Translate

Monday, October 21, 2024

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)


Saturday, September 14, 2024

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.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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.


Wednesday, May 22, 2024

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.

AHEPAN Dean Whitman receives 2024 St. Photios Award

Dean and Sharon Whitman
AHEPAN Dean Whitman was recognized for service to his church by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh at the St. Photios Awards Banquet held May 18, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Cranberry, Pa.

Dean's wife, Sharon, was also honored at the banquet. The couple has worked tirelessly for many years as volunteers at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading Pa.

With more than 400 in attendance, Metropolitan Savas presented awards to 65 church volunteers from more than 30 different parishes in the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, which covers Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

“Our awardees have given a lifetime of service, skill and love to the Greek Orthodox Church,” Metropolitan Savas said during his remarks. “Their service has borne much fruit in the Lord’s vineyard, and we offer this recognition as an expression of our deep and abiding gratitude.”

Metropolitan Savas presented each honoree with a framed certificate and a pin depicting St. Photios the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople.

This was the 10th year the banquet was held to recognize “unsung church volunteers" and raise money for the Metropolitan’s Benevolence Fund.

Dean and Sharon were nominated for the St. Photios Award by the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Both retired from the US Postal Service and devote countless hours of volunteer work for their church.

In addition to being a member of AHEPA Chapter No. 61, where he currently serves as Correspondence Secretary, Dean Whitman is a member of the Saint Xenia Philoptochos Society, where he earned the nickname of "Mr. Philoptochos" and sings in the church choir. 

Previous honorees from Saints Constantine and Helen Church were Tony Phyrillas and Marian Cheri in 2022 and Stathis Gasparis and Marika Krallis in 2023.

Monday, May 6, 2024

In Memoriam: John Frangakis

John Frangakis of Mount Penn, Pa., the former owner of the DeLuxe Restaurant, passed away on May 3, 2024, at age 91. 

He was born in Chios, Greece, on September 29, 1933, a son of the late Isidoros and Anna (Moutafi) Frangakis. 

At the age of 21, after serving as a Merchant Marine he came to the United States to begin a new life in America. He came to live the American dream and with hard work he accomplished it. He was a very positive person whose upbeat personality just lit up any room he walked into. 

John started his restaurant career in Orange, N.J., and even worked at the Waldorf Astoria as a chef. 

In May of 1961, he married the true love of his life, Despina Vourlos. 

Soon after he established the DeLuxe Restaurant in 1963 at North 8th Street in Reading, PA. His dream was to own and operate a diner which was accomplished in 1982 on Lancaster Pike, Shillington, Pa. 

He enjoyed dabbling in real estate and one of his purchases was the Days Inn located in Shillington. Beyond all of his achievements, he enjoyed chanting in the Greek Orthodox church, especially at Easter. He enjoyed teaching history and the Orthodox religion to those who were interested in listening to him. 

He loved talking with his beloved customers and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandchildren back to his homeland and showing them all of the sites on the mainland and a cruise of the islands. 

He was also a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA, and a lifetime member of the Masons and Rajah Shriners. John graciously hosted the local AHEPA chapter at his restaurant for meetings and other occasions.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years Despina Frangakis; a son, Isidoros Frangakis, husband of Cathern Faller of Mohnton. Anna (Frangakis) Burkman wife of Darryl Glenn Burkman of Sinking Spring, Two grandchildren Evangelia (Koutroulelis) Gregory wife of Benjamin Gregory, Bethlehem, Stelios Koutroulelis husband of Kaylee (Werner) Kenhorst. Also surviving in Greece are two siblings, a sister Zoe Sambarthes and a brother Stephanos Frangakis. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Alexandros Gregory and Ignatios Koutroulelis. 

The family would like to thank Kel Lee Ryan and Onika Trim for the excellent care they provided our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Kel Lee Ryan gave excellent care for six years, even through COVID and other illnesses. Kel Lee was more than a caregiver; she accompanied John to all of the family celebrations. 

Viewing from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Tresagion service at 8:30 PM. Additional viewing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by his funeral service at 11:00 AM from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Fr. Theodore Petrides, Proistamenos, will officiate. 

Entombment in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township. In lieu of flowers, make contributions in John’s memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2024 Oratorical Festival Participants

Matthew Patestas was the winner in the Senior Division of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorial Festival.

Teddy Antonellos was the winner in the Junior Division of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

The Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter 61 awarded the 2024 Patrick Phyrillas Memorial Scholarship to two participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. 

The winning participants were Matthew Patestas in the Senior Division and Teddy Antonellos in the Junior Division. Each student was awarded $500.00

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 38 years and has served in all the officer positions in the chapter.

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

Participants of the 2024 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., with clergy and Festival Co-Chair Stevie Henry.


Wednesday, March 6, 2024

AHEPA Chapter No. 61 Donates $5,000 to Church AGAPE Fund

Rev. Father Theodore Petrides of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church accepts a check for $5,000 from AHEPA Chapter 61 President George Giovanis to benefit the church's AGAPE Fund. The Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA raised the money through the chapter's annual golf tournament. The AGAPE Fund is used to help people in need from the Reading community. Families who need financial assistance to pay for food, shelter, medical bills and utility bills have been helped in the past by the church.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

AHEPA Chapter 61 Officers Elected for 2024-25

The election of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 officers for the 2024-25 administrative year was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at a dinner meeting at Crossroads Restaurant.

The following officers were elected unanimously:

President George J. Giovanis

Vice President Jonathan Thompson

Treasurer Tony Phyrillas

Secretary Dean Kraras

Correspondence Secretary Dean Whitman


Board of Governors:

Christopher Wagner, Chairman

Christos Dikos

Christ G. Kraras

Evan Zervanos

Congratulations to all the AHEPA Brothers for volunteering to serve as chapter officers for the coming year. The new administrative year begins on July 1, 2024.

Friday, November 24, 2023

In Memoriam: Nicholas Platanos

Nicholas Platanos, 81, formerly of Muhlenberg Township, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, Conn. 

He was the husband of the late Kathryn A. (Wepsic) Platanos, who passed away on February 18, 2021. 

Born in Lesbos, Greece, Nick was the son of the late Christomos and Felicia Platanos. 

He was a member of Saint Mathews Greek Orthodox Church and subsequently Saint Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

Nick was a longtime member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter No. 61, having been initiated into the Order of AHEPA on March 19, 1989. 

Nick served in the Greek Navy and came to the U.S. on a tanker ship via Albany, then to New York City where he met Kathryn one month after his arrival. He was employed by several Greek Restaurants in New York City and eventually opened Mr. Nick's Pizza in New York City on 1st Ave. 

Mr. and Mrs. Platanos moved to Reading, PA, and continued their life together where he was a janitor at Palmer Chocolate Company. Mr. Platanos left school at the age of 6 to go to work to help provide for his family. His incredible work ethic and love for Kathryn over 52 years serve as an example to all. He is now reunited with Kathy as their love continues throughout eternity. 

Nick is survived by his son Christopher C. Platanos, husband of Joanne Platanos residing in Madison, Connecticut, and his grandson, Nicholas L. Platanos. He is also survived by his brothers Mike Platanos of Kenhorst and Fouti Platanos of Athens, Greece and was preceded in death by Tasous and Lambros. 

Funeral Service will be held at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd. Reading, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. Reverend Theodore Petrides will officiate. Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery. Viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church on Friday prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to be made to The International Wildlife Coexistence Network at https://wildlifecoexistence.org/donate/ in memory of Mr. Nicholas Platanos.

Bean Funeral Home 1605 Rockland Street, Reading, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Reading AHEPA Chapter recognizes Anna Frangakis Burkman & Deluxe Restaurant

AHEPA President George Giovanis presents Anna Frangakis Burkman with a framed certificate commending her and the Deluxe Restaurant for its support of the Reading AHEPA Chapter.

Anna Frangakis Burkman was honored by AHEPA Chapter No. 61 for her family's support of the Order of AHEPA. Burkman is the owner of the Deluxe Restaurant in Shillington, where the Reading AHEPA chapter has been holding many of its dinner meetings for the past decade. Anna and her staff have provided delicious meals and a private room for AHEPA Chapter meetings. Deluxe Restaurant has also supported the chapter's annual golf tournament and scholarship banquet.



Sunday, September 24, 2023

In Memoriam: George D. Zeppos

George D. Zeppos, 77, of Wyomissing, passed away on September 20, 2023 at Reading Hospital.

George D. Zeppos

He was the loving husband of Diane Schrenko Zeppos. They were married on April 25, 1971, and enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Born in Vlahokerasia, Greece, he was a son of the late Demosthenes G. and Magdalene Katsafanas Zeppos. He immigrated to America in 1954.

George was a graduate of Reading High School in 1964, Penn State University in 1968, and did graduate work at Temple University.

He was a high school teacher in the Reading School District until 1973. Later he co-owned and operated Schmeck's Family Restaurant, The Hitching Post, and Perry Dutch Diner, retiring in 2000.

George was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and the Order of AHEPA. He was initiated into the Reading AHEPA Chapter 40 years ago.

George was a history enthusiast. He was very proud of his Greek heritage and had a great passion for the United States of America. He enjoyed traveling abroad with his family. George loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in various sporting activities.

In addition to his wife Diane, he is survived by two sons, Alexander (Colleen) Zeppos, Wyomissing, and Lt. Col. Christopher (Lt. Col. Laura) Zeppos, Columbus, MS; grandchildren: Aleko Jr., Sophia, Chloe, Jordan, and Luke; and siblings: Peter, Gus, Martha, and Alex. He was predeceased by siblings: George, Georgia, Taso, and John. George is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 11 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 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to assist the Zeppos family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.


Monday, September 11, 2023

2023 AHEPA Ernie Orphanos Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament A Success

AHEPA Chapter 61 President George Giovanis, far right, congratulates the winning team at the 2023 Scholarship Golf Tournament. Pictured left-to-right: Kyle Bergh, Dino Kotsakis and Gus Kotsakis. Missing in the photo of the winning foursome is Vasili Kotsakis.


READING AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

The 14th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Saturday, August 19, concluding another successful year for the Reading AHEPA chapter.  

Congratulations to the 2023 tournament foursome champions – Gus Kotsakis, Vaz Kotsakis, Dino Kotsakis, and Kyle Bergh. The second-place tournament winners were Steve Silverman, Jim Leupold, Dave Landau, and Putter Lutz.  

We were truly blessed with beautiful weather and all participants had a most enjoyable day of golf, fellowship and good food. 

In addition to the 66 golf participants, 45 individual and business sponsors helped bring in $14,975.00 in revenue, resulting in a net profit of $9,235.94. 

This is great news, AHEPA once again was able to raise more than $9,000 for the scholarship fund 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.