AHEPA - Who are we?
AHEPA began in 1923 in the city of Atlanta to help protect Greek immigrants from the pearls of racism and KKK. Since the original six members create our organization, we have grown throughout the Unites States, and around the world.
Our mission is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, integrity, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
AHEPA has a family of organizations to allows women and men of all ages join. The Daughters of Penelope is our sister organization and is very well represented. Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena are focused for our younger members during their teenage years into adult ages.
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Philanthropy
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been pillars of strength for AHEPA. From natural disaster relief to raising funds for the elimination of life-threatening diseases to making significant contributions to our local neighborhoods, AHEPA is at the forefront of charitable giving.
AHEPA's philanthropic deeds are evident in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; in the Halls of St. Basil Academy, a childcare facility in Garrison, N.Y.; in the care packages we sent to our troops in cooperation with the USO; and in the building of healthcare facilities in Greece. Yet this only scratches the surface of the numerous philanthropic works of the association. In addition, countless charitable projects are undertaken every year by AHEPA's chapters and districts.
Education
Over $1 billion has been awarded in scholarships to students since the creation of AHEPA, and a half-million dollars is awarded annually. Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels. The most famous recipient, perhaps, is ABC News' Host of This Week George Stephanopoulos.
The preservation of Hellenic or Classical Studies programs on college campuses is an important issue for the AHEPA Educational Foundation. A subcommittee of the Foundation, the Hellenic Cultural Commission, actively works to support the study of the Classics at universities.
In addition, educational programs such as "Journey to Greece" and Washington Internships are sponsored by the Foundation.
Civic Responsibility
With chapters in every major metropolitan city in North America, AHEPA communicates the positions of the Greek-American community to elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as to our diplomatic leaders. These issues pertain to Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey; however, our constituents are also interested in domestic policy areas affecting the philanthropic, civic, and community service-based programs in which they are involved. These positions are based upon our American heritage and ideals with the best interest of the United States in mind.
District 13 Sports Awards
27 students attended the Sports Awards hosted by AHEPA District 13 Athletic Director Chris Atsaves Friday on June 6. It was a wonderful evening honoring Hellenic student athletes. We had several speeches by invited guests.
Guest Speaker Bio: Shannon (Harold) Spanos is the head coach of the Montini Catholic High School girls basketball team. Under her leadership, the Montini Broncos achieved success by clinching the 2024/2025 IHSA Class 3A state championship with a 50-44 victory over St. Ignatius.
A 1999 alumna of Montini, she was a standout athlete during her high school career, earning 12 varsity letters across basketball, softball, and volleyball. She scored over 1,000 points during her 4 year varsity basketball career and continued her athletic journey at Trinity College in Hartford, CT.
District 1 wants to thank Chapter 43 Milwaukee for hosting such a wonderful event. The event was well attended, many important topics were discussed, the food was great, and the keynote speaker was wonderful. There was plenty of engagement from attendees throughout the convention.
We missed our AHEPAN brothers were unable to attend this event. We look forward to seeing them at other events and at the next convention.
We want to congratulate the new 2025/2026 District 13 Lodge. We look forward to seeing great things just as we have with the past lodges.
DISTRICT 13 CONVENTION
DISTRICT 13 CONVENTION
Memorial Day Ceremony
On Monday, May 26, 2025, AHEPA District 13 was honored to take part in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony organized by Hellenic Post 343 of the American Legion. The event was held at the Hellenic American Veterans Monument at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, IL.
Each year, Hellenic Post 343 hosts this moving tribute to honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. This year, we were fortunate to be included in the ceremony, standing alongside fellow community members to remember and reflect on their sacrifice.
AHEPA District 13 is proud to support and participate in events that uphold our shared values of service, remembrance, and patriotism. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hellenic Post 343 in the years to come.
AHEPA Sunday - Chapter 131
Scholarship Awards and Pancake Breakfast
Chapter 131 (Joliet) celebrated AHEPA Sunday by giving their scholarship awards at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church and hosting coffee hour with a pancake breakfast.
We applaud our brothers at chapter 131 for hosting such a wonderful event exemplifying what AHEPA stands for by providing scholarship awards and hosting a wonderful meal for all the congregation to enjoy.
Welcome
Maids of Athena
We would like to introduce the new Maids of Athena JACMA chapter #40. Saturday May 17, eight young ladies joined together and took the oath to join the Maids of Athena JACMA chapter. AHEPA District 13 is proud to sponsor the chapter while working hand in hand with the Daughters of Penelope. We look forward to seeing all positiveness the chapter makes in the community.
The Chapter will be hosting their own philanthropy and social events. They also will have opportunities to co-host events with AHEPA and DOP chapters.
District 13 Scholarship Dinner
District 13 Scholarship Foundation Dinner was hosted on Tuesday May 12. Many attended this wonderful event to witness hard working and well deserving students receive scholarship awards. Over $34,000 were awarded during this event. Since it’s inception, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded over 1 million to students. the Scholarship Foundation would like to thank all those who have donated funds to benefit future education of these students.
Chapter 94 (Northshore) hosted their annual end of league year bowling banquet to celebrate the winners and all who participated.
AHEPA Northshore #94 Bowling League Banquet
An evening of celebrating another successful bowling league.
Nick Georgopoulos and Sam Troumpoucis celebrate their win by holding the trophy together.
The AHEPA District 12/13 float was packed full of AHEPA, DOP, MOA, and SOP members with chapter members, District members and Supreme Lodge members to celebrate our Hellenic heritage in Chicago. We had so many present, we had quite a few walking lead of the float. We would like to thank all the members who joined us on float and all those who attended this wonderful event. Let’s continue to show strength in our numbers at all levels of our organizations.
The AHEPA float made the Chicago Tribune’s Sunday late addition documenting the Greek Parade.
2025 Greek Parade
2025 Greek Parade
NCAA Watch and Cigar Night
District 13 hosted our NCAA Watch Party and Cigar Night on Thursday March 20. It was a very well attended event. Great games to watch, wonderful cigars, food, and commendatory for all. Our Journey to Greece scholarship winner from 2024 gave a speech during the event. We missed all those who couldn’t make it but hope to see you all during our next event.
District 13 Midyear Event
District 13 Midyear event was held on Saturday January 18 at North Branch in Glenview, IL. this year. We would like to thank all the chapter delegates for attending the event this year. Would also like to thank North Branch for hosting this event at their establishment this year. The event was a success with many great discussions were held and wonderful ideas shared. Here are a few photos displaying the event.
For those who were unable to attend. We hope to see you in future District events .
Christmas Toy Drive
Olympia Kokkines, member of Maids of Athena and daughter of AHEPA District 13 Governor James Kokkines organized a Toy Drive for Lurie’s Children’s Hospital this past December. Over 250 toys were collected or purchased from donations given at the event.
District 13 Movie Night
District 13 hosted a gathering for the movie WICKED. A great time was had by all who attended. If you are interested in attending our next movie gathering, please reach out to us for a movie suggestion.
Chapter 131 - Coffee Hour Sponsorship
Chapter 131 (Joliet) hosted coffee hour at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet on Sunday November 17.
Chapter 43 - Milwaukee 100 Year Anniversary Dinner
District 13 AHEPA/DOP - Feed my Starving Children
Upcoming events
Our calendar contains events for all AHEPA, Daughter of Penelope, Maids of Athena, Sons of Pericles, and other events we support. Check back often as new events are added monthly. We look forward to seeing you at one of our many events in fellowship.