Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, accompanied by Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, traveled to Wildwood, New Jersey, to formally reactivate Wildwood by the Sea Chapter 450. Joined by District Governor Lou Stefanou, the District 5 Lodge, and PSP George Horiates, the Supreme President recognized the chapter’s historic ties to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, once home to the beloved “Wildwood Weekend.” For decades, thousands flocked to this fall tradition – spearheaded by PDG Gus Kraras of blessed memory – which supported the Greek Orthodox communities of Wildwood and Reading, PA, as well as scholarship programs across both districts. The AHEPA legacy in Wildwood remains unmistakable, reflected even in the naming of AHEPA Avenue surrounding the church.

The Supreme President and members of the Supreme Lodge met with local Ahepans before presiding over the chapter’s reactivation and presenting PDG John Koninis with his PDG Jewels. They also honored community pillars William Mitchell and PDG Nick Konides, awarding them the AHEPA Heroes Medal for their lifetime service to the Church and to AHEPA. In recognition of the renewed chapter’s enthusiasm, the Supreme President confirmed that Wildwood will host the 2026 District 5 Convention at the Konides family’s Acropolis resort, an announcement he enthusiastically added to his calendar on the spot.