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AHEPA Steve Tsagaris Chapter 356, composed primarily, but not solely, of Americans of Greek decent living in the Clearwater/Tampa Bay area, was chartered by the Supreme Lodge of AHEPA on July 26th, 1954. This upcoming July, our chapter will celebrate its 62nd anniversary.
The group was organized in response to the strong desire of a number of these American-Hellenes to join the national AHEPA organization founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia. Their belief was that by working together with other like-minded men, they could help “Americanize” those who had recently immigrated to this country from Greece and at the same time nourish the history, ethics and ideals of their Hellenic forebears by cultivating a sense of “Hellenism” in America.
The primary objectives of the AHEPA were to promote “education,” “individual excellence”, “philanthropy,” “civic responsibility,” and “family values”. By establishing social and business ties between themselves and other like minded Americans of Greek extraction, they could promote and perpetuate the Hellenic culture and traditions of which they were so proud. They were especially proud of the Hellenic ideals, which are so clearly embodied in our U.S. Constitution and form the basis of our American democratic values.
The original core of activists who founded Chapter 356 included such brothers as Frank Fotiadis, the first President of the Chapter, along with Charter members, James Andrews, Thomas Andrews, Theo Condos, Sarafem Dervich, James Karalekas, Dr. George Karlton, Pete Katsouropoulos, Constantine Marmaredes, John Maros, Pete Moundredes, A.P. Nichols, James N. Psalta, Pete Psomadakis, Chris A. Sarris and Thomas C. Sarris. Thanks to their vision and dedication, AHEPA has thrived locally.
Over the years the Chapter has established itself as a leader in the life of the AHEPA family. In addition to being one of the largest chapters in the AHEPA domain, it has contributed a number of its members for higher national office. Past Supreme Vice President and member of the AHEPA Scholarship Foundation, Gus Stefanadis was a longtime member of Chapter 356. So too, are Past Supreme Governor Steve Tsagaris and Past District 2 Governors, Alex Alexander, Michael Mastorides and Domino Giallourakis along with current District 2 Athletic Director Gus Pantelides.
More recently Chapter 356 has rededicated itself to the ideals of Hellenism as applied to our current lifestyle. Just as our forebears taught that education of the individual is a critical element in each person’s growth and success and should never stop, so too, networking, pursuit of excellence, good family values and a recognition of one’s civic responsibility are important factors which must be forever considered and encouraged.
We believe that the Order of AHEPA has an important role to play in rekindling these Hellenic ideals. By providing our members with an opportunity to become informed about subjects of current interest, by stimulating their interest in charitable, educational and community projects, and by organizing games and athletic contests for exercise and competition in a spirit of brotherhood and respect for each other, we believe AHEPA can be a critical factor.
Likewise, we are convinced that AHEPA should defend its Hellenic heritage against those who would revise and distort history for their own ends. We recognize that “Americanism” as we know and enjoy it today embodies the objectives, elements and traditions of Hellenism, a proud heritage which all Ahepans are privileged to share. We must also speak up and defend our Hellenic traditions and the contributions of the ancient Hellenes to Western civilization. To these objectives and goals we pledge our commitment.
The group was organized in response to the strong desire of a number of these American-Hellenes to join the national AHEPA organization founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia. Their belief was that by working together with other like-minded men, they could help “Americanize” those who had recently immigrated to this country from Greece and at the same time nourish the history, ethics and ideals of their Hellenic forebears by cultivating a sense of “Hellenism” in America.
The primary objectives of the AHEPA were to promote “education,” “individual excellence”, “philanthropy,” “civic responsibility,” and “family values”. By establishing social and business ties between themselves and other like minded Americans of Greek extraction, they could promote and perpetuate the Hellenic culture and traditions of which they were so proud. They were especially proud of the Hellenic ideals, which are so clearly embodied in our U.S. Constitution and form the basis of our American democratic values.
The original core of activists who founded Chapter 356 included such brothers as Frank Fotiadis, the first President of the Chapter, along with Charter members, James Andrews, Thomas Andrews, Theo Condos, Sarafem Dervich, James Karalekas, Dr. George Karlton, Pete Katsouropoulos, Constantine Marmaredes, John Maros, Pete Moundredes, A.P. Nichols, James N. Psalta, Pete Psomadakis, Chris A. Sarris and Thomas C. Sarris. Thanks to their vision and dedication, AHEPA has thrived locally.
Over the years the Chapter has established itself as a leader in the life of the AHEPA family. In addition to being one of the largest chapters in the AHEPA domain, it has contributed a number of its members for higher national office. Past Supreme Vice President and member of the AHEPA Scholarship Foundation, Gus Stefanadis was a longtime member of Chapter 356. So too, are Past Supreme Governor Steve Tsagaris and Past District 2 Governors, Alex Alexander, Michael Mastorides and Domino Giallourakis along with current District 2 Athletic Director Gus Pantelides.
More recently Chapter 356 has rededicated itself to the ideals of Hellenism as applied to our current lifestyle. Just as our forebears taught that education of the individual is a critical element in each person’s growth and success and should never stop, so too, networking, pursuit of excellence, good family values and a recognition of one’s civic responsibility are important factors which must be forever considered and encouraged.
We believe that the Order of AHEPA has an important role to play in rekindling these Hellenic ideals. By providing our members with an opportunity to become informed about subjects of current interest, by stimulating their interest in charitable, educational and community projects, and by organizing games and athletic contests for exercise and competition in a spirit of brotherhood and respect for each other, we believe AHEPA can be a critical factor.
Likewise, we are convinced that AHEPA should defend its Hellenic heritage against those who would revise and distort history for their own ends. We recognize that “Americanism” as we know and enjoy it today embodies the objectives, elements and traditions of Hellenism, a proud heritage which all Ahepans are privileged to share. We must also speak up and defend our Hellenic traditions and the contributions of the ancient Hellenes to Western civilization. To these objectives and goals we pledge our commitment.