Good Evening and welcome to our Chapter’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

Today, in the historic city of Philadelphia — the birthplace of American democracy — we gather to celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone: 

100 years of AHEPA Chapter 26 of Greater Philadelphia.

• One hundred years of service.
• One hundred years of brotherhood.
• One hundred years of faith, family, and philanthropy.

Founded under the national banner of AHEPA, our chapter has carried forward the sacred mission of preserving our Hellenic heritage while embracing the ideals of America — democracy, freedom, and opportunity.

Tonight, we are deeply honored by the presence of our distinguished guests:

His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey; and Area Clergy

Supreme President of AHEPA, Chris Kaitson, who traveled from Texas to be with us;

Supreme Secretary Frangos; and Supreme VP Zenon Christodoulou

Councilman Mike Driscoll representative of the city of Philadelphia along with his  Chief of staff Mr Frank Forkin

Past Supreme President George Horiates, who is also the Chair responsible for the upcoming AHEPA Convention here in Philadelphia this July;

AHEPA District Governor D4 Tim Vlassopoulos.

Keynote speaker of this evening, Ilias Loui Katsos, Past District Governor of District 6 and Chairman of the Great Parade on Fifth Avenue, 

who will also address the 100th, 205th, and 250th anniversary celebrations.

We are grateful for the presence of our special guests from Districts 4 and 5, as well as the Presidents and members of our surrounding Chapters—

Chapter 445, led by Dr. Dimosthenis Giamouridis, and Chapter 69 led by PSP George Horiates of New Jersey—

along with all our honored guests.

Thank you all for being part of this historic evening.

I undertook the responsibility of rebuilding this historic Chapter 26 of Greater Philadelphia with our board, 

because I know its history—and I know its people.

People like Past President Tassos Efstratiades, who is with us tonight;
the late John Manos;
the late Judge Lagakos;

the late Ernie Chletcos;
the Colligas family;
and so many others whose families honor us with their presence this evening.

We gathered here tonight to pay tribute to all those who served and contributed so much to this Chapter and to our community.

But we also gathered to make a commitment—not only to revive this Chapter, but to make it stronger, more relevant, and better than ever, while remaining faithful to the AHEPA mission:
the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

Yes—we are sponsoring scholarships.
Yes—we are supporting educational programs, including Hellenic Genocide awareness initiatives.
Yes—we are proud sponsors of THALASSIMIA and the important work of Dr. Zisis Choneos at Penn State University. Dr Chroneos tonight will receive a $4,000 check towards his projects of HELPING OTHERS

And yes—we are planning outreach events throughout the surrounding communities, inviting professionals, Hellenes, and Philhellenes alike to join us, 

engage with us, and become members of this great organization.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you each and every one of you 

for your presence, your trust, and your participation in this historic celebration.

Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and build the future 

and 

present it later on to our kids and grand kids.

Before I conclude, it is my duty—and my honor—to express my deepest gratitude.

First, I thank my Board of Directors, whose dedication, unity, and teamwork made this historic celebration possible:
Dr. George Tsilomelenis, Vice President;
Leonidas Melissinos, Corresponding Secretary;
Jim Petkovits, Secretary;
and Dr. Paul Karagiannis, Treasurer.

Thank you for your commitment, your countless hours of service, and your belief in this historic Chapter.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to all our members who worked tirelessly to make this 100th Anniversary a success and who continue to keep the Hellenic flame burning in Greater Philadelphia with pride and purpose.

We would also like to thank the management of the magnificent Arts Ballroom, especially John Hatzikostas and his outstanding staff, for hosting us this evening and for their professionalism and cooperation throughout this entire process.

Thank you.

At this point I want to call His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of NJ for the Invocation and His short greetings

Please rise

The National Anthems 

Please rise

• We appreciate the presence of the Supreme President Chris Kaitson and I would like to invite him to the podium

Special presentation by the City of Philadelphia Representative Councilman Mike Driscoll 

• Greetings by Supreme secretary Frangos 

• Greetings by District Governor Tim Vlassopoulos

• Greetings by PSP George Horiates the Chair for the next Supreme Convention here in Philadelphia

• And Now is the time to hear our Keynote Speaker Mr. Ilias Katsos 

Before we conclude I want to invite to the podium Dr Zisis Chroneos who is doing a very good work to cure Thalassemia 

Our chapter is a contributor with an initial contribution of $4,000

Can we Please have all the executive board  members come up yo help me present this to Dr. Zisis Chroneos

Thank you 

Please enjoy your Dinner 

• Music by the Atlantis of Philadelphia