CHERRY HILL, NJ – [Photos by Steve Lambrou]
On Veterans Day, AHEPA’s Delaware Valley Chapters came together for their annual November Mass Initiations. Hosted by AHEPA of Cherry Hill at the AHEPA Grand Hall in the Danielle Kousoulis Center of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, the event was attended by longtime and newly inducted members from chapters all over the Philadelphia region.
The high attendance at this Philadelphia AHEPA signature event was as a result of an outstanding and epic Supreme Convention hosted by the chapters celebrating America’s 250th birthday this past summer. Many came to celebrate an outstanding year in the region. New members wishing to join came based upon the success of AHEPA Global in the City of Brotherly Love.
The 250th Celebration by AHEPA continued on this Veteran’s Day as American flags were placed outside and a special recognition on Veteran’s Day presentation was offered by AHEPA Past Supreme President George G. Horiates, recognizing those that served their nation. Special commemorative pins were given to George Giordas, who served in the US Army during the Korean War, and Tony Ringos, a Veteran in logistics and security in the United States Airforce.
Cherry Hill Chapter President Tasos Malapetsas brought forward District Governor George Perentesis, his secretary TJ Borzeka and Past Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles Nick Apostolou. Together, they welcomed AHEPA Supreme Vice President Zenon Christodoulou and Supreme Governor Region Three Asteris Fanikos to preside over the initiations. They were encouraged by various donations, including to St Jude’s Hospital, the Cancer Research Foundation of the District, Cooley’s Anemia and others during the evening.
The Supreme Vice President, speaking on behalf of AHEPA’s Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, sent his regards to the attendees for an outstanding year and passionately charged them not to rest on their laurels, but to live up to their oath and continue their advocacy for Hellenism in 2027.
