The Order of AHEPA was honored to actively participate in multiple parades and events celebrating the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day in the last two weeks!
Chicago, Illinois
On April 19th, AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson joined Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basilios Ronstadt and Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens to support the AHEPA families of Districts 12 and 13 as they marched in Chicago’s annual Greek Independence Day parade. Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois (ENOSIS), the celebration played host to the Evzones for the first time in nearly a decade! Joining the presidents of our order as they paraded down South Halsted street through Chicago’s historic Greektown were DOP Grand Treasurer Effie Kirkiles and multiple representatives from the AHEPA families in both districts.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Greek Independence Day Celebrations began in Philadelphia on Friday, April 24th with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall’s North Apron. President Kaitson, along with Past Supreme President and Board of Trustees Vice Chairman George G. Horiates and DOP Grand President Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades, attended the event that marked the start of a weekend of celebration. They were joined by District 4 Governor Tim Vlassopoulos and other members of the District 4 and 5 AHEPA Family.
On Saturday evening, the Supreme President had the opportunity to address over 700 attendees of the annual Eleftheria Gala, the signature black-tie dinner and fundraiser hosted by the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley. The night featured special presentations honoring Hellenic heritage and excellence. This year’s honorees included Steve Kontos, recipient of the Eleftheria Medal of Freedom, and several distinguished community leaders. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Mike Emanuel, who will also serve as emcee of the AHEPA Biennial Congressional Banquet next month, and the evening’s entertainment featured international Greek artist Christina Miliou. During his address, the Supreme President initiated the countdown to the AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia from July 26-31, 2026.
AHEPA Supreme Vice President Zenon Christodoulou, Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos, and MOA Grand Treasurer Athina Economou joined the AHEPA Family of Districts 4 and 5 on Sunday to march in the parade. PSP George G. Horiates and DOP District 4 Governor Georgia Chlectos also served as honorary Grand Marshals of this year’s parade.
New York, New York
Supreme President Kaitson, along with Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, Supreme Counselor Ted Stamas, Chairman of the AHEPA Foundation Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, Supreme Advisor to the SOP Ted Vittas and SOP Supreme Governor Panagiotis Kotsalis joined members of the District 6 AHEPA Family in celebrating Greek Independence Day in New York City. Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the parade celebrated the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence alongside the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. AHEPA Member Louis Katsos served as Chairman of the 2026 Greek Independence Day Committee.
The night before, the Greek-American community of New York came together for the Annual Greek Independence Day Gala, held at Cipriani. Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, Supreme Counselor Ted Stamas, and Past Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos joined District 6 Governor Gus Constantine and other members of his lodge in representing AHEPA at this event that celebrated our shared Hellenic heritage, freedom, culture, and the enduring spirit of Greece.
