AHEPA
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
AHEPA is unique among other organizations due to the creation of the AHEPA family: the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, and the Maids of Athena. AHEPA works as a unit toward the fulfillment of a common mission. Combined, the four organizations have contributed well over $1 billion to national projects throughout their history.
The order of AHEPA was founded in Atlanta, Georgia on July 25, 1922. The founding members were quick to spread their mission throughout the USA, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus. Today there are 365 chapters. However, quick to spread their mission, AHEPA installed 248 chapters in the first seven years of its existence. AHEPA and its Family are proud of the contributions the ancient Greeks gifted to Western civilization. As Americans, we share many of the values/principles put forth by our Hellenic ancestors: civic responsibility, philanthropy, education, family and individual excellence, and ideals of democracy. This is the essence of our heritage. This is the core of our mission. An important component of the AHEPA Family’s mission is to create an awareness of the principles of Hellenism to modern society.
The Greenville, South Carolina AHEPA Chapter was formed on September 19, 1929 and named the AHEPA Textile Chapter No. 242 This organization has been forefront in the Greenville Greek community with its philanthropic mission. The Chapter was addressed by Supreme Governor John Theoplies of Miami, Florida. Officers of the Greenville Chapter elected were James Petropoulos, President; George Cheros, Secretary; Constantine Bamvakas, Treasurer; Sam Konduros, Chaplain; and Gus Lapas, Warden.
The Board of Governors is composed of the following: Steve Petrakos, Charles Efstration, Gus Metchecus, Andrew J. Theodore, and Henry Theodore. Peter Petrakos was named Captain of the Guard and Tom Loumos as Sentinel.
The Asheville, NC degree team did the formal work, the members being assisted by James Karambelis. The Textile Chapter started with 25 members. Our AHEPA Chapter later grew to over 40 members and has been involved in many philanthropic projects. An open meeting was held for the ladies at which time the principles of the Order were explained.
AHEPA Scholarships for Education:
AHEPA, the largest and oldest Greek-American organization in the United States, has consistently dedicated itself to advancing education for the next generation. Through our financial support in the form of scholarships, AHEPA aims to alleviate the significant burden faced by today’s students. The cost of education should not act as a barrier, but rather mirror students’ aspirations to achieve scholastic enrichment in their young lives.
The AHEPA 242 Charitable Foundation is funded annually by the A. J. Theodore Foundation and the AHEPA Housing Corporation, awarding scholarships to high school seniors going to college. The Foundation is presently chaired by George Georgiades and Jenna Theodore Sinclair, supporting students of parents who are members of the St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Greenville, SC.
Civic:
In 2008, the Chapter received a HUD grant to build an affordable housing apartment complex at 407 Woods Lake Rd., Greenville, SC with 48 apartments for the elderly. The official name is AHEPA 242 Apartments. The Greenville Chapter plans to apply for additional HUD grants.
Family and Individual Excellence:
Greenville Chapter 242 competes in a number of athletic sports having won numerous AHEPA District One Basketball Championships, as well as softball competitions. Individuals have also participated in many individual efforts.
District One and Supreme AHEPA Events:
The Greenville AHEPA Family has participated in District and Supreme activities, serving as District and Supreme officers, both elected and appointed. 83rd midwinter conference, February 10-12, 2012.
Philanthropy:
The AHEPA Family Life Center groundbreaking ceremony was held in the spring of 2009. The city of Greenville issued permits on April 30, 2009 to commence construction. The day started with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Alexios and was completed when the congregation gathered at the building site on October 17, 2010. Following the ribbon-cutting, a complementary luncheon was provided for those in attendance. The Greenville Textile Chapter order of AHEPA pledged $500,000 for the youth of our community, thus receiving naming rights for the building, an accomplishment that the Textile Chapter is extremely proud of, as stated by Chris Kapetanakos, Chapter President.
AHEPA Family Center
The following was the program from the groundbreaking ceremony of the new athletic center:
St. George Cathedral
Athletic Center Ground Breaking Ceremony
January 25, 2008
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:45 am Adjourn from Cathedral to site
12:00 pm Blessing offered by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
(Children’s choir to sing during blessing)
12:10 pm Comments from Mayor White
12:20 pm Ground breaking ceremony
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
Father Tom Pistolis
President of St. George Community
Children of St. George
12:45 pm Lunch sponsored by Basketball Players & Goya
12:50 pm Invocation – His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
1:00 pm Children’s choir performance
1:10 pm Message from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
1:40 pm Special Recognition by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
In January of 2009, Bishop Alexios wrote a congratulatory letter to The St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral community:
