Leaders of the AHEPA order in the United States and Canada joined their Ahepan brothers and sisters, as well as leaders of the Hellenic Armed Forces and government officials at the Divani Caravel Hotel in central Athens for an awards dinner celebrating the 100th anniversary of the AHEPA Orderth Anniversary of the founding of the Order of AHEPA in Atlanta, GA.
The event indicated the importance of AHEPA’s century-long service to the local Hellenic communities in Greece and Cyprus.
The enthusiastic speeches were enriched with presentations by the US Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis, who was honored with the prestigious Pericles Award for 2022, and by the AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. The ambassador’s stirring speech emphasized the importance of unity in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He also commended and recognized the sacrifices made for the benefit of their children and the communities of his own and all immigrant parents. Kokotas provided a touching overview of the Order’s history and its relationship with the homeland, but the hundreds of guests were particularly moved by his emphasis on the importance of the work of AHEPA and others with the youth of the diaspora communities and Greece, he not only called the future of the organization but of the Hellenic nation.
The program started with thrilling performances of the national anthems by Anastasia Zannis – who is a proud daughter of Penelope. Georgette Boulegeris, the Grand President of the Daughters, greeted her.
The 2022 Themistocles Prize was posthumously awarded to Captain Vassilios Constakopoulos – famous for the resort of Costa Navarino – for his “contributions to Hellas”, while another highlight was the 2022 Vanguard Prize being awarded to the Greek Armed Forces – the Hellenic Army that Navy and Air Force and the Cypriot National Guard. Representatives from each service addressed the guests and expressed their congratulations and appreciation to the Ahepans.
The closing speech was given by General Konstantinos Floros, Chief of the General Staff of the Greek National Defence, who was said at the event that thanks to his service, Hellenes at home and abroad are able to sleep well at night. In turn, he thanked all the Ahepans for their work and support, thoughts echoed by Assistant Secretary of Defense Nicholas G. Hardalias.
The Chotas Philanthropic Awards were presented to Andreas Papadakos and SeaJets Founder Marios Iliopoulos, two individuals who were instrumental in the success of the AHEPA Supreme Convention, held in Athens in 2021 for the first time in many years.
Thanos Plevris, the Greek Minister of Health, commended AHEPA not only for helping to build the well-known hospital facilities in Thessaloniki and Athens, but also for contributing to the Greek national healthcare system in many ways over the years.
Konstantinos Varsamis, the Governor of Greece – Hellas District 25 recognized the good work of the officials and leaders of AHEPA Greece whom he invited onto the stage to be applauded by the brothers and sisters.
AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaides also offered greetings.
Several speakers noted that efforts to make it easier for the Hellenic community abroad to vote in national elections in Greece are continuing.
