AHEPAN Chris Kraras honored by Albright College

Chris G. Kraras in front of the newly-named Kraras Hall at Albright College in Reading, Pa. (Photo courtesy of Albright College)

READING, PA. - On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, the Albright community gathered for the Building Dedication and Naming Ceremony as Rockland Hall officially became Kraras Hall. 

The dedication celebrates the extraordinary generosity and enduring commitment of Chris G. Kraras ’69 and Ann Baxewanis Kraras to Albright College’s mission and students. 

Albright College posted this message on the school's Facebook page: "This moment marks a proud and historic milestone on campus, symbolizing the strength of alumni support and a bright future ahead. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful celebration, and a heartfelt thank you to Chris and Ann Kraras for their remarkable generosity and unwavering support in helping build a bright future for Albright College!"

After the dedication ceremony, a reception in Chris' honor was held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Chris Kraras is a longtime member of the Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter No. 61. The chapter was renamed in honor of Chris' late father, Gust.

In Memoriam: Nicholas A. Krallis

Nicholas A. Krallis, 64, of Reading, passed away on September 7, 2025, at Reading Hospital after a three-year battle with ALS.

Born in Reading, he was a son of Maria (Vougamalis) of Reading and the late Anthony G. Krallis.

Nick was a graduate of Reading High School in 1979 and Millersville University in 1983, earning a degree in Economics.

He was employed by White Star Tours for 40 years, where he very much enjoyed working with his customers and the entire Kraras team.

Nick loved the Phillies, Eagles, and all Philadelphia sports teams; more importantly, he loved his church, faith, and family. He was a music connoisseur who enjoyed traveling. Nick had a magnetic personality; people loved to be with him, and he found great joy being with his friends and family. He made many friends through travel, and that community continued to support Nick through his illness. Always thinking of others, Nick showed this by serving as an organ donor, helping at least three people in need.

Nick was a longtime member of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 in Reading. He was initiated into the Order of AHEPA in 1987. He previously served as chapter vice president and chapter secretary.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, George A. Krallis, Reading; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611, where Nick was an active member. 

Burial will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a viewing from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Church at the above address or to ALS United Mid Atlantic, 1015 Virginia Dr., Suite 110, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is honored to serve Nick's family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.

READING AHEPA GOLF CLASSIC SETS NEW 16-YEAR RECORD

AHEPA Chapter 61 President George Giovanis kicks off the 2025 Ernie Orphanos Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament with the traditional Ouzo toast as golfers gather around.

The 16th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, concluding the most successful tournament in the Reading AHEPA chapter's history.

 Congratulations to the 2025 tournament foursome champions – Nick Lambros, Ryan McCallum, Drew Cammarano and Steve Zervanos. 

We were truly blessed with beautiful weather, and all participants had a most enjoyable day of golf, fellowship, good food, and an all-time high tournament net profit. 

In addition to the 86 golf participants, 55 individual/business sponsors and guests helped bring in $21,415 income with total expenses of $7,549, resulting in a record high net profit of $13,865. 

This is great news. AHEPA once again was able to raise the necessary funds for the annual scholarship program and other worthy AHEPA charities in our Berks community and beyond!  

The proceeds from this annual event provide scholarships for our Berks County youth to continue their education following high school graduation. These young men and women have gone on to successful academic and professional careers that give back to our same community that supported them with these AHEPA scholarships. 

Previous Reading AHEPA Chapter Scholarship Award Recipients:

 2011 – Jonathan Thompson and Evangelia Shunk

 2012 – Alexandra Dikos, Grayson S. Helm and Maria Phyrillas

 2013 – Olivia Damore and Bern Donahue

 2014 – Stergios Dikos, Stephen Lambriodes and Andrew J. Lountzis

 2015 – Jessica Craciun, Stavanna C. Donahue and Anastasis S. Phyrillas

 2016 – Michelle Craciun, Jocelyn Dialectos, Alexander Lountzis and James Phyrillas

 2017 – Guerino D. Caloiero, Nicholas Lecatsas, Alexander Midouhas and   Chrisovalantis A. Siozos

 2018 – Karissa A. Dialectos, Patrick A. Phyrillas, Vasilis S. Phyrillas and Chris C. Sterious

 2019 – Anthony Futrick, Angeliki Miranda-Ganas, Joanna Lee Helm, Eleni Sterious and  Zoe Thompson

 2020 – Anna Caloiero, Antonia Dikos, Alan Futrick, Jr., Gabe Koumaras, Mackenzie Kraras, Peyton Kraras, Amara Midouhas and Dante Porcaro

 2021 – Stephen Mitchell

 2022 – Carly Futrick, Nick Lountzis, Demetrios P. Scantzos, Amanda Tilley and  Alexander “Aleko” G. Zeppos

 2023 – Courtney Futrick, Alexia Polyak, Maria Sasaran, Dionysia D. Sterious and Brian Wadsworth

 2024 – Felicia Caloiero, Stephen Elliker, Tommy Hunsicker, Nicholas Simotas, Adam Tilley, Jackson Wagner and Ella Zervanos

 2025 – Christopher Kraras, Christo Hunsicker, Nikolas Rohm and Nathan Radwanski

Reading AHEPA Chapter Named Pennsylvania Chapter of the Year for 2024-2025

Chapter 61 President George J. Giovanis accepts the Chapter of the Year Award from Pennsylvania District 4 Governor Chris Megoulas.

AHEPA Chapter No. 61 President George J. Giovanis recently attended the Order of AHEPA Power District No. 4 Convention as a delegate in Gettysburg, PA.  

At the District Convention on May 31, 2025, the Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter No. 61 was honored as the AHEPA Chapter of the Year for 2024-2025.  

This is the fifth time that our AHEPA chapter has been recognized as Chapter of the Year by AHEPA Power District No. 4.  

There are currently 16 AHEPA Chapters in Pennsylvania.  

Delegates were impressed with Reading AHEPA for its service and fellowship in Berks County and community-at-large.  Our Centennial Anniversary Celebration Banquet, Community Mother’s Day card and Annual Golf Classic were noteworthy accomplishments. 

In Memoriam: AHEPAN Artie Fecera

Arthur A. "Artie" Fecera, 84, of Spring Township, Berks County, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Arthur J. and Ines (Franchi) Fecera. Artie graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959. After his father's passing, Artie took over and ran Fecera's Furniture for many years until his retirement in 2014. 

He was the husband of Constance (Arnidis) Fecera.

In addition to his wife, Artie is survived by his children Chris J. Fecera, husband of Annette, of Spring Township, and Catherine F., wife of Michael Zervanos of Lower Heidelberg Township, his grandchildren Ella, Ava, and Keegan, and his brothers Frank and Joseph Fecera. He is also survived from a previous marriage by his children A.J. Fecera, Lisa Yerger, and Roxanne Stone, and the late Jacqueline Hill and their families.

Artie ran Fecera's Furniture for decades alongside his wife, Connie, and son, Chris. 

He also served as President of the Style Trend Furniture Group for many years and was named Retailer of the Year in 2012. 

One of his greatest passions was aviation; he flew his private plane for over 40 years and was an active member of the Aero Club at the Reading Airport. Artie loved traveling to Hilton Head with Connie, Catherine and Chris, and frequently flew to North Carolina for Furniture Markets with his son and other members of the Style Trend Buying Group. His passion for flying extended to golf trips to various destinations as well.

Beyond aviation, Artie enjoyed boating with his family in Ocean City, MD, and was an avid golfer at the Berkshire Country Club. A dedicated runner, he participated in numerous races organized by the Reading Hospital. 

He was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

Artie served for 18 years on the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, including a record 15 years as council president. Artie was named President Emeritus upon his retirement from the council. In 2021, he was honored with the Father of the Year award at the church.

Artie was a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA in Reading.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service starting at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E Wyomissing Boulevard, Reading, PA 19611. Interment will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church memorial fund at 1001 E Wyomissing Boulevard, Reading, PA 19611. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Reading AHEPA Chapter Initiates 6 New Members

Prospective members receive instructions from Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis and Captain of the Guard Alex Simotas before taking the membership oath into the Order of AHEPA.

Six new members were initiated into the Order of AHEPA by the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 in Reading, Pa., on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis presided over the initiation ceremony at the Deluxe Restaurant.

Joining the Order of AHEPA are Ted Karahalias, Dennis Kasapi, Bryant Shunk, Matthew Patestas, Pete Patestas and Mark Westover.

After being sworn in, the six new Brothers were presented with their AHEPA membership pins.

The membership applications of two additional candidates - Yianni Patestas and Dr. Peter D. Nicholas -were also approved at the meeting, but the candidates were unable to attend. They will be initiated at a future date. 

Six new members of AHEPA Chapter No 61 take the membership oath during the May 19, 2025, ceremony at the Deluxe Restaurant. From left to right: Ted Karahalias, Dennis Kasapi, Mark Westover, Matthew Patestas (with hand on the Bible), Bryant Shunk and Pete Patestas.

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 J. 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 J. 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