HISTORY
Washington Chapter 31
HISTORY OF CHAPTER
AHEPA Chapter No.31, composed primarily of Americans of Greek decent living in the Washington, D.C. area, was chartered by the Supreme Lodge of AHEPA on August 7, 1924. The group was organized in response to the strong desire of a number of these American-Hellenes to join the national AHEPA organization founded two years earlier 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 Order 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 the underpinnings of our U.S. Constitution and form the basis of our American democratic values.
The original core of activists that founded Chapter No. 31 included such brothers as Victor Kissel, the first president of the Chapter, V.I Chebithes, P.D. Chipouras and D.N Diavitis. For a complete list of the Charter Members of AHEPA Chapter No. 31 please visit our Charter page.
Over the years the Chapter has established itself as a leader in the life of the AHEPA family. In addition to being the largest chapter in AHEPA, it has contributed a number of its members for higher national office. Past Supreme President V. I. Chibithes and Past Supreme President John T. Pappas are both members of Chapter #31. Likewise, past Supreme Treasurer John N. Deoudes is a member of the Chapter. So, too, are past Supreme Governors Andy Manos, Peter T. Stathes, John N. Deoudes, John T. Pappas, Theodore P. Perros and Charles Demas. Moreover, Arthur H. Lalos, a dedicated AHEPAN who served the national office of AHEPA for many years as the effective Executive Director of the Supreme Lodge between 1940 and 1946, is another member of Chapter No. 31.
More recently Chapter #31 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 recognize our concomitant duty to speak up and to defend our Hellenic traditions and the contributions of the ancient Hellenes to Western civilization.
To these objectives and goals we pledge our commitment.
