Pennsylvania AHEPA 'Chapter of the Year' Honors for William Penn Chapter No. 61

William Penn Chapter 61 President George Giovanis receives the District 4  "Ahepa Chapter of The Year" Award from outgoing District Governor Photi Skolikas at the 2013 District Convention at Seven Springs Resorts June 2013. This is the second year in a row that the Reading chapter has been honored by Power District No. 4.

Reading AHEPA Chapter Membership Tops 100!

With the scheduled initiation of 12 new members tonight, the membership of the William Penn Chapter 61 of the Order of AHEPA will top 100, making us one of the largest chapters in Pennsylvania.

I Am One Greece

AHEPA Deeply Concerned with Turkish PM's Statement on Cyprus

AHEPA Deeply Concerned with Turkish PM's Statement on Cyprus

WASHINGTON - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading grassroots membership-based association for the nation’s millions of Greek Americans and Philhellenes, sent a letter to Secretary of State John F. Kerry expressing “deep concern and bewilderment” with a statement made November 10, 2013 by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with regard to the Republic of Cyprus, announced Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis. Prime Minister Erdogan was quoted in the Turkish-Cypriot daily Kibris, “There is no country named Cyprus. There is the local administration of south Cyprus.”

“It is our opinion that Prime Minister Erdogan’s statement is inflammatory and offensive toward a staunch friend and ally in the eastern Mediterranean, the Republic of Cyprus, and its citizens,” Supreme President Kouzounis wrote. “Moreover, it certainly does not bode well for the upcoming, renewed efforts by the United Nations to bring the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community together in the search for a just and viable settlement to the near 40-year division of Cyprus.”

Although the U.S. Department of State, through a spokesperson, said it would look into the statement, AHEPA’s letter calls on the U.S. government to address the issue with the Turkish government in future bilateral meetings.

• Read AHEPA’s letter.

AHEPA Observes OXI Day

AHEPA Observes Oxi Day

FDR's Words About Greece's Defiance Remembered

WASHINGTON - Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis issued the following statement on the 73rd anniversary of "Oxi Day" when Greece issued a defiant "No" to the evils of fascism presented by the Axis powers, and instead, said "Yes" to freedom on October 28, 1940. The Greeks successfully fought back against the Italian army, pushing the invaders back into Albania after one week. It would prove to be a costly military campaign for the Axis power.

"On this day, 73 years ago the citizens of Greece took a courageous stand against tyranny and fascism and fought tooth and nail to defend their autonomy.

"This gutsy, noble defense by the Greeks of their beloved homeland, not just against the Italians but also the Germans, was noted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a member of AHEPA, who told the AHEPA Supreme Lodge in a meeting on April 25, 1941: 'The heroic struggle of the Greek people to defend their liberties and their homes against the aggression of Germany after they had so signally defeated the Italian attempt at invasion has stirred the hearts and aroused the sympathy of the whole American people.'

"Today, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, of which many of its members fought heroically behind enemy lines in Greece during World War II, commemorates the 73rd anniversary of 'Oxi' Day, observing it as a day to celebrate freedom, justice, liberty, and the passion of the Hellenic spirit.

"Please take a moment to pause and reflect on this remarkable moment in our Hellenic history."

AHEPAN Chris Kraras to lead Albright College fundraising campaign

Albright College announces $55 million fundraising campaign

Greek Food Bazaar Returns To Reading, Pa., Oct. 18-19-20

Enjoy a visit to Greece without leaving Berks County when the 43rd annual Greek Food Bazaar returns Oct. 18-19-20 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

In addition to authentic Greek food and pastry, the three-day festival features live music, dancing, gift rooms and church tours. 

The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using family recipes handed down through generations. All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out. 

Athenian-style chicken platters, which comes with pastitsio or rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $12 will be offered all weekend in the main dining hall. You can substitute plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal. 

There are also a la carte items such gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches; calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; moussaka (eggplant casserole); arni psito (roast lamb cooked with herbs); and pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel sauce). 

A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, are available, as well as domestic and imported beers.

While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister duo who are also church members. 

The church’s youth dance group, Kefi, will perform traditional Greek dances wearing colorful costumes throughout the weekend. 

After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. The Agora (Greek market) offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms. 

A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can sample baklava (almonds, butter and honey layered in flaky pastry), teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar);, koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie); and galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).

Another Greek delicacy offered throughout the weekend is loukoumades (puffed honey balls), a warm, dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Additional parking across the street at Berks Catholic High School. The event will be held rain or shine. 

The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (also known as Lancaster Avenue).

 

For more information, call 610-374-7511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org

 

William Penn Chapter No. 61 Installation of Officers for 2013-2014

The Reading Chapter of the Order of AHEPA opened the 2013-2014 year with the installation of officers.  District Governor James Gregorakis made his official visit on September 22, 2013 and conducted the installation of officers.  Executive Secretary of the Power District No. 4, Tony Drakos, assisted our District Governor with the installation of officers ceremony.

Chapter Election Results for 2013-14

On September 22, 2013, the William Penn Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA,  located in Reading, Pennsylvania elected the following members to the offices listed below for the 2013-2014 Administrative Year:

Chapter President:

Dr. George J. Giovanis 

Chapter Vice-President:

Constantine D. Kotsakis

Chapter Financial Secretary:

Dean C. Kraras

Chapter Corresponding Secretary:

Dean Whitman

Chapter Treasurer:

Tony Phyrillas   

Board of Governors: 

Dr. Christ Ganas,

Frank T. Petrakis,

Dr. Stam Zervanos,

Michael Chaknos,

Christ G. Kraras

Appointed Officers:

    Alex Simotas, Captain of the Guard

    John Tripolitis, Chaplain

    Bernard Donahue, Warden

    Michael Macaronis, Sentinel

    Christopher Wagner, Athletic Director

Joint Meeting Between Reading and Harrisburg AHEPA Chapters

Gentlemen,

 

If you haven’t done so already, please let me know if you will be attending next Sunday’s AHEPA Chapter meeting in the Church Hall at 7:00 p.m.  With the District Governor attending our meeting, it is most important that we have a good turnout!

 

Last week, I received word that our AHEPA Supreme Vice President from Washington, DC, Phillip T. Frangos, will be visiting Pennsylvania Chapters in October.  Our Chapter will be hosting a joint dinner meeting of the Harrisburg Chapter No. 64 and the Reading Chapter on Wednesday, October 9^th at the Deluxe Restauant.  Brother John Frangakis has prepared two magnificent menu choices which includes a full course meal plus complimentary appetizers for only $20 (non-alcoholic drinks, tax and gratuity included).  Come join us for fellowship with appetizers & cash bar at 6:00-7:00 p.m. and dinner being served at 7:00 p.m.  Please review the attached flyer for all details for this gala event!

 

It is most important that you contact me at georgejgiovanis@comcast.net or at (610)775-9602 on or before Monday, September 30^th indicating whether you plan to be in attendance for our dinner meeting on Wednesday, October 9^th.  Merely indicate yes/no whether you are planning to attend.  Menu choices will be taken care of that evening as well as collecting $20 at the door.

 

Fraternally,

George J. Giovanis, President

Order of AHEPA, Chapter No. 61

Daughter of Reading AHEPA member wins National AHEPA Scholarship

AHEPA Announces 2013 Scholarship Recipients

WASHINGTON - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation’s millions of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, awarded scholarships to 68 students through the AHEPA National Educational Foundation and AHEPA Athletic Department for the 2013 academic year, announced Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis.

“We congratulate the 2013 scholarship recipients on their outstanding academic achievements,” Kouzounis said. “They represent a broad range of hard-working students from across the globe: high school seniors, undergraduate, post-graduate, seminarians, scholar-athletes, and non-traditional. All have one academic dream in common—looking to become tomorrow’s leaders, and we are proud to count them as AHEPA scholars.”

According to the supreme president, the process is a competitive one as the foundation received more than 300 scholarship applications. He added that the 2013 scholarship application will be made available January 2014. The deadline to submit the application will be March 31, 2014.

The scholarships awarded by the National Educational Foundation are made possible through the generosity of the following individuals, families, and entities that have donated endowments to the foundation’s corpus: The P.A. Margaronis Fund, the Sam Nakos Fund, the James G. Pulos Memorial Fund, the William P. Thomas Fund, the Sam Dakis Fund, the Athanasios & Ekaterini Backus Fund, the George & Helen Constantine/George Chirgotis Fund, the Dr. John C. Yavis Fund, the Spiro & Cleo Millios Fund, and the AHEPA National Housing Corporation Pioneer Scholarship Fund.

AHEPA’s commitment to education has been well-documented throughout its history with more than $2 million awarded in scholarships since the inception of the National Educational Foundation in the early 1980s. Countless millions of dollars more have been awarded at the district and local chapter levels of AHEPA.

For more information about the AHEPA National Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, please visit www.ahepa.org/ahepa/EducationScholarships.html.

The 2013 AHEPA National Educational Foundation Scholarship Recipients

First Name	Last Name	City	State	District
Melina	Blasetti	Marietta	GA	1
Pauline	Vastakis	Atlanta	GA	1
Christopher R.	Kipreos	Cumming	GA	1
Alexandra	Bargoot	Delray Beach	FL	2
Elisavet	Kampouri	Lake Worth	FL	2
Paul	Pavlakos	Boynton Beach	FL	2
Marisa	Kometas	Wilbur by the Sea	FL	2
John	Agnos	Haymarket	VA	3
Christina	Galiano	Vienna	VA	3
Joseph	Galiano	Vienna	VA	3
Alexandra	Hall	Powhatan	VA	3
Jane	Hylton	Shady Side	MD	3
Johnathan	Stathopoulos	Matthews	NC	3
Elizabeth	Poulos	Fayetteville	NC	3
Annina	Baker	King of Prussia	PA	4
Victoria	Georges	Elizabethtown	PA	4
Eleni	Jones	Lancaster	PA	4
Angelika	Kligos	Newtown Square	PA	4
Antonia	Kubisek	University Park	PA	4
Cassandra	Lawrence	Blandon	PA	4
Eleni	Kaffenes	Beaver	PA	4
Nicole	Keane	Pelham	NY	6
Yanni	Metaxes	Katonah Westchester	NY	6
Sevasti	Galanis	Bristol	CT	7
Alexandra	Glenges	Stamford	CT	7
Nicole	Vournazos	Newtown	CT	7
Ian	MacCormack	Oak Bluffs	MA	8
Kristina	Terzakis	Andover	MA	8
Marilena	Tripoulas	Rockville	MA	8
Zachary	Brown	Haverhill	MA	8
Eleni	Zotos	York	ME	9
Alexander	Przeslawski	West Bloomfield	MI	10
Dennis R.	Livingston	Macomb Township	MI	10
Athanasios	Burlotos	Richfield	OH	11
Alex	Costi	North Canton	OH	11
Arianna	Derksen	Beavercreek	OH	11
Anastasia	Tsolometes	Springboro	OH	11
George P.	Laventis	Louisville	KY	11
Kaitlyn	Dervenis	Fishers	IN	12
Chase	Watson	Fishers	IN	12
Maria	Arianas	Wood Dale	IL	13
Lia	Benes	Willowbrook	IL	13
Dennis	Mistrioty	Brookfield	WI	13
Evangelia	Pagones	Palatine	IL	13
Alexis	Skiniotes	New Lenox	IL	13
Mark	Gorogianis	Lombard	IL	13
Victoria	Kapnisis	West Union	IA	14
Korbyn A.	Limber	Oklahoma City	OK	15
Christina	Dukes	Conroe	TX	16
Marina	Horiates	Lewisville	TX	16
Zoe	Schaller	Conifer	CO	17
Blake C.	Marquart	Cheyenne	WY	17
Nicole	Velis	Layton	UT	19
Chrysanthe Z.	Pantages	Goleta	CA	20
Sofia	Lavdiotis	Piedmont	CA	21
Roula	Cardaras	Shoreline	WA	22
Anna	Teodosiadis	Issaquah	WA	22
Athena J.	Apostle	Tacoma	WA	22
Kally	Kastaniotis	Montreal (Quebec)	CAN	23
Demetra	Yannitsos	Calgary, AB	CAN	24
Melda	Tallou	Coquitlam, BC	CAN	26

2013 AHEPA National Scholar Athletes

• Sophia S. Sourlis, Timonium, Maryland (Lacrosse, Duke University), who received the Kimon Doukas Collegiate-Athlete Award;
• Ian P. Pappas, Park Ridge, Illinois (Swimming, Loyola Academy), who received the Franklin Manios Scholar-Athlete and Service Award;
• Andreas S. Christopulos, Andover, Massachusetts (Football, Andover High School), who received the AHEPA Boosters Club Award;
• Corinne Candilis, Arlington, Massachusetts (Lacrosse, Winsor School), who received the John Peter Vlahos Scholar-Athlete Award;
• Luke Smith, St. Clairsville, Ohio (Football, St. Clairsville High School), who received the Louis G. Manesiotis Scholar-Athlete Award; and
• Nicholas E. Thiros, Layton, Utah (Soccer, Layton High School), who received the Dr. Monthe N. Kofos Scholarship.