ORLANDO, FL – AHEPA’s 95th Supreme Convention opened at The Yacht Club Convention Center at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. The sun-splashed skies were reminiscent of Greece as thousands of Ahepans from all over the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Germany and throughout Europe and even from as far away as Australia came together to celebrate Hellenism and the nearly century-old Greek grass roots organization.
The opening ceremonies included some 1000 members representing any one of all four orders: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, and their respective junior orders, The Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena.
AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis welcomed the attendees and set forth a schedule of events for the week, including a Greek night, youth activities, special fireworks, an exclusiveAHEPA event at the Epcot Center, and the Grand Banquet.
AHEPA Australia President Peter Ganudis said it was his honor to be with the convention crowd. He emphasized that AHEPA and its values are preached worldwide.
Maids of Athena Grand President Tria Charnas of Ohio explained that being a Maid and participating nationally – promoting Hellenism while learning from the greatest Greek-American leaders – was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Sons of Pericles Supreme President Nick Apostolou, of New Jersey, said being a Son was not only socially fun but also the greatest mentoring program in the world. He encouraged the crowd to reach out to the Youth of Greek America to join, as they are the future.
Supreme Grand President Jan Spanos from California said “we convene to join hands and hearts. The philanthropic works of Ahepa are always rewarded as we leave our Supreme conventions richer than when we came.”
Supreme President Andrew Zachariades thanked all of the chapters, some 450 of them declaring that “our legacy is beyond reproach as AHEPA remains dedicated to Hellenism, the United States, Greece, Cyprus and to our mother church. We need to reach out to our millennials to join us, as what we do makes a difference.”
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Source: thenationalherald.com
