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his daughter, Toula (Zeppos) Miller, wife of Eric J, Wyomissing, and son, Vasilios Zeppos, husband of Katerina, Lititz; grandchildren, Eric Peter (wife Danielle), Nicolette, Andrew, Maria, and Peter; great-grandchildren, Sloane and Miles; and siblings, Gust and Alex Zeppos. His siblings, John, Taso, Georgos, Georgia, Martha, and George, predeceased him. Many nieces and nephews also survive Peter.

Services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19611 with burial to follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the address above. Henninger Funeral Home in Reading is in charge of arrangements. www.henningerfuneralhome.com

AHEPAN Peter Giorgi elevated to Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Peter F. Giorgi at the October 20, 2024, Investiture Ceremony for the latest group of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh places a cross on Giorgi as Archbishop Elpidophoros of America smiles as he looks on from behind. (Photo by Dimitrios Panagos) 

On Sunday, October 20, 2024, following the Divine Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided at the Investiture of 28 new Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including Peter F. Giorgi.

In his exhortation at the installation, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros remarked that since the new Archons are "the exemplary sons of the Mother Church," their "declarations of faith and devotion are no mere pronouncements." Rather, he continued, "They are bonds of duty and responsibility that bind you to Her in the fellowship of Archons around the world."

Peter Giorgi is President and CEO of Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc., Director of Can Corporation of America, and Director of The Giorgi Family Foundation.

Peter Giorgi is a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA and a parishioner of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA. 

His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Archon Peter F. Giorgi pose for a selfie at the end of the Investiture Ceremony for the 28 new Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. (Photo by Dimitrios Panagos)

AHEPA at The Capitol Forum - Full Interview

Photo Highlights From 2024 Golf Tournament

The 15th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, concluding another successful year for the Reading AHEPA Chapter. Congratulations to the 2024 tournament foursome champions - Jason Hornberger, Mike Ramsden, Dave Rowe and Brian Rowe. The event raised $9,417 for the chapter's scholarship fund and other worthy AHEPA charities.

In Memoriam: Gust Zogas

GUST ZOGAS

Dr. Gust Zogas, age 93, passed away on August 25, 2024. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris (PasYotis) on the same day eight years prior. They were fortunate to share 60 wonderful years together. 

Born in Reading, PA, on May 28, 1931, to Greek immigrants Harry and Maria (Kypriotis) Zogas, Gust grew up in a small row home in Northeast Reading. He graduated from Reading High School. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Although self-described as not book smart, he obtained a PhD in Education. He frequently advised his children and grandchildren that hard work leads to success. He was very proud they all went on to pursue college degrees.

Gust wore many hats in the field of education: Geography teacher, Guidance Counselor, Vice Principal, Director of Night School at Reading Area School District, Dean of Students, and President at Reading Area Community College. After retirement, he obtained the title of President Emeritus and joined the foundation for RACC, serving as Executive Director. In 2023, he was awarded the distinguished Rolf D. Schmidt Honorary Director award.

Gust was active in his church, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA, where he served on the Parish Council in the 1980s, including a term as Council President in 1986. He also volunteered for many years in the kitchen at the annual Church Food Bazaar.

Gust was a member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Association), having been initiated into the Reading AHEPA Chapter No. 61 in 1980.

Gust and Doris were world travelers, instilling a love for adventure in their children and grandchildren. However, their true love was the sun and sand of Stone Harbor, NJ., and Sanibel, FL., where most of their time was spent. Many fond memories were created hosting family and friends. He was proud to share what he had with those he loved. He immensely enjoyed it when family and friends would come by for a glass of wine and conversation.

Although a dedicated educator, administrator, visionary and friend, 'Dad' and 'Papou' are the two titles for which he will be most remembered. He is survived by his children, Thomas, husband of Linda (Sweger) Zogas, Lower Heidelberg Township, Chrissada, wife of Kevin Caruso, Wyomissing, and Elaynee, wife of Blaise Polentes, Bethlehem. There are six grandchildren Elise, Chloe, Alexander, Brian, Jack and Natasha who will miss him very much. Also surviving are his brothers, Christ, widower of Irene (Maronic), Roanoke, VA, and Theodore, husband of Sylvia (Zielinski), Reading. 

He was predeceased by his brother Peter, and sister-in-law Clarise (Crocona) Zogas. Gust also was predeceased by his half-sisters, Effie (Pasko) Stevens and Elizabeth (Pasko) Rogers. 

A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with services at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading PA 19611. 

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc. West Reading. is in charge of arrangements.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards $7,000 in Scholarships to 2024 Graduates

Six of the seven graduates were able to attend the 2024 Scholarship Banquet. Pictured l-r: Adam Tilley, Tommy Hunsicker, Ella Zervanos, Felicia Caloiero, Stephen Elliker and Nicholas Simotas. (Jackson Wagner is not pictured.)

For the 13th year in a row, the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA has recognized some of the outstanding high school graduates in the Greek-American community in Berks County.

Seven seniors were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the chapter to help finance their first year of college.

The graduates were honored at the chapter's annual Scholarship Banquet on May 21, 2024, held in the Kraras Hall at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

The local AHEPA Chapter has awarded more than $55,000 in Scholarships since the program began in 2011.

This year's honorees are Felicia Caloiero, Stephen Elliker, Tommy Hunsicker, Nicholas Simotas, Adam Tilley, Jackson Wagner and Ella Zervanos. 

Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos at the podium is assisted by Chapter President George Giovanis as they prepare to announce the 2024 Scholarship recipients.

Chapter President George Giovanis and his wife Joan are instrumental in organizing the Scholarship Banquet every year.

Talented students from Wilson High School choirs provided entertainment at the Scholarship Banquet.

Toastmaster Christ Kraras presents a restaurant gift certificate to Tony Phyrillas as Chapter President George Giovanis prepares for the next drawing in the popular Scholarship Dollars raffle to support the chapter's Scholarship Program. 

Members of the Caloiero Family pose with Scholarship Recipient Felicia Caloiero.

Members of the Elliker Family pose with Scholarship Recipient Stephen Elliker.

The Hunsicker Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Tommy Hunsicker.

Scholarship Recipient Nicholas Simotas with Dad Alex and Mom Michelle.

The Tilley Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Adam "AJ" Tilley.

The Zervanos Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Ella Zervanos.