American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association


The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. AHEPA was founded to fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of 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, 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 AHEPA was founded as a fraternity in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922. Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greeks in America, assist them with citizenship and assimilation into American culture, and combat prejudice. During that inaugural meeting, it was decided that AHEPA's purposes would be:
To advance and promote pure and undefiled Americanism among the Greeks of the United States, its Territories and Colonial possessions;
To educate the Greeks in the matter of democracy, and in the matter of the government of the United States;
To instill the deepest loyalty to the United States;
To promote fraternal sociability;
To practice benevolent aid among this nationality.
With the full assimilation of Greek Americans, its mission evolved toward philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of the Greek Americans and the ethnic Greeks of other countries where AHEPA is present, such as Australia, Canada, the Bahamas as well as Greece and Cyprus. In recent years, AHEPA has also expanded to other countries in Europe, besides Greece and Cyprus, including Austria, Belgium,France, Germany, Netherlands and UK.
The founders of the fraternity were eight men, all residents of Atlanta, who conceived the idea of the establishment of an association of mainly citizens of Greek descent, although not limited only to such members. The eight founders of the Order of AHEPA, who were also the members of the first Supreme Lodge of the organization, were Nicholas D. Chotas, James Campbell, Spiro J. Stamos, Harry Angelopoulos, George A. Polos, John Angelopoulos, George Campbell, James Vlass.
The office of Supreme President is the highest office in the Order of AHEPA. There have been 68 Supreme Presidents since the founding of the organization on July 26, 1922.

Past Supreme Presidents

PeriodSupreme President
2018-2019George E. Loucas
2017-2018Carl R. Hollister
2016-2017Andrew C. Zachariades
2015-2016John W. Galanis
2014-2015Philip T. Frangos
2013-2014Anthony Kouzounis
2011-2013Dr. John Grossomanides
2009-2011Nicholas A. Karacostas
2007-2009Ike Gulas
2005-2007Gus J. James II
2004-2005Frank R. Manios
2003-2004A. Jack Georgallas
2002-2003Dr. James F. Dimitriou
2001-2002Andrew T. Banis
2000-2001Johnny N. Economy
1999-2000George J. Dariotis
1998-1999Lee George Rallis
1997-1998Steve A. Manta
1995-1997Dr. Spiro J. Makris
1994-1995Charles M. Georgeson
1993-1994John N. Economou
1992-1993Dr. Gus A. Constantine
1991-1992John T. Pappas
1990-1991James S. Scofield
1989-1990Charles P. Tsaffaras
1988-1989A. Steve Betzelos
1987-1988Nicholas L. Strike
1986-1987John G. Plumides
1985-1986George P. Gabriel
1984-1985Cleo N. Zambetis
1983-1984Peter H. Cardiges
1982-1983Peter Kouchalakos
1981-1982Gustav Coffinas
1979-1981Nick Smyrnis
1978-1979Dr. Peter V. Paulus
1977-1978Peter N. Dervis
1976-1977Xenophon K. Microutsicos
1974-1976William G. Chirgotis
1973-1974William P. Tsaffaras
1972-1973Dr. Michael M. Spirtos
1971-1972Sam Nakis
1969-1971Louis G. Manesiotis
1968-1969Gus Cherevas
1967-1968Andrew Fasseas
1965-1967Kimon A. Doukas
1964-1965Nicholas J. Chirekos
1963-1964John G. Plumides
1962-1963George J. Margoles
1960-1962Nicholas Coffinas
1959-1960George E. Loucas
1957-1959CP Vernis
1956-1957John L. Manta
1954-1956Stephen S. Scopas
1953-1954Leo J. Lamberson
1951-1953Peter L. Bell
1947-1951John G. Thevos
1947-1949William Helis
1945-1947Harris J. Booras
1942-1945George C. Vournas
1940-1942Van A. Nomikos
1935-1940VI Chebithes
1934-1935Achilles Catsonis
1931-1934Harris J. Booras
1929-1931George E. Philles
1927-1929Dean Alfange
1924-1927VI Chebithes
1924George Demeter
1923-1924Hugh N. Wells
1922 - 1923Nicholas Chotas

Organization

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". Now local groups are called "Chapters" and regional organizations are called "Districts". The national structure is still called the "Supreme Lodge", however, and all of its officers have "Supreme" in their title such as Supreme President, Supreme Treasurer etc.
The Order of AHEPA has over 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, the chapters report to 28 different districts. Those 28 districts report to the Supreme Lodge and Headquarters located in Washington, DC.

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. By 1989, the number climbed to 60,000, despite an overall decline in memberships of fraternal groups during this period.
There have been 540 chapters chartered in the United States, 16 chartered in Canada, 30 chartered in Greece, 5 chartered in Cyprus, and 10 chartered in Europe. There are "sister" chapters in AHEPA Australasia. An estimated 500,000 men have been inducted into the Order of AHEPA over its 90-year history.

Supreme Convention

"In accordance with the provisions of the AHEPA Constitution, the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA shall be the highest constituted body of the entire AHEPA; it shall remain in session until it is adjourned by a majority of its members; its powers over the entire Order shall be limited only by the AHEPA Constitution and the AHEPA BYLAWS, over which it shall have the exclusive power to alter; and it shall consist, in its composite whole, of the Voting Members of the Convention.
The Supreme Convention has the authority to overturn, overrule, reject or rescind decisions of the Supreme Counselor, Board of Trustees or Supreme Lodge, including the authority to reject, rescind or terminate contracts after the consequences of such action is explained to them. Any such decision of the Supreme Convention to overturn, overrule, reject or rescind any decision of Supreme Counselor, Board of Trustees or Supreme Lodge can be made by a majority vote of the registered Voting Members of the Convention then present and voting at the time as long as those voting in favor represent at least a majority of the Voting Members of the Convention duly registered at such Convention."

Politics

AHEPA has taken a stand on the Cyprus issue since 1955 when it formed the "Justice for Cyprus" committee to support Cyprus' independence. Through the decades, the organization has continued advocate on issues relating to Greece and Cyprus in Washington, while also educating the public about these topics.
For each Congress, AHEPA compiles a Congressional scorecard on issues of importance to the American Hellenic community and to 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 the least, their level of awareness.

Awards

AHEPA recognizes distinguished achievements in various categories such as Public Service, Government, Law, Business, Journalism, Science, the Arts, Military Service, Humanitarian. Below is a list of AHEPA awards and recipients over the years.

Socrates Awards

The Socrates Award recognizes prominent men and women who have emulated ancient Hellenic ideals. This is the most prestigious award AHEPA awards.
AHEPA's premier social event, the AHEPA National Banquet, was held for the first time on February 26, 1929, at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC. In 1948, the name of the event was changed to the "AHEPA Congressional Banquet" and for the first time, a United States President, Harry Truman, attended. In 2000 AHEPA reverted to a more appropriate name of this event, The AHEPA Biennial Banquet.
Since 1964, the AHEPA National Banquet has also featured presentations of the organization's most coveted honor, the Socrates Award.
A list of past recipients of the Socrates Award:
Past recipients include:
The Order of AHEPA developed the Pericles award on both the National and District level to honor those individuals in Government.
Past national recipients include:
Also several United States Governors have been honored with this award as have many local government officials.

Solon Award

This national award is given to a member of the bar for excellence in the field of law.
This is a special award to be presented only by the Supreme Lodge at their discretion to any outstanding individual.
Past recipients:
This award is to be presented by the Supreme Lodge at the Grand Banquet of the Supreme Convention to an Outstanding Hellene who has distinguished himself in his respective profession or field of endeavor.
An award developed for recognition of members both national and local for their devotion and hard work in the field of public service.

Academy of Achievement Awards

These awards were funded by the Educational Foundation to honor individuals who excel in various areas of expertise. Awards can be given in the fields of business, journalism, the arts, science, and other liberal sciences.
This award was developed to honor the Archbishop of North and South America who was an active and vocal member of the AHEPA. Archbishop Iakovos helped define a generation of Orthodox faithful in the Americas. His vision and support of Human rights and compassion are a testament to his being a unique life force for all. This award is given to those individuals who surpass any standard of giving in support of Human rights and freedom.
List of recipients:
Awarded to active and retired members of the military in honor of their service to their country.
This award was developed to honor those individuals who sacrifice their lives or put their lives in harm's way in executing their duty. After the tragic events of 9/11 this award was created and awarded to the brave first responders. Additionally, this award is also reserved for any individual who sacrifices his or her own safety for those of others.
An award developed exclusively for those individuals who excel in the area of broadcasting or reporting the news, in any form. Television and or radio news personalities and other such journalists are eligible for this award.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is bestowed exclusively by the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA on a member of the Order for a lifetime of achievement in the Order of AHEPA.
The AHEPAN of the Year award is in recognition of outstanding leadership, devoted services, and unselfish contributions toward the advancement of the programs and progress of the Order of AHEPA over an AHEPA fiscal year.
All National AHEPA awards are awarded by the AHEPA Supreme Lodge and are reviewed and the criterion is always changing as dictated by the times by the AHEPA Supreme Lodge.

Athletics

In 1970, the AHEPA athletic program took form. AHEPA athletics include: softball, golf, bowling, basketball, with regional and national tournaments held annually. Each year, at the Supreme Convention, inductions are made into the AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 1975, the Order of AHEPA, at the suggestion of Past Supreme President, Louis Manesiotis and through the leadership of Supreme Athletic Director Dr. Monthe N. Kofos, established the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame to honor outstanding Hellenic athletes and sports personages. As of 2013, 130 members have been inducted. Annually, a representative and diverse of Ahepans appointed by the Supreme Athletic Director select worthy and eligible candidates for induction, after a nomination process pursuant to established written guidelines for both nomination and selection. The hallmarks of said process are objectivity, transparency and accountability.

Categories of selection

There are two categories of selection;
  1. ATHLETES who have excelled in their particular field of play, being eligible after the passage of three years from the end of their playing days ; and
  2. CONTRIBUTORS, being individuals who have contributed in some fashion to the field of athletics; for example, Athletic Directors, Coaches, Supporters and Media Personalities.
Formal induction into the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame is accomplished annually at the annual AHEPA Supreme National Convention during the Athletic Awards Luncheon.
AHEPA is honored to recognize Hellenes of outstanding athletic accomplishment. The AHEPA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME serves to memorialize these individuals and recognize their outstanding achievements.

ELIGIBILITY and nomination process

MemberYear inductedMemberYear inducted
Harry Agganis1975Alex Aronis2000
Dee Andros1975George Bollas Sr.2000
Peter Clentzos1975Alex G. Spanos2000
Alex Kampouris1975Peter G. Stark2000
Alex Karras1975Jimmie Angelopoulos2002
Jim Londos1975John Critzos II2002
Milt Pappas1975Charles George2002
Pete Pihos1975Michael Siganos2002
Lou Tsioropoulos1975Peter Angelos2003
Gus Zarnas1975George Dimit2003
Alex Grammas1976Jim Korfas2003
Johnny Morris1976Tom Palis2003
George Saimes1976Jim Carson2004
Dr. George Kaftan1977Jim Daopoulos2004
James Kekeris1977Nick Pappas2004
Gus Triandos1977Lou Skizas2004
Mike Castronis1978Mike Balitsaris2005
William Mackrides1978Chris Kontos2005
Gus Zitrides1978Manuel Scarmoutsos2005
Arthur Gregory1979Ernie Serfas2005
Billy Loes1979Anthony Loukas2006
Anton Christoforides1980George Makris2006
Gus Niarhos1980Carl Angelos2007
Nick Kerasiotis1981George Pappas2007
Andy Marefos1981Andy Sideris2007
Chris Pelekoudas1981John Galaris2009
Nick Kladis1982Greg Manesiotis2009
Dr. Monthe Kofos1982Vasili Pappas2009
Archie Matsos1982Pete Sampras2009
Nick Rassas1982Gus Constantine2010
George Zaharias1982Eric Karros2010
Ted Karras1983Steve Lappas2010
John Maskas1983Stanley Maratos2010
Nick Matis1984Art Anastopoulo2011
Leah Poulos-Mueller1984Adam Archuletta2011
Chris Farasopoulos1985Nick Kypreos2011
Dr. George Poloynis1986Stan Spirou2011
Nick Rodis1986George Theodore2011
John Mellekas1986Dean Lampros2012
Plato Andros1987Steve Leondis2012
Louis Manesiotis1987Nick Pappageorge2012
John Karras1988Tom Pappas2012
Menil Mavraides1988Leonidas Tsantiris2012
Eugene Rossides1989William Atessis2013
Nickos Spanakos1989Nick Galis2013
Petros Spanakos1989Bill Gazonas2013
Van Nomikos1990Greg Louganis2013
Peter Tountas1990Charles Theokas2013
Alex Athas1991Peter Karmanos Jr.2014
Bob Costas1991Joe Panos2014
Louis Karras1991Matt Stover2014
Archie Kodros1991Kirk Vidas2014
Mike Schooles1991Theodore Leonsis2015
Nick Conteas1992Christina Loukas2015
Bill Korinthias1992Bob Barnek2015
Lee Palles1992Paul J. Kaliades2015
George Theodoratos1992Nicolette Gianulias2016
Joe Collins1993Niko Koutouvides2016
Ted Gregory1993John Margaritis2016
Spiros Siaggas1993Steven Schubert2016
Chris Vagotis1993Christos Tsiotos2016
Al Campanis1994May Kotsopoulos2017
John Diamantakos1994Dan Mavraides2017
Peter Kouchalakis1994Nick Tsiotos2017
John Scolinos1994Aleke Joy Tsoubanos2017
Jimmy Caras1995Dr. James Vailas2017
George Dales1995Harry Cicma2018
James Poulos1995Michele Koclanes2018
David Psaltis1995George Papadakos2018
Augustus Ganakas1996Mark Philippoussis2018
Dr. Tom Katsimpalis1996George Ravanis2018
John Tsitouris1996Lt. Colonel Thomas Bellairs2019
Paul Xanthos1996Valorie Kondos Field2019
Ernest Afaganis1997Peter Laskaris2019
Phil Bouzeos1997Adam Rand2019
John Pachivas Sr.1997George Veras2019
Lou Tsipis1997
Nick Sacrinty1998
Robert Samaras1998
Fred Smerlas1998
Leo Thalassites1998
George Catavolos1999
Art Demmas1999
Tom Laris1999
Diana Nyad1999

AHEPA athletics recognizes outstanding athletic achievements in many ways. AHEPA athletics department award scholarships to deserving scholar-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding achievements both in the classroom and the athletic fields. The funds are available through the athletic booster trust fund established through the donations of individuals.
AHEPA hosts many regional and national tournaments in sports such as golf, bowling, basketball, and softball. Winners of the tournaments are awarded in many cases free travel to the national tournament during the Supreme convention.
The most prestigious AHEPA athletic award is the Harry Agganis Hellenic Athlete Award, which is awarded annually to the outstanding Hellene in the field of athletics professional or amateur of college level and above.

Harry Agganis Award winners

YearAward winnerSportYearAward winnerSport
1955Alex AronisFootball1990Pete SamprasTennis
1956George SpanesFootball1991Karen Choppelas HorstmeyerBasketball coach
1957Alex KarrasFootball1992Steve LappasNCAA basketball coach
1958Lou TsiriopoulosBasketball1993Chris KontosHockey
1959Gus TriandosBaseball1994Alkis PanagoulisSoccer coach
1960Milt PappasBaseball1995John MitsopoulosWeight lifting
1961Chris PelekoudasBaseball umpire1996Peter Karmanos Jr.Hockey
1962Alex GrammasBaseball1997Spiros SiaggasAHEPA athletics
1963George SaimesFootball1998Peter ClentzosOlympic pole vaulter
1964NONENONE1999James DaopoulosNFL Super Bowl Referee
1965Chris PelekoudasBaseball umpire2000John KorfasBasketball
1966Peter TountasBowling2001Matt StoverFootball
1967Dee AndrosFootball2002--
1968--2003--
1969Angelo LoukasFootball2004Tom PappasDecathlon
1970George AllenTrack2005NONENONE
1971George PappasBowling2006NONENONE
1972Gus GanakasBasketball2007NONENONE
1973Chris FarasopoulosFootball2008--
1974Alex StrikeWorld Judo Champ2009Nick MarkakisBaseball
1975Leah PoulosOlympic Speed Skater2010George JohnSoccer
1976NONENONE2011Dan MavraidesBasketball
1977John ScolinosBaseball Coach2012William VlachosRimington Finalist
1978NONENONE2013Niko KoutouvidesFootball
1979Alec CampanisL.A. Dodgers GM2014Kostas KoufosBasketball
1980Lee PallesDecathlon2015Giannis AntetokounmpoBasketball
1981Fred SmerlasFootball2016Mike MoustakasBaseball
1982Art DemmasNFL Referee2017Giannis AntetokounmpoBasketball
1983Greg LouganisOlympic Diving2018Dean KarnazesUltra-Marathoner Runner
1984Mike CastronisNCAA Football Coach2019Cody BellingerBaseball
1985Greg LouganisOlympic Diving2020
1986Peter DalisUCLA Athletic Director2021
1987Greg TafralisTrack2022
1988Tom PatsalisTrack2023
1989Chris CheliosHockey2024

Structure

The AHEPA Family consists of four organizations, the AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. AHEPA publishes The AHEPAN, which is the second largest Greek American publication in circulation. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association also maintains ties with the similar Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
The order of AHEPA consists of Chapters, Districts, and the Supreme Lodge.

Chapters

Any organization of men, but no fewer than ten, which individually and collectively, shall have duly petitioned for and received a Charter from the Supreme Lodge and which, thus Chartered and authorized, is functioning under the name and style of AHEPA, or its corporate name, shall be deemed to be a Chapter of the Order of AHEPA, and subject to its jurisdiction.
At the chapter level, the main officer positions are:
In addition, a chapter may also have the following officer positions:
The chapter also has a Board of Governors composed of a Chairman and a number of Governors selected in accordance with the number of members for whom per capita assessment has been paid to AHEPA Headquarters.
Number of Governors Based on Chapter Size:
The Officers of a Chapter shall serve for a term of twelve months, or until their successors are elected and
qualified.
All AHEPA Chapters report to a specific District.

Districts

The Chapters within the jurisdiction of this Order may be organized by the Supreme Lodge into twenty-eight Districts. Each District shall bear an individual name and number. Each District shall have a minimum of three active Chapters. The Chapters in a District with less than three active Chapters will be assigned by the Supreme Lodge to another District or Districts. The Supreme Lodge shall fix the boundaries of each District.
At the District level, the main officer positions are:
In addition, a District may also have the following officer positions:
Each and every District of the Order shall hold a District Convention annually during the months of May, June, or July. The specific time, date and place for succeeding District Conventions may be chosen by the District Convention not more than two years in advance. The Order of AHEPA in Canada may hold the District Conventions not later than the first week in August.
The Conventions of each District shall be composed of duly elected Delegates of the respective Chapters composing the District and the District Officers thereof, and the immediate retiring District Governor. All Past District Governors of any District in the AHEPA Domain may vote and have a sovereign vote provided that they are members in good standing of a Chapter of that District.
The District Conventions of the Order of AHEPA shall have power and authority to:
  1. ALL MATTERS: Consider and discuss all matters affecting the affairs of the Order in the District;
  2. LEGISLATION: Adopt such legislation as the Delegates may deem necessary and proper for the welfare of the District, provided that such legislation does not in any way conflict with the AHEPA CONSTITUTION and AHEPA BYLAWS and decrees of the Supreme Convention of the Order;
  3. DECISIONS: Decide any and all things necessary and proper for the advancement of the District;
  4. RESOLUTIONS: Pass resolutions and transmit them to the Supreme Convention through the District Governor; and
  5. APPROPRIATE FUNDS: To appropriate monies had or to be had in the District Treasury, prescribe the manner and purposes of and for which such appropriations shall be used and designate the Officer or Officers who are to disburse the same.

    List of districts

AHEPA also has Regions. There are nine Regions defined by the Order of AHEPA. Each Region is divided into a set of active districts. Each Region also has an elected Supreme Governor who makes up part of the Supreme lodge.
The nine Regions are:
The "Supreme Lodge" of this Order shall be composed of the following Supreme Officers: