Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson and Supreme Governor Dean Moskos visited Cherry Hill, NJ yesterday to meet with chapters and preside over the Philadelphia area’s annual mass initiations of AHEPA members. The annual event occurred in Grand AHEPA Hall of Camden Chapter 69. Members of chapters from all over the district and Philadelphia area turned out for this important occasion.

Each chapter brought candidates for induction, and after a dinner in the Danielle Kousoulis Center hall, the crowd went to the meeting room where they were greeted by the Supreme President, the Supreme Governor and District 5 Governor Lou Stefanou.

Just thereafter, the Supreme President presided over the initiation of 11 members, stating that, “any time a new member comes, it is a cause for a celebration of Hellenism.” The new members were impressed with AHEPA and the ceremony, expressing appreciation to the Supreme Lodge officers. 

Additionally, Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church President and District five Ahepan of the year Anastasios Efstratiades received special recognition for his support of the Journey to Greece Program. Furthermore, the chapter noted the upcoming testimonial at the Greycliff for Past Supreme President Savas Tsivicos, which will serve as an additional fundraiser for the Program.

Next, Harry Karapalides of the Thermopylae Chapter received the AHEPA Heroes medal – a high honor given to only those who’ve shown exceptional commitment and made significant contributions to the Order.

Finally, the chapter received its AHEPA Chapter of the Year plaque by the Supreme President to a standing ovation, where thereafter, AHEPA Vice Chair Board of Trustees George Horiates, PSP, gave a moving tribute to both of the Supreme Lodge members. He presented them with teak wood gifts from the original deck of the USS New Jersey. He noted that these gifts are a symbolic start to next year’s AHEPA Supreme Convention celebration of the 250th year anniversary of the United States of America, in July 2026 in Philadelphia. AHEPA has secured the Battleship New Jersey for a special evening during the convention.