AHEPA District 6 Family Convention Honors Greek-American Legacy at Historic FDR Presidential Library

The AHEPA District 6 Family Convention brought together hundreds of delegates and distinguished guests this past weekend at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, in a gathering that celebrated Hellenic heritage, civic leadership, and community progress. Hosted by AHEPA NYC Delphi Chapter 25, the event marked a powerful moment of unity, legacy, and forward-looking vision for the Greek-American community.

The weekend opened with a wreath-laying ceremony and Trisagion service at the burial site of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. This meaningful tribute was followed by keynote reflections highlighting FDR’s longstanding relationship with AHEPA and the Greek-American community. President Roosevelt was a proud member of Delphi Chapter 25, having been initiated in 1931, and maintained his membership until his passing in 1945.

Attendees were offered an exclusive look inside FDR’s private archives, where original items were shared with the AHEPA delegation. Among these were his official AHEPA fez, personal correspondence with AHEPA leadership, membership documents, and dues records. Additional items on display included strategic wartime maps used during the Normandy invasion and diplomatic gifts from world leaders, such as a pair of bear-paw gloves presented to FDR by Joseph Stalin during the 1945 Yalta Conference.

Strengthening the Future of the Greek-American Community

The convention also served as a platform for celebrating the growth of the Sons of Pericles, AHEPA’s junior order. Updates presented by the Sons of Pericles Advisor highlighted increased membership throughout New York and impressive philanthropic achievements, including tens of thousands of dollars raised for charitable causes this year alone. Several thousand dollars were collected during the convention in support of the organization’s #SOP100 campaign, ahead of the centennial celebration in 2026.

Leadership Transitions and a Vision Forward

In a key development during the weekend, Paul Pavlakos was elected the next President of AHEPA NYC Delphi Chapter 25, one of the most historic and active chapters within the AHEPA network. This milestone follows years of leadership and involvement within the AHEPA and Sons of Pericles organizations.

The new executive board plans to expand Delphi’s impact by growing the Delphi Network, a professional networking initiative, and launching expanded philanthropic campaigns focused on community engagement throughout the New York City area. Their vision emphasizes continuity, responsibility, and innovation—drawing from Delphi’s storied past while building toward a dynamic future.

Outgoing officers, including Andreas Christou, were recognized for their dedicated service and guidance during a transitional period for the chapter. The incoming leadership aims to carry forward the chapter’s enduring values of Hellenism, philanthropy, and civic responsibility, setting new benchmarks for excellence in service and community building.

A Convention to Remember

The 2025 AHEPA District 6 Family Convention will be remembered as a landmark weekend that honored history, inspired leadership, and reaffirmed the strength and unity of the Greek-American community. With robust participation, dynamic discussions, and a renewed sense of purpose, this convention laid the foundation for continued growth, impact, and intergenerational engagement across New York and beyond.