Last night, we hosted our “Bouzoukia on the Battleship” event on the Battleship New Jersey (BB-62), taking the opportunity to honor two incredible veterans for their years of service to the United States Armed Forces. The two veterans who received honors were Ret. Major Carl Hollister and Ret. Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias.
Both honorees received an incredible and unique award – original pieces of the Battleship’s deck, carved into the shape of the very battleship on which they were honored.
Guests aboard the Battleship were treated to a buffet of snacks, dinner and desserts as well as a cash bar which provided specially crafted beers bearing the Battleship’s name.
After the official program concluded, a traditional Greek dance ensued as guests danced in celebration of American Freedom and the very heroes who fought to give it to us.
“Pterrific Ptolemies” Win International Hellenic History Tournament
The International Hellenic History Tournament concluded this afternoon as, “The Pterrific Ptolemies,” were dubbed victorious.
The finals match between the Ptolemies and “The Byzantine Boys,” was very close, going into overtime before the overtime conclusion. The podium is as follows:
The Pterrific Ptolemies:
Mukunda Parkhi(Captain), Michael Jia, and Nicole Bulboaca
The Byzantine Brothers:
Athanasios Miris (Captain), Sotirios Miris, and Christos Miris
The Bergen Knights:
Leonidas Spyropoulos, Loukas Spyropoulos, and Mark Melis
The organizers extend a warm thank you to all teams who participated in this year’s tournament, the culmination of months of organizing, competing, traveling and, of course, studying.
The Hellenic History Tournament reflects AHEPA’s commitment to education, of which is a testament to the dedication of all those who helped to make this year’s program the success that it was.
Legal Identity and Property Rights in Turkey: an Ecumenical Patriarchate Presentation
Today we hosted a special presentation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate by Brother and Archon of Saint Andrew, Tassos Efstratiades entitled, “Legal Identity and Property Rights in Turkey.”
During the event, Efstratiades spoke to the importance of protecting religious freedoms and the intersection of such freedoms and property ownership. Specifically, the discussion focused on property rights within Turkey and how the Greek Orthodox Church navigates the challenges imposed by the Turkish Government on their religious practice.
The event then continued to discuss various legislative and judicial changes within Turkey that have affected this relationship, such as court rulings and restrictions on non-profit/foundation activities.
Closing out the presentation, Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson offered remarks as well as National Commander of the Archons of Saint Andrew, Dr. Anthony J. Liberakis.
AHEPA Family Awards Brunch, Honorees
Yesterday, July 30th, we hosted the annual AHEPA Family Awards Brunch.
The awards brunch is a special occurrence during the convention, convening all four orders for a celebration of one another before they break for official delegate meetings and votes.
During the brunch, Past AHEPA Board Chairman and Past Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas served as the MC for the event.
The event began with a presentation from the District Five AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, where its Chairman, Sammy Thomas, introduced Dr. Edna Cukierman, PhD from Fox Chase Cancer Research Center who educated the audience on the importance of early detection in cancer treatment.
Then, MC Karacostas, PSP introduced MOA Grand President Owens, followed by SOP Supreme President Ronstadt, who presented the SOP Centennial Coin #18 to Lee Millas, the 18th SOP Supreme President.
Following Ronstadt, DOP Grand President Marousis-Zachariades addressed the crowd, followed by remarks from Supreme President Kaitson who awarded the following honors:
Chapter of the Year
Marathon #2, Charlotte, N.C.
District of the Year
Empire District #6
District Governor of the Year
Andrew Eliopulos
Ahepan of the Year
Michael Pantel
The Supreme President’s Award of Excellence
Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos