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Transforming a New Generation of AHEPA with Savas Tsivicos

By Athena Efter on May 10, 2024

Savas Tsivicos is a man of devotion and determination. He is devoted to Hellenism and he is determined to preserve it. His commitment to AHEPA and his outspoken advocacy to issues pertaining to Greece and Cyprus are pervasive in his words, which reflect his big thoughts.

Savas Tsivicos with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Savas Tsivicos has been involved with AHEPA for over 25 years, and now, as the Supreme President of the oldest association of American citizens of Greek ancestry, he is both humbled and proud to be of leadership service. He embraces the fundamental core values of what it means to be a leader. It is less about the glory and more about the action, and Savas Tsivicos is definitely a man of action. His words resonate the tenacity of his commitment to various issues including the defense of Greece’s sovereignty and the liberation of Cyprus. He recognizes that responsibility is accountability: “It is a great honor to be Supreme President after 102 years. The responsibility is greater than the honor, and I want to leave the organization better than I found it.”

With Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1922, initially as an organization that fought for civil rights and was against bigotry, the mission of AHEPA is to promote and defend Hellenism, and the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence, through community service and volunteerism. AHEPA recently received an anonymous gift of $17.3 million, the largest donation ever made to the organization. It is a true testament to the work that is being accomplished through AHEPA’s mission, especially under the helm of Savas Tsivicos. AHEPA gives over $2 million a year in scholarships to students of Greek heritage. This generous gift will allow AHEPA to increase its education initiatives and scholarship offerings. The promotion of Hellenism, its values, language and culture remain a central focus of AHEPA’s educational programming. Mr. Tsivicos travels all over the country in his role as Supreme President to continue forging collaborations that foster and provide growth to AHEPA’s initiatives, as well as establishing endowments at universities.

Visit with President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaroupoulou, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Father Alex Karloutsos, Steve Zervoudis and Annita Kartalopoulos, Vice President of National Philoptochos

Most recently, Mr. Tsivicos travelled to Ohio to attend the endowment ceremony of adding Greek language to the Greek Studies program at Ohio State University, a program headed by distinguished professor Brian D. Joseph. In 1968, AHEPA established “The Journey to Greece” initiative, an immersive cultural program where high school students and college undergrads have the opportunity to earn up to six college course credits while they study in Greece. After a long pause, the program reinvented itself again in 2006 in collaboration with Webster University’s Athens campus, and is now in its 18^th year of providing students an educational and cultural experience of their Greek heritage. As a staunch supporter of the fight to free Cyprus, Mr. Tsivicos has laid down the groundwork for expanding “The Journey to Greece Program” to Cyprus. A relationship has been established with the University of Cyprus to provide accommodations, and AHEPA has been actively fundraising for the last year. A program that takes students to Cyprus to see firsthand the history of a war ravaged country, hear the stories of those who experienced the brutal invasion, and of those who carry the wounds of their ancestors, represents a significant journey of the Greek diaspora.

Meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Over 2,000 members and delegates of the Order of the AHEPA will attend the Supreme Convention in July of this year in Larnaca, Cyprus. Members will have the opportunity to see the Green Line, the demarcation line that divides the country between the illegally occupied northern part of Cyprus, which, in 1983, illegaly declared itself as the pseudo “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”(which has not been recognized by any government or institution except Turkey) and the Republic of Cyprus, the internationally recognized government. For Mr. Tsivicos, this is more than just a milestone event: “AHEPA has been the voice of the community, and a bridge between Greece, US, and Cyprus, providing educational, civic, and philanthropic support. I want AHEPA to be more relevant in the United States to promote and defend Hellenism, and continue the fight until Cyprus is liberated.”

With New Jersey Metropolitan Apostolos, Ambassador Ekaterina Nafsikas & Father Nektarios

AHEPA is the largest organization of individuals of Greek heritage and philhellenes outside of Greece. There are over 400 chapters in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. According to Mr. Tsivicos, it can play an important role in helping Greece and Cyprus on many different fronts including the removal of Turkish troops: “We need to unite our voices with our fellow Hellenes of the diaspora.” Perhaps this is the only way. He states that “the EU, the UN, and the US have failed Cyprus. We want people to get to know Cyprus. It remains an attractive country for investment opportunity. We will push for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and a free Cyprus without anachronistic security agreements. Cyprus does not need guarantor powers anymore. Turkey refuses to give up power. There needs to be more pressure on Turkey to uphold international law. We have to continue to be engaged, and to put pressure on politicians to act the same way they are acting when it comes to the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The Turkish invasion of 1974 is no different. We need concrete results.”

Savas Tsivicos with wife Maria

Savas Tsivicos made headlines back in January with a powerful rebuke of the Biden administration’s sale (with Congress’ support) of 40 F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, even though Turkey continues to violate human rights, freedom of the press, and religion. He is very disappointed that Washington did not respond: “We have not received a response. We have a quid quo pro between the US and Turkey to sell more weapons to Turkey for the accession of Sweden into NATO, and these weapons will be used against Greece and Cyprus, challenging the sovereignty of both countries.” Mr. Tsivicos, along with other advocates and fellow AHEPANs, will be meeting with elected officials in May with the goal of making significant progress in the liberation of Cyprus. The Cyprus issue is one of invasion and continued occupation.”

Savas Tsivicos in Cyprus with his mother Persephone & sister Evanthia

As an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he recently met with Patriarch Bartholomew. AHEPA has been supporting the Patriarchate for many years, which is under siege by the Turkish government. He believes it is crucial to show their support at a critical time when Hellenism and Orthodoxy are under attack: “It is important to defend our faith and the Patriarchate. We continue to educate elected officials on what the Patriarchate is facing. We want to re-open the Theological School of Halki in Turkey. If Turkey wants to join the EU, it has to support human rights and freedom of religion. The US wants to keep them in the sphere of influence. Greece and Cyprus have been loyal allies. Turkey has not been, and this is what we want to bring to the attention of elected officials in the US.” When I asked Mr. Tsivicos what Turkey offers that Greece and Cyprus don’t, he remarked with: “That’s a great question. The answer is nothing”! This left me with a lingering question – why won’t the US, the EU and NATO address the issue of illegal Turkish occupation in northern Cyprus? Is the strategic location of Turkey enough of a good reason not to? The “quid quo pro” between the US and Turkey that Mr. Tsivicos mentions can be perceived as an underhanded transaction that stands in violation of human freedom and democracy. According to Mr. Tsivicos: “The US government should not use double standards when it comes to the international rule of law.”

Meeting with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, Minister Maria Panayiotou and brother Yiangos

Can there be a solution? Will there be a solution? These are the ongoing, burdensome questions on the minds of many. Cypriot Greeks around the world are long overdue for a resolution to the “Cyprus issue.” It is Savas Tsivicos’ vision that the next generation of youth will continue to feel proud of their Hellenic heritage, and will get involved in civic affairs by educating elected officials: “It is important that the new generation carry on that torch and help fight for the liberation of Cyprus.” As a leader of this fight and cause for the liberation of Cyprus, Savas Tsivicos is its torchbearer. In his leading words, “We will continue to promote education, philanthropy, and civic duty, and to continue to defend Hellenic ideals throughout the world.”

With Greek Armed Forces Chief General Demetrios Choupis

In addition to his civic service, Mr. Tsivicos also spearheads his own general contracting, construction management, and consulting firm as the CEO of Cypreco Industries Inc., a company established in 1989 and known for its work in complex technical projects serving Federal, state, county and municipal governments, as well as private and commercial industries in the tri-state area.