Washington, DC – The Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) hosted the 2025 AHEPA National Banquet at the historic Mayflower Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, Chairman of The AHEPA Foundation Inc. He introduced master of ceremonies for the evening, Chicago businessman John Manos, who played host as the Order of AHEPA presented the 2025 AHEPA Public Service Awards to several freshmen Greek American U.S. representatives, among other prestigious awards, to distinguished guests that evening.
AHEPA has actively promoted good citizenship and community service initiatives since its establishment in 1922, both within the United States and internationally. Furthermore, the organization has honored those who dedicate themselves to public service since 1927.
AHEPA member Charles Mackenzie presented the Public Service Award to his son, past AHEPA Chapter President, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA). Additionally, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), active AHEPA member and longstanding Greek American champion, presented U.S. Reps. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) each with the Public Service Award. Though unable to attend, U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) was also awarded the 2025 AHEPA Public Service Award.
In a surprise appearance, U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) offered remarks to members of AHEPA family from the United States, Canada, and Europe, who filled the ballroom to capacity.
AHEPA Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou took the stage to present the final 2025 AHEPA Public Service Award to Stavros Anthony, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Nevada. Lt. Governor Anthony provided a warm video message of thanks to AHEPA for the honor, accepting his award and expressing regret that he was unable to attend.
Lieutenant Colonel Praxitelis N. Vamvakias made a moving presentation of the 2025 AHEPA Military Medal of Honor to his brother in arms, General Andrew P. Poppas, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command. General Poppas graciously accepted the award in a heartwarming video addressing the audience.
The final award of the evening, the Academy of Achievement Award in International Relations, presented by Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos, was for Dr. Michael Rubin, PhD., Senior Fellow for Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.
Distinguished guests and speakers throughout the evening included: Her Excellency Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the U.S.; His Excellency Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S.; His Grace Bishop Nektarios Papazafiropoulos; Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP & AHEPA Foundation Chairman; Margaret Dritsas, Daughters of Penelope Grand President; Alec Economakis, Sons of Pericles Supreme President; and Cristina Saavedra-Mamounis, Maids of Athena Grand Secretary.
Ahepa Chapter 26 of Greater Philadelphia participated at the ahepa National Gala
Mr & Mrs John Sarkioglou
George Tsilomelekis, PhD
And our President Paul Kotrotsios
