AHEPA Family members, supporters and distinguished honorees will gather July 26–August 1, 2026, for a historic week celebrating Hellenism, service and the United States of America
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is proud to announce that it will lead the Hellenic Diaspora in a landmark celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America during the 104th Annual AHEPA Supreme Convention, to be held July 26 through August 1, 2026, at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.
Preparations are complete, and AHEPA members, families, friends and supporters from throughout the United States and around the world will travel to historic Philadelphia for an extraordinary week of fellowship, service, recognition and celebration.
The AHEPA Family will be led by AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, Daughters of Penelope Grand President Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades, Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens and Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basilios Ronstadt. Together, these four organizations comprise the AHEPA Family and will lead this historic tribute to the United States. Throughout the week, convention participants will enjoy nightly dancing and entertainment, a Founders Day evening baseball game, Opening Ceremonies featuring special guests, an Athletic Luncheon with inductions into AHEPA’s storied Hall of Fame, and the presentation of scholarships to outstanding student-athletes.
Additional programs will include a Parthenon Marbles Moot Court competition for youth, the finals of the global Hellenic History Tournament, an AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors presentation, the Daughters of Penelope Salute to Women, an international golf tournament, an AHEPA Cigar Smoker and a special Archon presentation concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The convention’s cornerstone events will stand as an enduring tribute to AHEPA’s legacy as a great American institution with deep Hellenic roots and a worldwide commitment to service.
The America the Beautiful Reception will take place at the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, in the exhibition area featuring the tapestries of Emperor Constantine, just inside the museum’s famed Rocky Steps.
AHEPA will also spend an unforgettable evening overlooking Independence Hall and the iconic Liberty Bell, where the organization will honor Dr. Elias Iliadis with the AHEPA Hellenism Award.
On Thursday, AHEPA will present a unique and powerful salute to America’s veterans aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey, BB-62, known as “The Black Dragon.” During this spectacular event, the guns of one of the most celebrated battleships in United States history will be fired by Colonel Nick Vamvakias and Major Carl Hollister, who will also be honored aboard the legendary warship. The weeklong celebration will culminate Friday evening with the AHEPA Grand Banquet at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.
During the banquet: · Pantelis Boubouras will receive the AHEPA Defender of Hellenism Award. · Pete Pahides will receive the AHEPA Academy of Achievement Award. · Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons, will receive the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award.
A spectacular and historic celebration awaits in Philadelphia—a city whose Greek-derived name means “The City of Brotherly Love” and where the United States was born. In the birthplace of American independence, AHEPA—an American institution with Hellenic roots with a Global presence—will proudly lead this historic commemoration of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. Let Freedom Ring!
About AHEPA
Founded in 1922, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association is a leading international service organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence. Through its chapters and affiliated organizations around the world, the AHEPA Family works to strengthen communities, preserve Hellenic heritage and advance the principles of democracy and public service. AHEPA is a proud Greek American organization with a global reach, represented by approximately 500 chapters worldwide. At the heart of its mission are the enduring principles of Hellenism—principles that helped inspire and undergird the founding ideals of the United States, including democracy, civic responsibility, education, philanthropy and individual liberty.