AHEPA Family Joins Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration

Members of the AHEPA Supreme Lodge, Daughters of Penelope (DOP) Grand Lodge, Maids of Athena (MOA) Grand Lodge, and the broader AHEPA Family gathered in Tarpon Springs, Florida, for this year’s annual Epiphany celebration. Partnering with St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and AHEPA Epiphany City Chapter 16, attendees immersed themselves in the vibrant traditions and events that make Tarpon Springs a centerpiece of Hellenic heritage.

A Warm Welcome and Weekend Festivities

The festivities began on January 3 with a welcome dinner hosted by AHEPA Epiphany City Chapter 16 at the AHEPA House. Over 150 guests attended the event, enjoying a sumptuous buffet that set the tone for the weekend’s activities. Supreme President Savas Tsivicos addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude to the host chapter for their hospitality and commitment to preserving Hellenic traditions.

A standout highlight was the AHEPA District 2 Memory Eternal Epiphany Golf Tournament on January 4 at Innisbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida. The tournament attracted 72 golfers for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start in a spirited four-person scramble format. Special thanks were extended to Peter Sarris, who hosted a buffet breakfast for participants. That evening, AHEPA Family members gathered at the elegant Epiphany Ball, held at Theophilos Hall at Spanos Pappas St. Nicholas Community Center.

Celebrating Hellenic Heritage and American Values

On Sunday, AHEPA hosted the 2025 Epiphany Banquet in Safety Harbor, Florida. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered stirring remarks, commending AHEPA as a vital bridge connecting Hellenic heritage and American values. He highlighted the organization’s embodiment of “progress in life, faith, and spiritual understanding.”

The banquet welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, newly appointed Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad H.E. Maira Myrogianni, DOP Grand President Margaret Dritsas, MOA Grand President Stephanie Owens, and other dignitaries. Supreme President Tsivicos honored Past Supreme Presidents Nicholas A. Karacostas and George G. Horiates with the AHEPA Heroes Medal, recognizing their years of dedicated service to the Order.

A Triumphant Epiphany Day

The weekend concluded with the sacred Epiphany Day celebrations on Monday, featuring the traditional blessing of the waters at Spring Bayou and the annual dive for the cross. This year, congratulations went to Luc Boillot, the young man who successfully retrieved the cross in a moment that symbolized faith and community unity.

Supreme President Tsivicos and AHEPA leaders, including AHEPA Canada President Emmanuel Constas, DOP President Margaret Dritsas, AHEPA Foundation Chairman Nicholas A. Karacostas, and PSP George G. Horiates, met with H.E. Maira Myrogianni to discuss pressing issues affecting the Greek diaspora. In a special moment, Secretary General Myrogianni was officially welcomed into the AHEPA Family as a new member of the Daughters of Penelope.

The Tarpon Springs Epiphany events underscored the enduring strength and unity of the Greek-American community, celebrating faith, heritage, and the values that connect generations across the diaspora.