NEW ROCHELLE, NY –
On October 12th, the AHEPA family gathered for their fall conference at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, bringing together all four of its esteemed orders: AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles, and the Maids of Athena. The event was a vibrant showcase of unity and planning, with over 120 members from the district participating in productive deliberations for the year ahead.
“The AHEPA family would like to thank Holy Trinity for allowing us to use their space for the conference, as well as President Harry Fotiadis of New Rochelle AHEPA Chapter 405 for all they did as the host chapter. We had a 20% increase in attendance compared to last year across all four orders”, AHEPA District 6 said in news release.
The conference featured a variety of discussions on upcoming projects and events, including the much-anticipated AHEPA Rocking Horse Ranch event in collaboration with St. Basil’s Academy, several galas, and various chapter activities. The Maids of Athena from District 6 also presented their project for the year, further highlighting the community’s commitment to service and tradition. The Maids raised $7,000 in just the first day of fundraising to build a sensory room for the children and staff for St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY.
The day began with energetic morning meetings, followed by a luncheon where attendees paused to honor the memory of their AHEPAN brother Bobby Gemelas, who had passed away. In recognition of his service and dedication, an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to his family, a poignant moment of reflection and respect during the otherwise forward-looking day.
Afternoon sessions continued with discussions on how the AHEPA family could continue its impactful work in the coming year, bringing the day to a close with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie among all attendees. Some of the orders had the honor of inducting new members during their sessions into the esteemed AHEPA family.
The Daughters of Penelope Empire District 6 Lodge also participated. They held training sessions for chapter officers and members. We were delighted to have Grand Governor Zone II and District Liaison Effie Kirkiles join us as well as Maids of Athena District 6 Governor Sophia Theodorou and AHEPA District 6 Executive Secretary Chris Pappis. Sister Sophia spoke to us about the Maids District Project and Chris presented the DOP membership system.
The Sons initiated a new member and deliberated about future events. They also agreed to meet monthly in a district council to coordinate and grow membership across the Empire State.
The attendance included the following dignitaries: AHEPA District 6 Governor Michael Labatos, DOP District 6 Governor Marina Patelos, Maids of Athena District 6 Governor Sophia Theodorou, Sons of Pericles Supreme Secretary George Kalyvas, Sons of Pericles PSP Paul Pavlakos, AHEPA Region 3 Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, DOP Grand Governor Zone I Lainie Damaskos-Christou, DOP Grand Governor Zone II Effie Kirkiles, AHEPA Board of Trustees Chairman Nicholas Karacostas, and AHEPA Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou.
