Archepiscopal Encyclical on the Day of Commemoration of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

Archepiscopal Encyclical on the Day of Commemoration of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Orthodox Church

Photo Highlights from 2023 AHEPA Chapter 61 Scholarship Banquet

 

Reading High School Alumni Association honors Tony Phyrillas as Distinguished Alumni

The 2023 Reading High School alumni honorees are from left: Aigné Goldsby, Linda Kelleher and Tony Phyrillas. 

READING — Three "Distinguished Alumni" - including AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas - were honored on May 20, 2023, by the Reading High School Alumni Association at its Annual Reunion and Recognition Banquet.

The event, which also featured the awarding of $2,000 scholarships to 15 graduating seniors, was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

The 2023 honorees:

• Tony Phyrillas, a 1979 graduate of Reading High School who has been editor of The Mercury in Pottstown, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper, since 2016. Phyrillas has received numerous state and national awards for journalistic excellence during his 40-year career and was also honored for his community service. Tony has served 2 years on the Mount Penn Borough Council, 5 years on the Central Berks Regional Police Commission, helped founded the Kiwanis Club of East Penn Valley, and has been a member of the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church since 1996 and a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA for 35 years.

• Aigné Goldsby, a 2007 Reading High School graduate who went on to complete law school and is an attorney in Connecticut. She is also an author, career coach, motivational speaker and founder of Black Esquire LLC, which is dedicated to increasing the number of Black lawyers in the U.S.

• Linda Kelleher, a 1976 graduate of Reading High School who serves as City Clerk for the City of Reading, a position she has held since 1996. Kelleher oversees and coordinates Reading City Council’s legislative action, committee agenda development, budget policies, programs and project management operations.

The banquet concluded with the awarding of scholarships to 2023 Reading High School graduating seniors.

The three Reading High alumni honorees are joined by the 2023 scholarship winners.

In Memoriam: William P. Sakellaropoulos

William P. “Billy the Greek” Sakellaropoulos, 78, husband of the late Ann B. (Baronoff) Sakellaropoulos, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2023, at Reading Hospital.

Billy Sakellaropoulos

Born in Athens, Greece, he was the son of the late Pericles Sakellaropoulos and Maria (Komninos) Sakellaropoulos.

William was a member of the “Y.R.” Club in Wyomissing and a member of the SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading. He has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter since 2010.

He owned and operated many eating establishments throughout his life.

Surviving is his daughter Keely DeAngelis, of Boyertown; son Periklis Sakellaropoulos, of Athens, Greece; sister Christine Zeritis, of Athens, Greece.

Services will be held privately by the family at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society Of Berks County (https://www.petlists.org/shelters/humane-society-of-berks-county-reading-pa) in William’s name.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas to be honored by Reading High School Alumni Association

One of our AHEPA Chapter members will be honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the Reading High School Alumni Association Annual Reunion and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, May 20, 2023. 

Tony Phyrillas, a 1979 graduate of Reading Senior High School, is currently the editor of The Mercury, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper in Pottstown. Phyrillas is being recognized for his 40-year career in journalism and his volunteer work at his church and the Berks County community. 

Phyrillas has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years.

Reading High alumni and guests are invited to attend the luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St., Reading. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with lunch served promptly at 12:00 p.m. 

Cost is $35 per person. Reservations forms were included in the Spring issue of the Alumni Newsletter and can also be made online at https://readinghighschoolalumni.org/banquet/ 

Tables of 8 can be reserved if you want to sit with a group. 

The reservation deadline, including your food selection, is May 8, 2023.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2023 Oratorical Festival Participants

Matthew Patestas was the first-place winner in the Senior Division

Maria Wagner was the first-place winner in the Junior Division.

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

The winning participants were Matthew Patestas in the Senior Division and Maria Wagner 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.

AHEPAN Jason Hornberger on the cover of Berks County Living magazine

AHEPAN Jason Hornberger is featured in the latest issue of Berks County Living magazine. In fact, that's Jason (at right) on the front cover of the March 2023 issue along with his friend, Dick Henry.

The cover story on Health Heroes tells the story of Berks county residents who have helped others. Jason donated part of his liver in 2016 and a kidney in 2021 to Dick Henry.

Scholarships remain a priority for AHEPA Chapter No. 61

 ANTONIA DIKOS AWARDED AHEPA DISTRICT NO. 4 SCHOLARSHIP

 Congratulations to Antonia 'Toni' Dikos, who was a recipient of a 2022 AHEPA Pennsylvania Power District No. 4 scholarship.  Antonia is the daughter of Chris and Valerie Dikos.  She is currently in her third year attending Clemson University in South Carolina majoring in political science.  The AHEPA family congratulates Antonia for having achieved the splendid academic and personal accomplishments which earn her this 2022 prestigious award! 

READING AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

 The 13th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Saturday, August 20^th, concluding another successful year for the Reading AHEPA chapter.  Congratulations to the 2022 tournament foursome champions – Bernie Donahue, Jason Arnold, Bern Donahue and David Waligurski.  The second place tournament winners were Gus Kotsakis, Vaz Kotsakis, Dino Kotsakis and Matt McDonald.  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 72 golf participants, 45 individual and business sponsors helped bring in $15,158 in revenue, resulting in a net profit of $8,270 for this year’s tournament. 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.  This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the International Orthodox Christian Charities for the Ukraine Relief Effort.  IOCC offers emergency relief to those in need worldwide. 

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 Porcary   

• 2021 – Stephen 'Stevie' Mitchell
• 2022 – Carly Futrick, Nick Lountzis, Demetrios P. Scantzos, Amanda Tilley and Alexander 'Aleko' G. Zeppos

                    

Photo highlights from 2022 AHEPA Chapter 61 Scholarship Banquet

 Four of the 2022 Scholarship recipients. From left, Carly Futrick, Amanda Tilley, Nick Lountzis and Demetri Scantzos. The fifth recipient, Aleko Zeppos, could not attend.

Carly Futrick with her parents and grandparents.

Amanda Tilley with her family.

Demetri Scantzos with his parents.

Nick Lountzis with his Mom, Sharon.

Master of Ceremonies Christ Kraras.

Chapter Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos.

Chapter President George Giovanis.

Father Theodore Petrides and Deacon Jim Elliker were guests at the banquet.

'The Governors' from Governor Mifflin High School provided entertainment.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas receives 2022 St. Photios Award

Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh presents Tony Phyrillas with the 2022 St. Photios Award for service to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church during a recent banquet.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas was recognized for service to his church by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh at the St. Photios Awards Banquet held April 30, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Cranberry, Pa.

With more than 400 in attendance, Metropolitan Savas presented awards to 58 church volunteers from 31 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 eighth year the banquet was held to recognize “unsung church volunteers" and raise money for the Metropolitan’s Benevolence Fund.

Tony Phyrillas was nominated by Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., along with fellow nominee Marian Cheri, currently serving as President of the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society.

Tony Phyrillas has been attending Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church since his family arrived from Cyprus in 1969. He has served on the Parish Council for 27 consecutive years, including two terms as President and 18 terms as Secretary. He has served on and chaired numerous church committees over the past 30 years. Tony has taught Sunday School for 17 years, the last 13 as Head Teacher for Grades 10-12. He was a charter member and treasurer of the church's Greek School PTO. Tony has served as chairman of the popular Gyro Room at the church's annual Greek Food Festival for the past 30 years. He also oversees an ongoing fundraiser for the church that sells gift cards to parishioners.

Tony has been a member of the Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter No. 61 for 35 years and has held all chapter offices, including 11 terms as president. He also serves on the chapter's Scholarship Committee.

The son of Paraskevi Phyrillas and the late Anastasis Phyrillas, Tony is married to Chrysoula (Happas) Phyrillas and they have two sons, James and Patrick.

Members of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., attended the St. Photios Awards Banquet, where two parishioners - Tony Phyrillas and Marian Cheri - were recognized as their church's 2022 volunteers of the year.

Honorees Tony Phyrillas and Marian Cheri with Rev. Father Theodore Petrides, pastor of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

A flurry of activity to end another successful year for AHEPA Chapter No. 61

Six new members were initiated into the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA in 2021. Pennsylvania District Governor Harry Mackrides and members of the District Lodge were on hand for the initiation ceremony at the Deluxe Restaurant.

The Reading AHEPA Chapter concluded a very active year in 2021. The following is a summary and highlights of the action taken at the chapter's most recent business meeting held at the Deluxe Restaurant:

• 37 Ahepans were in attendance at the dinner meeting who enjoyed fellowship and great food hosted by the Frangakis family and Deluxe staff.

• In attendance were AHEPA Power District No. 4 District Lodge members: District Governor Harry Mackrides, Lt. Governor Chris Megoulas, and District Treasurer Tim Vlassopoulos.

• Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council member Thomas Crassas made a presentation about a proposed AHEPA ministry/outreach program in which action was approved at the business meeting as follows:

AHEPA currently supports the church's monthly food pantry with a total of $1,440 covering the operational costs of this outreach program. The AHEPA donation covers the 2021 and 2022 calendar years. AHEPA Chapter No. 61 approved to enhance the food pantry program in providing Christmas gifts for the 124 children of the pantry participants in December totaling approximately $1,000.

Currently, 100% of all proceeds from the annual AHEPA Golf Classic provide scholarships for our youth continuing their education following high school graduation.  Since 2011, AHEPA has awarded monetary scholarships for 39 deserving youth.  In 11 years, most of the scholarships awarded have been $1,000 per student. The AHEPA Scholarship Fund investment currently has as of October 31, 2021, a balance of $83,008. AHEPA took action that the proceeds allocation from the annual golf outing be adjusted starting with the 2022 tournament as follows: 50% of the proceeds will be earmarked for the scholarship fund investment and 50% towards an AHEPA ministry/outreach program to be determined on an annual basis.

It was recommended that AHEPA endorse a very worthwhile cause; the digging and building of a water well for an Orthodox Seminary in Guatemala to provide clean water to our fellow Orthodox brothers and sisters. The goal for this ministry project is to raise $10,000 by the end of 2021. AHEPA approved donating $5,000 toward this ministry goal.

• AHEPA Chapter No. 61 hosted a lunch for the Sunday School Christmas pageant participants on Sunday, December 19.

• Sts. Constantine & Helen Church will host our Metropolis Goya basketball tournament on January 14, 15 & 16.  AHEPA will be preparing and serving dinner after Vesper Services on Saturday, January 15, for all participants. Additionally, AHEPA will host a fellowship breakfast on Sunday, January 16 in support of our youth.

• District Governor Harry Mackrides conducted the initiation ceremony of the following candidates for membership into AHEPA: Jason Arnold, Gino Caloiero, James Phyrillas, Chris Siozos, Jonathan Thompson and Dr. George Visnich.

• The next AHEPA dinner meeting in 2022 will be held at the Crossroads Restaurant on Tuesday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m.

-- Submitted by Chapter President George Giovanis

District Governor Harry Mackrides addresses the members of AHEPA Chapter 61 during the dinner meeting. Brother Mackrides gave a brief history of the AHEPA's 100 years of service.

Thomas Crassas, a member of the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, speaks about a water well project for an Orthodox Seminary in Guatemala. AHEPA Chapter No. 61 donated $5,000 toward the project.

Chapter President George Giovanis gave highlights of 2021 chapter activities and briefed chapter members about upcoming events for 2022.

Chapter President George Giovanis presents gifts to the three visiting members of the District Lodge.

Michael Macaronis presents a report on the successful 2021 Ernie Orphanos Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament hosted by the Reading AHEPA Chapter in August.

Rev. Father Theodore Petrides from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading gave the opening and closing prayers and thanked the Reading AHEPA Chapter for its longtime support of the church and its ministries.

Reading AHEPA Chapter Treasurer Tony Phyrillas updates members on the chapter's finances.

The newest members of the Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter No. 61 are from l-r: Jonathan Thompson, Dr. George Visnich, Jason Arnold, James Phyrillas, Gino Caloiero and Chris Siozos.

READING AHEPA 2021 SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS

The 12th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Saturday, August 21, concluding another successful year for the Reading AHEPA chapter.  Congratulations to the 2021 tournament foursome champions – Ryan Holloway, Mike Firovante, Jonas Conner and Luke Fagley.  The second-place tournament winners were Bernie Donahue, Bern Donahue, Jason Arnold and Nick Lambros. The weather forecast for the day of the golf outing called for thunderstorms. However, 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 80 golf participants, 45 individual and business sponsors helped bring in $15,314 in revenue, resulting in a net profit of approximately $10,000 for this year’s tournament. 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.