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. 

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 Honors Marathon Champ Kyriakides, Hall of Famers, Ali's Daughter

AHEPA Honors Marathon Champ Kyriakides, Hall of Famers, Ali's Daughter: ATHENS – The family of the late 1946 Boston Marathon winner Stylianos Kyriakides, a Cypriot who triumphed against all odds, was celebrated at the AHEPA convention's Athletic Hall of Fame

Reading AHEPA Chapter Welcomes New Members

New members of AHEPA Chapter #61 pose with members of the District Lodge who presided during the installation ceremony. From left to right: District Marshal Dr. Michael Billys, District Warden Christ Megoulas, Shawn Moliatu, Bern Donahue, Nick Lecatsas, Panagiotis Asimakopoulos, George Asimakopoulos, District Governor Charles Mackenzie and District Athletic Director Harry Mackrides. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

The Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA welcomed six new members into the chapter on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at a Dinner Meeting held at the Crossroads Restaurant. Five of the new members were able to attend the meeting and were sworn in during a ceremony presided by District Governor Charles Mackenzie and members of the District Lodge.

The new members who took the Oath of Office are: Panagiotis Asimakopoulos, George Asimakopoulos, Bern Donahue, Nicholas Lecatsas and Shawn Moliatu. The sixth new chapter member, James Phyrillas, was unable to attend the meeting but will be initiated at a future date.

More than 30 members of the Reading AHEPA Chapter were in attendance to welcome the new members into the Order of AHEPA.

The meeting was chaired by Brother Christ Kraras in the absence of Chapter President George Giovanis, who is recuperating from a serious illness but was at the meeting in spirit. At the end of the meeting, the Brothers called George to wish him a full recovery and sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

Below are additional photo highlights from the April 2 meeting.

The five candidates for membership - Nick Lecatsas, Bern Donahue, Panagiotis Asimakopoulos, George Asimakopoulos and Shawn Moliatu - kneel before the altar and prepare to recite the AHEPA oath from District Governor Charles Mackenzie. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

The candidates place their left hands on the Bible as they recite the AHEPA Membership Oath. (Photo by Lefteris Plevrakis)

After they were officially sworn into the Order of AHEPA, the new Brothers receive their membership pins from the visiting members of the Pennsylvania District Lodge. (Photo by Lefteris Plevrakis)

Bern Donahue receives his AHEPA membership pin from District Governor Charles Mackenzie. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

George Asimakopoulos receives his AHEPA pin from District Athletic Director Harry Mackrides. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

Nicholas Lecatsas receives his AHEPA membership pin from District Warden Christ Megoulas. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

Shawn Moliatu receives his AHEPA membership pin from District Marshal Michael Billys. (Photo by Lefteris Plevrakis)

The newest members of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 - Shawn Moliatu, Bern Donahue, Nicholas Lecatsas, Panagiotis Asimakopoulos and George Asimakopoulos - pose with District Governor Charles Mackenzie. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

Brother Christ Kraras reunites with an old friend, District Marshal Dr. Michael Billys, who grew up in Reading. (Photo by Lefteris Plevrakis)

The Gust C. Kraras Chapter N. 61 was honored to have four members of the District Lodge attend the April 2 Dinner Meeting/Initiation Ceremony at Crossroads Restaurant. From left-to-right: District Marshal Dr. Michael Billys, District Warden Christ Megoulas, District Governor Charles Mackenzie and District Athletic Director Harry Mackrides. (Photo by Tony Phyrillas)

The National Hellenic Museum Honors AHEPA

Six Pennsylvania AHEPA Chapters Come Together to Celebrate Their 90th Anniversaries

L-R: Chapter Presidents from Bethlehem (Rob Schmell), Chester-Delco (Rick Hogue), Lancaster (Gus Siese), Supreme President John Galanis, Harrisburg (Dimitri Sosos), Allentown (Ryan MacKenzie) and Reading (Chris Wagner).

Six AHEPA chapters in Power District 4 came together in Reading, Pa., to celebrate their 90th anniversaries, Nov. 19, 2015.

Supreme President John W. Galanis and several Supreme Lodge officers attended the milestone event that commemorated: Chapter 60, Allentown, Pa.; Chapter 61, Reading, Pa.; Chapter 64, Harrisburg, Pa.; Chapter 65, Bethlehem, Pa.; Chapter 71, Lancaster, Pa.; and Chapter 79, Chester-Delco, Pa.

"We are proud of these chapters and their charitable works that have  served to strengthen their communities for nine decades," Supreme President John W. Galanis said. "We thank Reading Chapter 61 for taking the initiative to invite surrounding chapters to come together in celebration of this landmark and special occasion." 

Supreme President Galanis presented a unique certificate to each of the six chapter presidents. Brothers from the chapters shared stories of their founding members and the obstacles and challenges they faced to charter their chapters.

AHEPA Helps Hellenic Caucus Continue to Grow

WASHINGTON - The leading membership-based association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and countless Philhellenes, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), welcomed news that U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) has joined the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, announced Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides.

"We thank Congressman Courtney for joining the Hellenic Caucus," said Dr. Grossomanides, who met with the congressman's staff during AHEPA's annual Capitol Hill Day held March 28, 2012. "We look forward to working with him and his staff on issues of importance to the community, including the strengthening of U.S.-Greece relations."

Congressmen Courtney, Hank Johnson (D-GA), and Richard Neal (D-MA) are the latest U.S. representatives to join the Hellenic Caucus as a result of AHEPA's grassroots outreach.

"Our grassroots network is becoming more active and the legislators are responding," Dr. Grossomanides said. "We must build upon this effort and keep the momentum going."

He continued, "We applaud the proactive outreach of AHEPA family members from all parts of the country either in their home districts or those who came to Washington in March. All of these efforts have helped the caucus to grow."

Dr. Grossomanides proudly noted that the entire congressional delegations of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are members of the Hellenic Caucus. The caucus now has 146 members.

Thalassemia Love and Needles

AHEPA Family Donation to Feed Hundreds of Families

Dr. John Grossomanides, supreme president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, presented a $7,500 donation toward Apostoli Mission, a food bank charity under the direction of the Church of Greece on April 6, 2012, the delegation's last day in Athens. The $7,500 donation to the mission will provide 400 food kits to families in need. Each food kit feeds a family of four for about 15 days.

"The AHEPA family has been working diligently to raise funds to aid the people of Greece during this unprecedented humanitarian crisis, and our chapters in Greece have been doing their best to address the needs of their local communities," said Supreme President Dr. Grossomanides, who presented the donation during a meeting with His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. "Our biggest concern is to ensure that we make maximize the aid provided by each and every dollar we donate. We are confident today's donation will have a significant impact, feeding four hundred families of four people for at least fifteen days."

Supreme President Dr. Grossomanides and Daughters of Penelope Grand President Nicky Stamoulis were invited to visit and inspect the Apostoli Mission where the food kits are prepared and boxed for shipping, which they also did on April 6. They also toured a nearby army base that serves as a facility that processes all of the food needs.

Dr. Grossomanides added, "We understand today's donation will only go so far and we will continue to raise funds and identify charities or vehicles through which we can provide valuable assistance. The need is tremendous and there is not one 'silver bullet' solution to fulfill the need. That is why we are urging a united effort to address this humanitarian crisis and encourage all and any efforts that can go toward helping the people of Greece."

To contribute to the AHEPA family's humanitarian aid effort, please click here. To date, the humanitarian relief effort has raised more than $50,000.

AHEPA Mobilizes to Help Humanitarian Relief Efforts for People of Greece

AHEPA Mobilizes to Help
Humanitarian Relief Efforts for People of Greece

Charlotte Chapter Answers the Call with $5,000 Donation
Will Partner with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

WASHINGTON - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, will mobilize its chapters, and work in cooperation with the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), to help with humanitarian relief efforts for the people of Greece, announced Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides.

"The humanitarian crisis in Greece is dire,” Dr. Grossomanides said. “This is an opportunity to answer a clarion call to help the people of Greece. We appeal to Greek American organizations and the community at large to answer the call."

How AHEPA Will Help

• Identifying private sector/corporate partners to donate medical supplies.
• Making available its 501(c)(3) AHEPA Foundation, Inc. to receive contributions that will directly pay for the shipment and acquisition of medical supplies and food.
• Mobilizing AHEPA Greece chapters to liaison with the Greek Ministry of Education to execute a food voucher program for schools.
• Partner with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to assist with acquisition of medical supplies and food.
• Mobilizing AHEPA family chapters.
• Outreaching to all Greek American organizations asking them to contribute financially to AHEPA’s program.
  • Funds will go directly to pay for the shipment of medical supplies and food.

"AHEPA's inquiry into how the organization could assist for a national level began October 2011," said Dr. Grossomanides, who is also leveraging his professional relationships in the pharmaceutical industry to seek assistance. "AHEPA examined the logistical challenges to providing aid efficiently and cost-effectively to those in need with meetings with the IOCC and the Embassy of Greece in Washington and came to the conclusion that this was the best course of action. In the interim, our fourteen chapters in Greece have been providing critical services to their respective communities whether it has been purchasing medical supplies or equipment for hospitals or feeding the needy."

He added, "We look forward to working in partnership with the IOCC, an extremely effective relief organization, to assist with the acquisition of medical supplies and food."

Charlotte Chapter Donates $5,000 to AHEPA Foundation, Inc.

AHEPA Marathon Chapter 2, Charlotte, N.C., has answered the call to help by making a $5,000 donation to AHEPA Foundation, Inc. that will directly pay for the shipment and acquisition of medical supplies and food. The chapter made the presentation to Supreme President Dr. Grossomanides at an event held in Charlotte, Saturday, February 11, 2011.

• To donate to AHEPA Foundation, Inc. online, please visit www.ahepa.org and click "Contribute."
• Read Executive Director Basil Mossaidis' op-ed piece "An Opportunity to Help: AHEPA Mobilizes to Help Relief Effort for Greece."
• Read AHEPA Mobilizes: An Executive Summary

AHEPA Remembers 37th 'Black Anniversary' of Invasion, Occupation of Cyprus

Supreme President Calls for Removal of Turkish Troops from Cyprus

MIAMI BEACH - American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas issued the following statement on the 37th anniversary of the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of the Republic of Cyprus that occurred July 20, 1974:

"Today marks a somber day as we observe the 37th anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by the Republic of Turkey. This was, and remains to this very day, an intolerable act; one that is a gross violation of the rule of law, human rights, and democratic ideals. We pause to remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives and the thousands who went missing, including four American citizens whose investigations remain incomplete. The illegal invasion and occupation caused the displacement of 170,000 Greek Cypriot refugees, including my family, who to this day are unable to return to their homes which is also a violation of human rights as determined by the European Commission on Human Rights.

"The ongoing direct talks between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Dervis Eroglu, under the scope of the high-level UN Agreement of July 8, 2006, have provided minimal tangible progress toward a settlement to reunify Cyprus. This is due to the latter's hardline positions that continue to present proposals outside UN parameters and European Union principles. It is our hope the July 7, 2011 meeting between the two sides and the UN secretary-general in Geneva will impress upon the Turkish Cypriot side the importance of presenting specific positions on the fundamental issues that are founded under UN parameters. This will help the process going forward.

"However, the key to a successful settlement also rests in Ankara. We call on the U.S. government to convey a strong message to Turkey that it must provide the Turkish Cypriot community with the necessary freedom to negotiate a solution within the July 8 framework, and equally as important, facilitate the removal of 43,000 of its troops from the island.

"Therefore, we restate our call for a reunified Cyprus with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship; and with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. We contend that such a solution is in the best interest of all Cypriots, and must emanate from Cypriots themselves without arbitrary timetables.

"Furthermore, on this 'black anniversary' we call on Turkey to begin the removal of its 43,000 troops from Cyprus. These are troops that as American citizens we contend would serve a better purpose, especially to NATO, in another theatre such as Afghanistan as opposed to Cyprus where there have been more than 15 million incident-free crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

"We call for these actions in the best interests of the United States. A just and viable solution to the division of Cyprus will strengthen the eastern Mediterranean and bring peace and security to the region. Furthermore, it will aid Turkey's candidacy to become a member of the European Union.

"Our hope is that we will no longer need to observe this 'black anniversary,' but instead, celebrate the anniversary of a settlement. AHEPA remains committed to doing all within its power to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye until a just and viable solution is realized."

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.ahepa.org

500th Visitor to Reading AHEPA website

Our site counter at Reading AHEPA has recorded the 500th unique visitor to the site since it was launched last year. Thanks for checking us out ... and come back again.

AHEPA Pennsylvania District No. 4 website

Visit the Power District No. 4 website - http://ahepa4.org - for information about district scholarships and the upcoming District Convention in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania AHEPA District launches website

AHEPA Power District No. 4 has launched its own website. Check it out at http://ahepa4.org/

The site contains information on the District No. 4 convention, Scholarship forms, and other important documents.

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

In case you missed it, the Reading AHEPA Chapter was recently featured in the Reading Eagle newspaper.

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202-232-6300, or visit www.ahepa.org