Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Highlights from 2020 Senior Recognition Dinner at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA recently teamed up to host a Senior Recognition Dinner in honor of graduating high school seniors who attend the church in Reading. Students and their families were treated to a dinner in the church Social Hall and each graduate received a "College Survival Kit" prepared by Rev. Theodore Petrides and Lay Assistant/Youth Director Dino Alexandrides. The kit contained a variety of items that the students can take with them to college this fall, including the Orthodox Study Bible, a prayer book, a T-shirt and candles. The students are formally recognized during the last day of Sunday School and at the AHEPA Scholarship Banquet, but the shutdowns forced by the coronavirus outbreak canceled both events. The students attending the Recognition Dinner were Peyton Kraras, Mackenzie Kraras, Amara Midouhas, Dante Porcaro, Anna Caloiero, and Gabe Koumaras. (Toni Dikos and AJ Futrick were unable to attend.) Each of the students was also awarded scholarship money by the AHEPA chapter.
Below are some photo highlights from the Senior Recognition Dinner courtesy of Phil Macaronis.
Monday, August 3, 2020
Golf Tournament Supports Scholarship Program
The Reading/Berks County Chapter of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) is holding its annual Golf Tournament/Pig Roast fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, to raise money for its Scholarship Fund. Festivities are outdoors and everyone is welcome to participate. See the attached flyer for more information. (Even if you don't play golf, you can still support the event by coming to the Pig Roast.)
Friday, July 3, 2020
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
In Memoriam: Michael A. Firilas, Past Supreme Governor, District Governor of AHEPA
Brother Mike, a past president of AHEPA Chapter No. 61, was instrumental in reviving the chapter in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, personally recruiting most of the chapter members. He rose to prominence in the AHEPA in Pennsylvania and nationally, serving as District Governor of Power District No. 4 in 1980, and as a Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA in 1986.
For many years, he spearheaded AHEPA's efforts to gain justice for his homeland of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of 1974 as a member of the AHEPA Cyprus Committee. Brother Mike was honored as AHEPAN of the Year by Pennsylvania's Power District No. 4 in 1991.He was initiated into the AHEPA on Nov. 24, 1963. In addition to his 57 years of membership in the AHEPA, Brother Mike was also a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Lions International. He was also a longtime member of the GAPA Chapter in Reading, Pa., and also served as District Governor of that service organization.
He was very active in leadership roles at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., serving many years on the Parish Council, including three terms as Council President. He also served multiple times as Chairman of the church's annual Greek Food Bazaar fundraiser.
Mike's dedication to the church culminated with his designation as an Archon, the highest honor bestowed for a lay member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Born in Cyprus on Nov. 1, 1931, Mike Firilas immigrated to the United States in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he came to Reading, Pa., where he established a successful painting/sandblasting business. He later purchased and operated Reading Paint and Wallpaper Company.
After retiring, Mike and his wife moved to Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Kula; his daughter, Mary, wife of Spiro G. Patton of Florida; and his son, Dr. Anthony Firilas and his wife, Kim, and grandchildren Keira and Michael, all of South Carolina. He is also survived by a brother, Andrea, and three sisters, Adriana, Despina and Vefa, all of Cyprus.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Vasilis and Anastasis; and three sisters: Cornelia, Eleni and Lukia.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Florida.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road, New Port Ritchey, FL 34654; or to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Reading AHEPA Chapter Awards 7 Scholarships to 2020 Graduates
The Gust C. Kraras Chapter of
the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic
Educational Progressive Association) is proud to celebrate the 95th anniversary of our AHEPA chapter in serving our Church and community. Over the years, we have been truly blessed to
have so many capable individuals in our Reading chapter in promoting our
mission of Hellenism, Education,
Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence. Our fraternal organization has had an
extensive history, worthy mission and notable charitable undertakings during
the past 95 years.
This year, we have recognized
seven outstanding AHEPA scholarship award recipients from our community. We
feel these fine students will go on to great accomplishments and honor the
mission and rich tradition of our fraternal organization. Each of these talented
youth have very promising futures exhibited by outstanding academic achievement
performance, leadership qualities and active involvement in Church, school and
community activities. To our scholarship
recipients, we offer our best wishes for a vibrant and rewarding life in
service to God and to others.
Antonia Dikos is the daughter of Chris and Valerie Dikos. Toni will
be graduating from Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School completing a
college preparatory & honors course of studies. She will continue her education at Clemson
University in South Carolina. Toni’s
school and community activities include 4.0 award, National Honor Society, Big
Spartan – Little Spartan program, youth advisory committee and GOYA secretary. Toni’s ultimate goal is “…to explore all the
options in my life draws out for me – allowing me to eventually making a
prominent decision that I will most likely amplify with other passions as I
travel through life.”
Alan Futrick Jr. is the son of Alan and Jennifer Futrick. AJ will be graduating from Wilson High School
completing a college preparatory course of study. He is planning to enroll at West Chester
University pursuing an education degree.
AJ’s activities and accomplishments are extensive including National
Society of High School Scholars, high honor roll, PA Football News All State
Academic Team, GOYA, altar boy, food pantry volunteer, track & field team,
football team captain, baseball and Reading Fightin Phils mascot.
Gabe Koumaras is the son of Stephan Koumaras and Kristy
Hummel. He will be graduating in June
from Schuylkill Valley High School.
Following graduation, he will be attending Kutztown University of
Pennsylvania majoring in political science and government. Gabe’s school and community activities
include honor roll, section leader in concert band, marching band and jazz
band. Additionally, he was an officer in
the debate club, rock climbing club, mock trial member, baseball team and GOYA
basketball team.
Mackenzie Kraras is the daughter of Dean and Jennifer Kraras. She will be graduating from Wilson High
School in June and continuing her education at High Point University in North
Carolina. Mackenzie’s school and
community activities include football cheerleader, mini thon captain, dance
team, internships at Wilson West Middle School as an aid in reading classes and
Highlands Retirement Community working in human resources and marketing. Mackenzie indicated that “by working with
people everyday, I learned more about the importance of helping others and
formed close relationships.”
Peyton Kraras is the daughter of Dean and Jennifer Kraras. She will be graduating from Wilson High
School in June and continuing her education at Marymount University in Arlington,
VA. While her course of study is
undecided, she is seriously considering a program in fashion
merchandising. Peyton’s school and
community activities include varsity school golf team, mini thon participant,
school honor roll, school honors internship program, worked at the Reading
Fightin Phils’ team store handling merchandise, online purchases, marketing
products and managing their social media.
Amara Midouhas is the daughter of Matthew and Helen Midouhas. In June, she will be graduating from Berks
Catholic High School completing a honors and advanced placement course of
studies. Amara has been accepted to
attend Temple University this fall pursuing a course of study in business and
economics. Her school and community
activities include lacrosse, field hockey, honor roll, National Honor Society,
GOYA officer, the traditional Greek dance troupe Kefi, Jamaica mission trip,
oratorical festival, student ambassador and Church choir.
Dante Porcaro is the son of Dean and Denise Porcaro. This year, he will be graduating from Berks
Catholic High School including college prep, honors and advanced placement
course of studies. In the fall, Dante
plans to enroll at Temple University pursuing a course of study in
psychology. His school and community
activities involve Student Government representative, GOYA president, team
leader in the philanthropy groups of YAL and YAC, cross country runner and team
captain and track & field distance runner and manager.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
2020-21 Chapter Officers Elected
At the February 20, 2020
AHEPA dinner meeting at the Deluxe Restaurant, the following members were elected Officers and Board of Governors for 2020-2021:
Elected Officers
§ President – George J. Giovanis
§ Vice President – Anthony Koumaras
§ Financial Secretary – Dean C. Kraras
§ Corresponding Secretary – Dean Whitman
§ Treasurer – Tony Phyrillas
Board of Governors
§ Chris Wagner, Chairman
§ Frank Petrakis
§ Chris Dikos
§ Michael Chaknos
§ Christ Kraras
Sunday, March 8, 2020
In Memoriam: AHEPAN George C. Yatron
George C. Yatron, 69, of Cumru Twp., passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2020.
He was the husband of Shirleen D. (Sabalski) Yatron. Together they celebrated 41 years of marriage.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late U.S. Congressman Gus and Millie (Menzies) Yatron.
George was a 1969 graduate of Reading High School, where he was an All-State football player. He continued his football career while playing on full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1973. In 1976, he completed his juris doctor degree at Georgetown University Law Center. After graduation, he served as Assistant and First Assistant Berks County Public Defender while also maintaining a private practice. In 1979, he was elected Berks County District Attorney at the age of 28. He was the first Berks County District Attorney to be re-elected to a third term. In 1983, he was nominated for re-election by both Democratic and Republican parties. He served as District Attorney until his appointment in 1991 as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge. He presided over hearings for the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in the Social Security Administration until his passing.
George was a passionate advocate for crime victims. He served as Chairman of the Berks County Victim/ Witness Services Coordinating Committee and in 1983, he received the Crime Victims Center Appreciation Award. In 1985, the Jr. Chamber of Commerce awarded him the Outstanding Young Man of the Year. He was a member of and served as President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Assc. and Institute. He also enjoyed being an active member of the Pennsylvania District Attorney Assc., the Berks County Bar Assoc., Endlich Law Club, Isaac Hiester Masonic Lodge # 660, and the American Hellenic Progressive Association (AHEPA).
George was initiated into the Order of AHEPA on Nov. 16, 1980, and has been a member of the Reading chapter for the past 40 years.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children: Christina L. Yatron of Reading and Alexander G. Yatron, fiancé of Kimberly Mangels of Huntington, NY. He is also survived by his sister Dr. Theana Yatron Kastens of Fairfax Station, VA, his brother-in-law Robert Sabalski of Reading, three nephews, and a niece.
Funeral Services will be held at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 10:00AM. The family will receive friends and relatives at Bean Funeral Home, 129 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, from 6-8:00PM and at the church on Wednesday from 9-9:45AM. The interment will follow the service at Charles Evans Cemetery.
Contributions may be sent to the Law Foundation of Berks County, 544 Court Street, PO Box 1058, Reading, PA 19603 and to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church General Fund, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611.
Bean Funeral Home of Shillington is in charge of arrangements; online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com
Monday, February 17, 2020
AHEPAN James Phyrillas featured in The Temple News
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
AHEPAN Lazaros Scantzos featured in the Reading Eagle
Did you see the article in the Reading Eagle about Supreme Cleaners reopening after a fire? AHEPA Chapter 61 member Lazaros Scantzos is the general manager of the Hollywood Cleaners/Supreme Cleaners chain of stores in Berks County. Let's support our chapter members when we do business.
You can read the article at this link: https://www.readingeagle.com/money/destroyed-by-fire-cumru-township-dry-cleaner-returns-with-new/article_3d6e0fb0-4c39-11ea-9493-a32380ecee27.html
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
AHEPAN James Phyrillas featured in the Reading Eagle
The story details how a couple of friends at a small Berks County high school started a YouTube channel to post videos they made at school - just for the fun of it.
The site, Schaffrillas Productions, has taken off in the past year, with more than 622,000 subscribers and millions of views on dozens of recent videos.
Pick up a copy of Tuesday's newspaper and find out how you, too, can become a YouTube star.
The article even explains where the name "Schaffrillas Productions" came from. (Spoiler Alert: Chris Schaffer and James Phyrillas are the two Antietam Middle-Senior High School pals who launched the site.)
In case you missed it, here's the link to check out the article about James Phyrillas and his growing notoriety on YouTube: https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/irreverent-videos-help-berks-native-surpass-youtube-subscribers/article_6d1b39bc-33e9-11ea-860f-1f8fcdf6608f.html
Sunday, January 5, 2020
In Memoriam: Past Chapter President William Sianis
William “Bill” Sianis, 89, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Sinking Spring.
He was born on January 3, 1930, in Reading and lived and worked there most of his life. He was a son of the late James and Fotine (Gerasemo) Sianis.
Bill graduated from Reading High School in 1948 and went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean War. He spent all of his working life in the restaurant business. He was the owner of the Mayflower Restaurant and was a longtime manager at the West Reading Diner where he worked for over 30 years.
Bill was a Life Member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA. He was initiated into the AHEPA on May 20, 1954, and was an active member of the Reading chapter for most of his life, including serving as Chapter President. Bill was also co-chairman of a successful District #4 Convention hosted by the Reading chapter. He was also instrumental in starting the Reading chapter's Scholarship Program.
Bill had an unwavering belief in God and was a lifelong member of Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where he previously served on the Parish Council.
He was a devoted family man who loved to tell jokes, do crossword puzzles and play sudoku. One of the proudest moments of his life was taking his family on a week-long trip to Greece to honor a promise he made to his two adopted children who were born there.
He was a devoted family man who loved to tell jokes, do crossword puzzles and play sudoku. One of the proudest moments of his life was taking his family on a week-long trip to Greece to honor a promise he made to his two adopted children who were born there.
Bill is survived by a son, James “Jim” Sianis of Greensboro, NC, and his wife Sarah Sianis; a daughter, Frances “Fran” Thompson of Douglassville, PA, and her husband Blake Thompson; four grandchildren Jonathan “Jon” Thompson, Zoe Thompson, Louis Sianis and Alexander “AJ” Sianis; sister-in-law, Mary Sianis of Reading and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by siblings Gus Sianis, John Sianis, Christ Sianis, Stella (Sianis) Morris and Calliope Sianis.
A viewing will be held in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA, 19611 from 11 am to 12 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. A Funeral Service will follow at 12 pm, with burial immediately following in Charles Evan Cemetery, Reading.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA, 19611.
Funeral Arrangements by Theo C. Auman Funeral Home (www.TheoCAuman.com)
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Zoe Thompson Awarded Power District No. 4 Scholarship
Zoe was also awarded a Scholarship by the Reading AHEPA Chapter earlier this year.
The daughter of Blake and Fran Thompson, Zoe is a graduate of Daniel Boone Area High School and is attending Lebanon Valley College.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
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