CHERRY HILL, NJ — [Photos by Stelios Lambrou]
AHEPA Camden Chapter 69 of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, hosted a memorable testimonial dinner dance on Saturday evening, October 24, 2026, honoring AHEPA Fifth District Immediate Past District Governor Lou Stefanou for his outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and commitment to the ideals of AHEPA and the Greek American community.
The celebration took place at the Danielle Kousoulis Center at Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, bringing together members of the local Greek American community, distinguished guests, friends, and supporters for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and celebration.
Joining the festivities were representatives of the entire AHEPA Family, including members of the Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles, who traveled from throughout New Jersey and neighboring chapters in Pennsylvania and Delaware to pay tribute to the honoree.
A distinguished gathering of AHEPA leadership was also in attendance, with presentations made by AHEPA Supreme Lodge Vice President Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, AHEPA Region 3 Governor Asteris Fanikos, and representatives of the AHEPA Fifth District Lodge, led by current District Governor Dr. George Perentesis. The Daughters of Penelope District Lodge was also prominently represented, led by Athena Ronchochou.
Among the evening’s moving tributes were presentations by Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church President Tassos Efstratiades, Cherry Hill AHEPA Chapter President Tasos Malapetsas, and Immediate Past Daughters of Penelope District Governor Athena Borzeka. Their heartfelt remarks reflected the tremendous respect, friendship, and admiration that Lou Stefanou has earned through his years of service and dedication to the AHEPA Family.
A particularly meaningful presence was that of the Delaware Valley’s Andros Society, whose chapter members and leaders, Tom Montalbes and Haralambos Pantelous, led a strong contingent of fellow Andriotes and AHEPA members in honoring one of their own. Like Lou Stefanou, these proud Greek Americans trace their ancestral roots to the beautiful island of Andros, Greece. Their participation added a special dimension to the evening, celebrating not only the honoree’s contributions to AHEPA but also the enduring bonds of heritage, friendship, and shared Hellenic identity.
In his remarks, Lou Stefanou expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the attendees, supporters, and generous donors who made the celebration possible. He emphasized that the evening served a purpose beyond recognizing his own service, noting that proceeds from the event would benefit the renovation fund for the Danielle Kousoulis Center. The Center serves as a gathering place for the Saint Thomas community and is home to Camden Chapter 69, one of AHEPA’s largest chapters throughout its worldwide domain. The charitable purpose of the evening underscored the organization’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the institutions that sustain Greek American community life for generations to come.
Following the formal presentations and tributes, the evening gave way to spirited Greek dancing and fellowship that continued well into the night. With arms linked and generations dancing side by side, the celebration became a living expression of the bonds of friendship, heritage, and brotherhood that have long distinguished the AHEPA Family.
The sight of AHEPA members, Daughters of Penelope, younger generations, and friends joined together on the dance floor provided a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to service and community.
