By John Metekidis, AHEPA Delphi Chapter #25
The Manhattan Chapter of the Order of AHEPA, Delphi #25, in conjunction with AHEPA Empire State District Six (NYS) on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020, gathered at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 67th Street in Manhattan, NYC to lay a wreath at the outdoor bronze sculpture dedicated to the 107th Infantry Memorial which honors Veterans who died during World War I. In this small symbolic way, AHEPA paid homage and honor to the great Veterans of the USA.
Brief History of the Order of AHEPA and Delphi Chapter #25
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (‘AHEPA”) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Europe, and “sister” chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922, in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence, to the community. Although the majority of AHEPA’s membership is comprised of Americans of Greek descent, membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization and considers themselves philhellenes (those of non-Greek descent but friends of Greece).
AHEPA’s Delphi Chapter #25 was founded in 1923 in Manhattan NYC; it was the first Chapter in New York State. Delphi Chapter #25 was instrumental in welcoming the early Greek immigrants to the USA as they disembarked at Ellis Island and helping them with their assimilation into the American culture by assisting them with learning the English language, finding employment and eventually becoming citizens of the United States.
Photo: Argyris Argitakos
Delphi Chapter #25 has had many notable and prominent members in its history, including many philhellenes who embraced AHEPA’s ideals and values. In 1924 Seraphim G. Canoutas joined Delphi Chapter #25 and later served as Chapter President, he was at the time the most notable historian and the primary source for the 1880 to 1920 wave of Greek immigrants. Some of the many distinguished members that followed in Delphi’s rich history were Past Chapter Presidents and later Past Supreme Presidents of AHEPA Dean Alfange and Dr. Kimon Doukas. On March 11, 1931, the then New York State Governor (and later to become President of the United States) Franklin D. Roosevelt became a member of the Order of AHEPA and joined Delphi Chapter #25 in New York City and remained a member till his death. Other notable Past Presidents of Delphi Chapter #25 included the Honorable Federal Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas.
Currently, AHEPA Delphi Chapter #25 is one of the most vibrant Chapters of The Order of AHEPA; following a dynamic revitalization this AHEPA Chapter, based in Manhattan, has grown to be the largest Chapter in the entire global AHEPA domain and was awarded the 2019 Chapter of the Year Award at the AHEPA Supreme Convention last year in Chicago. It vibrantly continues on today in the tradition of AHEPA’s ideals and values of promoting Education and Hellenism through many efforts of public service and philanthropy.
For any further information please visit www.ahepa25.org.
