Philadelphia
Members of the AHEPA Family participated in Philadelphia’s annual Greek Independence Day Celebrations, hosted by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, between April 4-6, 2025. The weekend commenced with a flag raising ceremony at Philadelphia’s City Hall and on Saturday evening, guests attended the annual Eleftheria Gala.
The Eleftheria Gala introduced the Grand Marshals of the 2025 Greek Independence Day Parade, Boston AHEPA Ch. 24 member Drake Behrakis and Maria Exarhopoulos Behrakis, who grew up in the Philadelphia area.
The AHEPA Family was represented at the Gala by Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou, Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens and her lodge, Sons of Pericles Supreme Governor George T. Horiates, AHEPA Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees George G. Horiates, PSP, as well as many members of the AHEPA Family from Cherry Hill, NJ and Upper Darby, PA.
On Sunday, the AHEPA Family was represented on multiple floats in the parade. Leading the parade were parade Chair John Vasiliou, Federation President The Honorable Harry
Karapalides, both AHEPANS, and parade organizer Georgia Chletcos, who serves as DOP District 4 Lt. Governor. The AHEPA contingent, consisting of members of all four orders from throughout Districts 4 & 5, were led by Supreme Treasurer Themis Frangos and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees George Horiates, PSP. AHEPA members from throughout both districts followed on the AHEPA float, leading the way for the highlight of the parade, the Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles float.
In addition to the many Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles of Districts 4 and 5 who filled the float, they played host to Greek-American International Recording Artist, Kalomira, and performed throughout their journey down the parkway to the delight of the crowd!
Chicago
The AHEPA Family of Hoosier District 12 and Blue Ribbon District 13 joined forces on April 6th to march down South Halstead Street in Chicago’s Greektown in the Chicago, IL Greek Independence Day Parade.
Led by AHEPA Supreme Governor George C. George, Supreme Athletic Director Chris Atsaves and Sons of Pericles Supreme Vice President Basili Ronstadt, the AHEPA contingent was comprised of representatives of all four orders from throughout Districts 12 and 13. The AHEPA float was one of the few floats in the parade highlighted by the Chicago Tribune in their photo spread from the event.
