NEW YORK, NY –
The Chios Societies of New Jersey will host the 68th National Chian Convention from October 9-11, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Fort Lee, New Jersey, bringing together members of the Chian diaspora from across North America for a weekend of fellowship, cultural celebration, and philanthropy.
A centerpiece of this year’s convention will be the unveiling of a major homeland assistance campaign in response to the devastating wildfires that recently affected central and northwestern Chios. Through a coordinated effort, the Chios Societies of America and Canada will launch a unified Homeland Relief Initiative aimed at strengthening the island’s firefighting capabilities.
The campaign will establish an emergency fund of €128,092.80 to equip and modernize nine volunteer fire brigades operating throughout Chios. Organizers said the initiative reflects the diaspora’s commitment to supporting the island’s communities and safeguarding its villages, mastiha-producing regions, and natural environment.
“Our homeland’s volunteer firefighters are the brave first line of defense protecting our villages, historical mastichochoria, and fragile natural environment”, organizers noted. “When they reach out for help, our diaspora answers with one loud, unified voice. By standardizing equipment costs and handling procurement globally, we are guaranteeing that every euro raised goes directly toward providing life-saving”.
The Chios Societies of America and Canada are calling on all regional chapters, family foundations, and philanthropic donors to back this vital initiative.
The convention program includes a welcome reception on October 9 featuring comedian Carie Karavas, a Young Adults gathering at City Bistro in Hoboken, NJ, and a Grand Banquet on October 10 at 7pm, honoring distinguished Chians of New Jersey, including John M. Kontolios, Dimitrios Moutafis, and George L. Staphos. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Yiannis Lignos Orchestra.
On October 11, participants will attend the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension in Fairview, New Jersey, followed by a commemorative program for Greek OXI Day and Greek Independence in cooperation with the New Jersey State Hellenic-American Heritage Commission. The convention will conclude with a visit to Liberty State Park and Ellis Island.
About the Chios Societies of America and Canada
The Chios Societies of America and Canada represent the unified voice, cultural heritage, and philanthropic arms of the Chian diaspora in North America. For decades, the organizations have worked together to support healthcare, infrastructure, education, history, and protect the cultural legacy of Chios.
