American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
Template:Short description Template:Independent sources Template:Infobox fraternity The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA, usually referred to as the Order of AHEPA) is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. AHEPA was founded with a focus on civil rights, particularly to counteract the Ku Klux Klan. It is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
History
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) fraternity was established in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922.<ref name="ReferenceA">Leber, George J. (1972). History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972. Washington, D.C.: Order of AHEPA. Retrieved October 26, 2024.</ref> Its eight founders were residents of Atlanta who were of Greek descent, including Harry Angelopoulos, George Campbell, James Campbell, Nicholas D. Chotas, George A. Polos, Spiro J. Stamos, and James Vlass.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greeks in America, assist them with citizenship and assimilation into American culture, and combat prejudice.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> At that meeting Chotas was elected its first president.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> In its early years, AHEPA worked with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith in order to combat discrimination, particularly against the Ku Klux Klan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As Greek Americans assimilated into American society, AHEPA's mission shifted toward the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.<ref name="ahepa.org">AHEPA website ahepa.org</ref><ref name=":4">Alan Axelrod, International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, New York: Facts on File, 1997, pp.4-5</ref> AHEPA expanded to countries in Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.<ref name=":2" />
The AHEPA Family consists of four organizations: the AHEPA (men), Daughters of Penelope (women), Sons of Pericles (young men), and Maids of Athena (young women).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> AHEPA publishes The AHEPAN, which is the second largest Greek American publication in circulation. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association also maintains ties with a similar Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.Template:Citation needed
Symbols
The association's colors are blue and white, based on the traditional colors of Greece.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> It also uses the color red.<ref name=":0" />
Membership
Originally, membership was restricted to only Greeks. At its third meeting, the Order decided to change this, allowing non-Greeks to join. In 1979, AHEPA had over 25,000 members in 400 chapters.<ref name=":3" /> By 1989, the number climbed to 60,000, despite an overall decline in memberships of fraternal groups during this period.<ref name=":4" /> An estimated 500,000 men have been inducted into the Order of AHEPA over its 90-year history.<ref>AHEPA membership fact sheet via AHEPA HQ in Washington, DC</ref>
Governance
Originally, AHEPA was organized on a lodge system like that of the Masons or Oddfellows. Local units were called Subordinate Lodges, and state or territory structures were called Superior Lodges. Today, it consists of the supreme lodge, districts, and chapters.
Supreme Lodge
The Supreme Lodge is the main governing body of the AHEPA. The Supreme Lodge is headquartered at 1909 Q St NW in Washington, D.C.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is elected at the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA, a session including the majority of the organization's members.<ref>AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 13</ref> It consist of the following officers:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Schmidt, Alvin J. Fraternal Organizations. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1980. pp. 23 and 25. Template:ISBN</ref>
- Supreme President
- Supreme Vice President
- Canadian President
- Supreme Secretary
- Supreme Treasurer
- Supreme Counselor
- Supreme Athletic Director
- National Sons of Pericles Advisor
- Supreme/Regional Governor (9)
Chapters
Local groups of AHEPA are called chapters. The Supreme Lodge can charter a chapter to a group of at least ten men.<ref>AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 8</ref> The chapter's main officer positions are president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, chaplain, warden, and captain of the Guard.<ref>AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 9</ref> There have been 540 chapters chartered in the United States, sixteen chartered in Canada, thirty chartered in Greece, five chartered in Cyprus, and ten chartered in Europe. Over 400 chapters are active in the United States, Canada, and Europe.<ref name="ahepa.org" /> There are sister chapters in AHEPA Australasia (Australia and New Zealand).
Districts
Chapters are organized into 28 districts.<ref name=":2" /> Districts elect officers at annual district conventions, held in May, June, or July.<ref name="ReferenceD">AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 11</ref> District officers include district governor, lieutenant governor, district secretary, district treasurer, district marshal, district warden, and district athletic director.<ref>AHEPA Constitution 2013; Article 12</ref> Current districts include:<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
| Number | Name | Area served | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mother Dother Lodge | Georgia, Alabama, northwest Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2 | Citrus | Florida (except northwest) | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 3 | Capital | District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 4 | Power | Pennsylvania | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 5 | Garden | Delaware, New Jersey | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 6 | Empire | New York | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 7 | Yankee | Connecticut, Rhode Island | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 8 | Bay State | Massachusetts | |
| 9 | Northern New England | Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 10 | Automotive | Michigan | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 11 | Buckeye | Ohio, Kentucky, part of West Virginia | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 12 | Hoosier | Indiana | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 13 | Blue Ribbon | Illinois, Wisconsin | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 14 | Grainsfield | Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and eastern Missouri | |
| 16 | Delta | Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and western Missouri | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 17 | Rocky Mountain | Colorado, Idaho, Montana, western Nebraska, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Ely, Nevada | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 20 | El Camino Real | Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Southern California | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 21 | Golden Gate | Northern California and Nevada (except Ely) | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 22 | Firewood | Oregon, Washington, and Alaska | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 23 | Beaver | Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Islands, and New Brunswick | |
| 24 | Royal Canadian | Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba | |
| 25 | Hellas | Greece | |
| 26 | Canadian | British Columbia | |
| 27 | Cyprus | Cyprus | |
| 28 | European | Europe, except for Cyprus and Greece | |
| Australia | Australia, New Zealand |
Activities
Politics
AHEPA has taken a stand on the Cyprus issue since 1955 when it formed the "Justice for Cyprus" committee to support Cyprus' independence.<ref name=":3" /> Through the decades, the organization has continued to advocate on issues relating to Greece and Cyprus in Washington, while also educating the public about these topics.<ref name=":4" />
For each Congress, AHEPA compiles a Congressional scorecard on issues of importance to the American Hellenic community and the organization. The purpose of the scorecard is to educate AHEPA's membership and the community on how engaged members of Congress are on these issues, or at least, their level of awareness.Template:Citation needed
Awards
AHEPA recognizes distinguished achievements in various categories such as public service, government, law, business, journalism, science, the arts, military service, and humanitarian. Some of its awards include the Academy of Achievement Award, AHEPAN of the Year, and the Pericles Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Socrates Award
The Socrates Award recognizes prominent men and women who have emulated ancient Hellenic ideals. This is the most prestigious award AHEPA awards and has been presented at the AHEPA National Banquet since 1964.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref> Past recipients of the Socrates Award include:<ref name=":1" />
- Henry Luce – 1964 – Publisher of Time and Life magazines
- Lyndon B. Johnson – 1966 – President of the United States of America
- Everett Dirksen – 1968 – Senator from Illinois
- Spiro T. Agnew – 1970 – Vice-president of the United States of America
- Richard M. Nixon – 1971 – President of the United States of America
- Athenagoras I of Constantinople – 1972
- United States Senate and United States House of Representatives – 1976
- Hubert H. Humphrey – 1978 – Vice-president of the United States of America
- Claiborne Pell – 1982 – Senator from Connecticut
- Bob Hope – 1984 – Entertainer
- Ronald Reagan – 1986 – President of the United States of America
- Archbishop Iakovos – 1988 – Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America
- George H. W. Bush – 1990 – President of the United States of America
- William Pagonis – 1992 – Lt. General
- Mary Matthews – 1992 – Philanthropist
- Paul Sarbanes – 1993 – Senator from Maryland
- William Clinton – 1996 – President of the United States of America
- Patriarch Bartholomew – 1997 – Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch
- George W. Bush – 2002 – President of the United States of America
- Tassos Papadopoulos – 2007 – President of Cyprus
- Costas Karamanlis – 2007 – Prime Minister of Greece
- George Kalogridis – 2014 – President Walt Disney World Resort
- Joe Biden – 2015 – Vice-president of the United States of America
- John Boehner – 2015 – Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Philip Christopher – 2019 – President of the International Co-ordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus"
- Michael Psaros – 2019 – Co-founder and Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners
- Nicos Anastasiades – 2021 – President of the Republic of Cyprus
- Kyriakos Mitsotakis – 2021 – Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
- Panos Costa Panay – 2022 – Chief product officer of Microsoft,
- George Tsunis – 2023 – U.S. Ambassador to Greece
Athletic Hall of Fame
Each year, at the Supreme Convention, inductions are made into the AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame. The AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to honor outstanding Hellenic athletes and sports personages.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Member | Year inducted | Member | Year inducted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Agganis | 1975 | Alex Aronis | 2000 | |
| Dee Andros | 1975 | George Bollas Sr. | 2000 | |
| Peter Clentzos | 1975 | Alex G. Spanos | 2000 | |
| Alex Kampouris | 1975 | Peter G. Stark | 2000 | |
| Alex Karras | 1975 | Jimmie Angelopoulos | 2002 | |
| Jim Londos | 1975 | John Critzos II | 2002 | |
| Milt Pappas | 1975 | Charles George | 2002 | |
| Pete Pihos | 1975 | Michael Siganos | 2002 | |
| Lou Tsioropoulos | 1975 | Peter Angelos | 2003 | |
| Gus Zarnas | 1975 | George Dimit | 2003 | |
| Alex Grammas | 1976 | Jim Korfas | 2003 | |
| Johnny Morris | 1976 | Tom Palis | 2003 | |
| George Saimes | 1976 | Jim Carson | 2004 | |
| Dr. George Kaftan | 1977 | Jim Daopoulos | 2004 | |
| James Kekeris | 1977 | Nick Pappas | 2004 | |
| Gus Triandos | 1977 | Lou Skizas | 2004 | |
| Mike Castronis | 1978 | Mike Balitsaris | 2005 | |
| William Mackrides | 1978 | Chris Kontos | 2005 | |
| Gus Zitrides | 1978 | Manuel Scarmoutsos | 2005 | |
| Arthur Gregory | 1979 | Ernie Serfas | 2005 | |
| Billy Loes | 1979 | Anthony Loukas | 2006 | |
| Anton Christoforides | 1980 | George Makris | 2006 | |
| Gus Niarhos | 1980 | Carl Angelos | 2007 | |
| Nick Kerasiotis | 1981 | George Pappas | 2007 | |
| Andy Marefos | 1981 | Andy Sideris | 2007 | |
| Chris Pelekoudas | 1981 | John Galaris | 2009 | |
| Nick Kladis | 1982 | Greg Manesiotis | 2009 | |
| Dr. Monthe Kofos | 1982 | Vasili (Billy) Pappas | 2009 | |
| Archie Matsos | 1982 | Pete Sampras | 2009 | |
| Nick Rassas | 1982 | Gus Constantine | 2010 | |
| George Zaharias | 1982 | Eric Karros | 2010 | |
| Ted Karras | 1983 | Steve Lappas | 2010 | |
| John Maskas | 1983 | Stanley Maratos | 2010 | |
| Nick Matis | 1984 | Art Anastopoulo | 2011 | |
| Leah Poulos-Mueller | 1984 | Adam Archuletta | 2011 | |
| Chris Farasopoulos | 1985 | Nick Kypreos | 2011 | |
| Dr. George Poloynis | 1986 | Stan Spirou | 2011 | |
| Nick Rodis | 1986 | George Theodore | 2011 | |
| John Mellekas | 1986 | Dean Lampros | 2012 | |
| Plato Andros | 1987 | Steve Leondis | 2012 | |
| Louis Manesiotis | 1987 | Nick Pappageorge | 2012 | |
| John Karras | 1988 | Tom Pappas | 2012 | |
| Menil Mavraides | 1988 | Leonidas Tsantiris | 2012 | |
| Eugene Rossides | 1989 | William Atessis | 2013 | |
| Nickos Spanakos | 1989 | Nick Galis | 2013 | |
| Petros Spanakos | 1989 | Bill Gazonas | 2013 | |
| Van Nomikos | 1990 | Greg Louganis | 2013 | |
| Peter Tountas | 1990 | Charles Theokas | 2013 | |
| Alex Athas | 1991 | Peter Karmanos Jr. | 2014 | |
| Bob Costas | 1991 | Joe Panos | 2014 | |
| Louis Karras | 1991 | Matt Stover | 2014 | |
| Archie Kodros | 1991 | Kirk Vidas | 2014 | |
| Mike Schooles | 1991 | Theodore ("Ted") Leonsis | 2015 | |
| Nick Conteas | 1992 | Christina Loukas | 2015 | |
| Bill Korinthias | 1992 | Bob Barnek | 2015 | |
| Lee Palles | 1992 | Paul J. Kaliades | 2015 | |
| George Theodoratos | 1992 | Nicolette Gianulias | 2016 | |
| Joe Collins | 1993 | Niko Koutouvides | 2016 | |
| Ted Gregory | 1993 | John Margaritis | 2016 | |
| Spiros Siaggas | 1993 | Steven Schubert | 2016 | |
| Chris Vagotis | 1993 | Christos Tsiotos | 2016 | |
| Al Campanis | 1994 | May Kotsopoulos | 2017 | |
| John Diamantakos | 1994 | Dan Mavraides | 2017 | |
| Peter Kouchalakis | 1994 | Nick Tsiotos | 2017 | |
| John Scolinos | 1994 | Aleke Joy Tsoubanos | 2017 | |
| Jimmy Caras | 1995 | Dr. James Vailas | 2017 | |
| George Dales | 1995 | Harry Cicma | 2018 | |
| James Poulos | 1995 | Michele Koclanes | 2018 | |
| David Psaltis | 1995 | George Papadakos | 2018 | |
| Augustus Ganakas | 1996 | Mark Philippoussis | 2018 | |
| Dr. Tom Katsimpalis | 1996 | George Ravanis | 2018 | |
| John Tsitouris | 1996 | Lt. Colonel Thomas Bellairs | 2019 | |
| Paul Xanthos | 1996 | Valorie Kondos Field | 2019 | |
| Ernest Afaganis | 1997 | Peter Laskaris | 2019 | |
| Phil Bouzeos | 1997 | Adam Rand | 2019 | |
| John Pachivas Sr. | 1997 | George Veras | 2019 | |
| Lou Tsipis | 1997 | George John | 2020 | |
| Nick Sacrinty | 1998 | Stamos Mazarakis | 2020 | |
| Robert Samaras | 1998 | Eleni Rossides | 2020 | |
| Fred Smerlas | 1998 | Christopher Soukas | 2020 | |
| Leo Thalassites | 1998 | Marcos Baghdatis | 2021 | |
| George Catavolos | 1999 | Speros Dedes | 2021 | |
| Art Demmas | 1999 | Pyrros Dimas | 2021 | |
| Tom Laris | 1999 | Emmanuel Pihakis | 2021 | |
| Diana Nyad | 1999 | Kurt Rambis | 2021 | |
| Stella Sampras-Webster | 2021 | Alex Anthopoulos | 2022 | |
| Jim Karsatos | 2022 | Nick Markakis | 2022 | |
| Tony Pashos | 2022 | Nick Voris | 2022 | |
| Samantha Prahalis | 2022 | George Kokinis | 2023 | |
| George Kostelis | 2023 | Alexi Lalas | 2023 | |
| Nick Mourouzis | 2023 | Kristofer O'Dowd | 2023 | |
| Jason Zafiros | 2023 | Michael Bramos | 2024 | |
| Paul Kostacopoulos | 2024 | Stylianos Kyriakides | 2024 | |
| Angelo Loukas | 2024 | Leonidas "Lonie" Paxton | 2024 | |
| Mike Moustakas | 2025 | Jimmy Patsos | 2025 | |
| Peter Soteropoulos | 2025 | Nicholas Theodorou | 2025 | |
| Clint Zavaras | 2025 |
Harry Agganis Award
The Harry Agganis Hellenic Athlete Award is awarded annually to the outstanding Hellene in the field of athletics, professional or amateur, of college level and above.<ref name="ReferenceB">Order of AHEPA 90th Anniversary 1922-2012, 2012 AHEPA Family Album, 90th Supreme Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 22–27, 2012</ref>
| Year | Award winner | Sport | Year | Award winner | Sport | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Alex Aronis | Football | 1990 | Pete Sampras | Tennis | |
| 1956 | George Spanes | Football | 1991 | Karen Choppelas Horstmeyer | Basketball coach | |
| 1957 | Alex Karras | Football | 1992 | Steve Lappas | NCAA basketball coach | |
| 1958 | Lou Tsiriopoulos | Basketball | 1993 | Chris Kontos | Hockey | |
| 1959 | Gus Triandos | Baseball | 1994 | Alkis Panagoulis | Soccer coach | |
| 1960 | Milt Pappas | Baseball | 1995 | John Mitsopoulos | Weight lifting | |
| 1961 | Chris Pelekoudas | Baseball umpire | 1996 | Peter Karmanos Jr. | Hockey | |
| 1962 | Alex Grammas | Baseball | 1997 | Spiros Siaggas | AHEPA athletics | |
| 1963 | George Saimes | Football | 1998 | Peter Clentzos | Olympic pole vaulter | |
| 1964 | NONE | NONE | 1999 | James Daopoulos | NFL Super Bowl Referee | |
| 1965 | Chris Pelekoudas | Baseball umpire | 2000 | John Korfas | Basketball | |
| 1966 | Peter Tountas | Bowling | 2001 | Matt Stover | Football | |
| 1967 | Dee Andros | Football | 2002 | None | None | |
| 1968 | None | None | 2003 | None | None | |
| 1969 | Angelo Loukas | Football | 2004 | Tom Pappas | Decathlon | |
| 1970 | George Allen | Track | 2005 | NONE | NONE | |
| 1971 | George Pappas | Bowling | 2006 | NONE | NONE | |
| 1972 | Gus Ganakas | Basketball | 2007 | NONE | NONE | |
| 1973 | Chris Farasopoulos | Football | 2008 | None | None | |
| 1974 | Alex Strike | World Judo Champ | 2009 | Nick Markakis | Baseball | |
| 1975 | Leah Poulos | Olympic Speed Skater | 2010 | George John | Soccer | |
| 1976 | NONE | NONE | 2011 | Dan Mavraides | Basketball | |
| 1977 | John Scolinos | Baseball Coach | 2012 | William Vlachos | Rimington Finalist | |
| 1978 | NONE | NONE | 2013 | Niko Koutouvides | Football | |
| 1979 | Alec Campanis | L.A. Dodgers GM | 2014 | Kostas Koufos | Basketball | |
| 1980 | Lee Palles | Decathlon | 2015 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Basketball | |
| 1981 | Fred Smerlas | Football | 2016 | Mike Moustakas | Baseball | |
| 1982 | Art Demmas | NFL Referee | 2017 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Basketball | |
| 1983 | Greg Louganis | Olympic Diving | 2018 | Dean Karnazes | Ultra-Marathoner Runner | |
| 1984 | Mike Castronis | NCAA Football Coach | 2019 | Cody Bellinger | Baseball | |
| 1985 | Greg Louganis | Olympic Diving | 2020 | Stefanos Tsitsipas | Tennis | |
| 1986 | Peter Dalis | UCLA Athletic Director | 2021 | Ted Karras | Football | |
| 1987 | Greg Tafralis | Track | 2022 | Jordan Kyrou | Hockey | |
| 1988 | Tom Patsalis | Track | 2023 | Maria Sakkari | Tennis | |
| 1989 | Chris Chelios | Hockey | 2024 | George Karlaftis | Football | |
| 2025 | Nick Calathes | Basketball |
Notable members
- Dean Alfange, Deputy New York State Attorney General
- James P. Axiotis, film and television producer, director, and writer
- George Demeter (Boston) Massachusetts House of Representatives and parliamentarian
- Leo Housakos, Speaker of the Senate of Canada
- Charles Moskos, sociologist and a professor at Northwestern University
- Nik Nanos, public opinion pollster, entrepreneur, public speaker, author
- Tom Pentefountas, vice-chair of Broadcasting of Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and president of the National Executive Committee of Action démocratique du Québec
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (Delphi, 1931), President of the United States, Governor of New York, and New York State Senate<ref>Conversations with F.D.R. at his AHEPA Initiation: Frigates, Battleships, Espionage and a Sentimental Bond with Greece, by Leonidas V. Georgiou, New York: Knollwood Press, 2019. Available through AbeBooks.com.</ref>
- Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator from Texas
- Nick Theodore, Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, South Carolina Senate, and South Carolina House of Representatives
- Russell Wilson, mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio and a founder of Sigma Sigma honor society
- George James Tsunis, U.S. Ambassador to Greece, businessman
- Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative from Florida, lawyer
See also
- AHEPA University Hospital
- List of North American ethnic and religious fraternal orders
- List of ethnic organizations in the United States
- List of general fraternities