AHEPA Chapter supports mission trip to Mexico

Tony Phyrillas, treasurer of the Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter No 61, presents a check for $2,000 to the Mission Team from Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church to help fund the group's upcoming mission trip to Mexico.

The Gust. C. Kraras Order of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 donated $2,000 to support a mission trip to Mexico by members of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA.

The Mission Team, led by Father Cornelius Grandberry, will spend a week in Tijuana, Mexico, helping to build a house for a needy family.

The team has been raising money for the trip in recent weeks. It is selling authentic Mexican blankets and sponsored a Taco Sale during the church's fellowship hour on Sunday, June 28.

AHEPA member Ion Craciun, pictured on the right, is matching the chapter donation, so with the $2,000 from the chapter, the $2,000 from Craciun and the $1,000 raised during the Taco Sale, the Mission Trip collected $5,000 to cover expenses for the trip.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas honored as 'Father of the Year'

Parish Council President Chris Dikos, right, presents a plaque to Tony Phyrillas on Father's Day, recognizing Phyrillas as the 2026 Father of the Year at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. (Photo by Phil Macaronis)

After the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Phil Macaronis continued the practice of handing out red carnations to all the fathers in attendance. Macaronis has donated the flowers for many years in memory of his late father, Michael Macaronis. First in line on Sunday was Tony Phyrillas, recipient of the 2026 Father of the Year award presented by the church. (Photo by Chris Dikos)

Since 1987, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., has chosen one parishioner to honor as Father of the Year. The 2026 recipient is Tony Phyrillas. Parish Council President Chris Dikos presented Tony with a plaque honoring his dedication to his family and service to the church. 

Tony has served on the Parish Council for 31 years, including two terms as president. He is currently serving as council secretary and parliamentarian. Tony has also been a Sunday School teacher for the past 20 years at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and has been chairman of the Gyro Room at the church's annual Greek Food Bazaar for the past 35 years. 

Tony has been a member of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 for 40 years, including serving multiple terms as chapter president.