READING, PA – Some 200 AHEPANS, family members and invited guests gathered on April 27, 2025, to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event – the 100th anniversary of the Reading AHEPA Chapter.
The Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 was chartered on March 16, 1925, originally as William Penn Chapter No. 61 before it was renamed in 2015 in honor of a longtime AHEPAN who revitalized the chapter.
With three members of the Supreme Lodge and Pennsylvania District No. 4 District Governor Chris Megoulas in attendance on April 27, guests were treated to a catered luncheon and program in the Kraras Hall at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.
Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson, Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou and Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos represented the Order of AHEPA Supeme Lodge.
Festivities began with the screening of a short film recapping the history of the Order of AHEPA, followed by presentations of various awards.
Guests received a booklet that included the history of the chapter and well-wishes from patrons and a commemorative mug to remember the 100th Anniversary celebration.
AHEPA members Christos Dikos and Christ G. Kraras served as co-masters of ceremony for the event.
While the Reading, Pa., AHEPA Chapter has had its peaks and valleys throughout its century of operation, the last 15 years have been extraordinary.
Since the chapter was revitalized in 2010 under the direction of the late Gust C. Kraras and Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis, it has been one of fastest fastest-growing and most active in the AHEPA Domain.
Many new members were initiated, and former members reinstated. As a result, the Reading AHEPA was recognized as Chapter of the Year in Pennsylvania by Power District No. 4 in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Reading AHEPA Chapter was also recognized as the 2014 Chapter of the Year in the AHEPA domain worldwide.
In addition to membership growth, the Reading AHEPA continues to provide service to others through donations and support to our church and community-at-large, including $50,000 in scholarships to deserving youth since 2011; $5,000 toward the digging and building of a water well for an Orthodox Seminary in Guatemala to provide clean water; $4,000 donation to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); $5,000 to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church AGAPE Ministry; annual scholarships for the Church Oratorical contest; and $3,000 for the Reading Education Foundation to support innovated practices in an urban school district.
The local AHEPA chapter holds a Scholarship Banquet every spring to recognize high school graduates. It was combined this year with the 100th Anniversary celebration. Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos presented $1,000 scholarships to four graduates from our church community: Christo Hunsicker, Christopher Kraras, Nathan Radwanski and Nikolas Rohm.
The Supreme Lodge officers also recognized the late Gust C. Kraras with a certificate and AHEPA Heroes Medal for his dedication and decades of service to the AHEPA. The award was accepted by his grandson, Dean Kraras.
Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson surprised two more Reading AHEPA Chapter leaders with the presentation of the Order of AHEPA Heroes Medal. The medals were presented to Christ Kraras and Dr. George Giovanis, who is serving his 15th year as Chapter President.
The AHEPA Heroes Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and tireless effort to serve our communities as a devoted AHEPA member. This medal is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to AHEPA.
In addition to Dr. Giovanis, also attending the banquet were all the living Past Chapter Presidents: Tony Phyrillas, Spiro Phyrillas, Strat Marmarou and Christopher Wagner.
Three AHEPA Heroes Medal was presented at the Chapter 61 100th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured l-r: AHEPA Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou, Dean Kraras, Christ G. Kraras, District 4 Governor Chris Megoulas, Dr. George Giovanis, AHEPA Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson and AHEPA Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos. (Photo Courtesy of Chapter 61)
AHEPA Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson presents Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis with a framed certificate honoring Chapter No. 61 for 100 years of service to the AHEPA. (Photo Courtesy of Chapter 61)
Scholarships were awarded to four graduating seniors at the Reading, Pa., Chapter No. 61 100th Anniversary Banquet. Pictured l-r: Christo Hunsicker, Nathan Radwanski, Nikolas Rohm and Christopher Kraras. (Photo Courtesy of Chapter 61)
Everyone attending the AHEPA Chapter 61 100th Anniversary Banquet in Reading, Pa., received a commemorative booklet and mug to remember the occasion. (Photo Courtesy of Chapter 61)
District Governor Chris Megoulas thanks Chapter 61 for a $500 donation to the Ronald McDonald’s House in Hershey. (Photo Courtesy of Chapter 61)
Chapter 61 President Dr. George Giovanis enjoys a laugh with District Governor Chris Megoulas after reminding Chris that he taught him in Sunday School.
Supreme Lodge officers and District 4 Governor Chris Megoulas present Chapter President Dr. George Giovanis with a framed certificate celebrating AHEPA Chapter 61’s 100th Anniversary.
