The Order of AHEPA, led by Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, embarked on a significant overseas pilgrimage to Constantinople during the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The AHEPA delegation included Supreme Vice President Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, Canadian President Anastasios Moussas, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basili Ronstadt, and Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens, Past Supreme Presidents Dr. John Grossomanides, George G. Horiates, and Savas C. Tsivicos, Past Canadian President Emmanuel Constas, Daughters of Penelope Past Grand President Anna Helene Grossomanides, and Mrs. Lisa Horiates. More than 153 participants traveled from across the United States on this “pilgrimage of peace,” with over half belonging to both AHEPA and the Order of St. Andrew (Archons). His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America warmly welcomed the strong showing of support.
One of the central highlights of the visit was the delegation’s attendance at the Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of St. Andrew, the patron apostle of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Supreme President Kaitson led the AHEPA delegation to the Cathedral Church of St. George at the Phanar, where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew hosted Pope Leo XIV for this unprecedented gathering of Orthodox and Catholic leaders. The liturgy drew thousands of pilgrims, and AHEPA was honored to have both the Sons of Pericles Supreme President and the Maids of Athena Grand President present for the occasion.
Throughout the pilgrimage, members of the AHEPA delegation participated in a series of significant events emphasizing unity, religious freedom, and global Hellenism. Supreme President Kaitson, joined by President Moussas, Supreme President Ronstadt, and Grand President Owens, paid an official visit to the historic Halki Seminary. Closed since 1971 due to restrictions imposed by the Turkish government, the seminary remains a central focus of AHEPA’s longstanding advocacy for religious freedom. Despite recent suggestions of possible reopening, no tangible steps have been taken. AHEPA remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure the institution’s return to full operation, honoring its legacy as a theological school that educated generations of church leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The delegation also attended a Patriarchal dinner marking the 1700th anniversary of the Creed in Nicaea, where Supreme President Kaitson conversed with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros, and His Beatitude Theodore of Alexandria. Youth leaders Stephanie Owens and Basili Ronstadt further engaged with distinguished guests, reinforcing the role of young Greek Americans in strengthening ties with the Mother Church.
During their time at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Supreme President Kaitson was afforded the rare opportunity to extend personal greetings to Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral Church of St. George, marking an incredible milestone in Order of AHEPA history.
The pilgrimage culminated in AHEPA’s participation in the historic mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Istanbul, attended by nearly 20,000 faithful. The Order received an official invitation to join the visiting delegation, which included numerous global religious leaders such as the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Patriarch of Alexandria. AHEPA was honored to be represented at this landmark moment, reaffirming its mission to defend religious liberty and support the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The AHEPA family also came together for a celebratory dinner in Constantinople during the trip. Supreme President Kaitson hosted the delegation at Al Madina Restaurant, a beloved local favorite, where he expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who traveled overseas to join him at events honoring both Pope Leo XIV and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. The gathering served as a warm reminder of AHEPA’s unity, shared purpose, and ongoing commitment to its Hellenic heritage.
