AHEPA’s Historic Delphi Chapter Welcomes New Members

Forty seven Greek-Americans and Philhellenes were initiated into the historic Delphi Chapter 25 of the Order of AHEPA at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan this past January, signaling the revival of one of the most storied chapters in the history of the international fraternal organization. The Delphi Chapter 25 was founAHEPA’s Historic Delphi Chapter Welcomes 47 New Members [New York, NY] — Forty seven Greek-Americans and Philhellenes were initiated into the historic Delphi Chapter 25 of the Order of AHEPA at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan on January 19, 2016 signaling the revival of one of the most storied chapters in the history of the international fraternal organization.

The Delphi Chapter 25 was founded in NYC in 1923. The Chapter’s renewal was spearheaded by its new President, Argyris S. Argitakos and Vice President Louis Katsos, as well as the dynamic team that comprises the Board of Directors, Michael Papaphotes as Executive Secretary, Jimmy Douloumbakas as Secretary, Chris Karis as Treasurer, as well as board members George A. Meintassis, Nick Moustakis, and George Eliopoulos; with the unanimous support of the Board of Governors comprised of Past Presidents Harilaos A. Zouvelos, as Chairman, Hon. Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Dr. Marinos Petratos, Khristos Karastathis, and Richard Duignant.

Befitting this historical event was the attendance of Supreme President John Galanis, Supreme Vice President Andrew C. Zachariades, Past Supreme President and current Chairman of the Board Nicholas Karacostas, Supreme Governor for Region 3 Christopher Gallis, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Andreas Christou, Sons’ Advisor Jimmy Kokotas, and District 6 Governor Peter Vasilakos, as well as many other current and past members of AHEPA’s hierarchy and several presidents from other local chapters.

Guests were surrounded by banners and placards presenting the historical figures of Delphi 25 and the Hellenic and American values of the organization, which were reflected in the oath they took, the Greek and American national anthems, and the invocation offered by Fr. John Vlahos, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral and Chapter Chaplain. Speakers expounded on some of AHEPA’s programs, including its scholarships, and its AHEPA Journey to Greece educational and cultural program for youth.

Delphi Chapter President Argyris S. Argitakos with members of the board

The initiation was presided by Supreme Vice President Andrew Zachariades, Supreme Governor of Region 3 Chris Gallis, District 6 Lt. Governor Ted Stamas, and Captain of the Guard was James Zafiros, Director of Membership for District 6, with support in the Sentinel positions from several members of New Rochelle Chapter 405 including Past District Governor Tom Dushas. At the appointed time the new members were called to the front of the room, they were then asked to place their left hands on the shoulders of their fellow inductees and to raise their right hands and were administered the oath of the Order of AHEPA by the Supreme President John Galanis.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of the late James A. Poll (1920-2013), who had served the Order in many capacities most notably Past Supreme Secretary, Past Chairman of AHEPA’s Saint Basil Academy (In its 90+ year history, the AHEPA Family has donated more than $1.75 million to the Saint Basil Academy for the construction and ongoing maintenance of its facilities) as well as Past President of Delphi Chapter 25. Dean Poll, son of James Poll, serves as President of the Board of Holy Trinity Cathedral and is the owner of Gallagher’s NYC which hosted the event.ded in NYC in 1923. The Chapter’s renewal was spearheaded by its new President, Argyris S. Argitakos and Vice President Louis Katsos, as well as the dynamic team that comprises the Board of Directors, Michael Papaphotes as Executive Secretary, Jimmy Douloumbakas as Secretary, Chris Karis as Treasurer, as well as board members George A. Meintassis, Nick Moustakis, and George Eliopoulos; with the unanimous support of the Board of Governors comprised of Past Presidents Harilaos A. Zouvelos, as Chairman, Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Dr. Marinos Petratos, Khristos Karastathis, and Richard Duignant.

New members taking the AHEPA oath administered by Supreme President John Galanis

Befitting this historical event was the attendance of Supreme President John Galanis, Supreme Vice President Andrew C. Zachariades, Past Supreme President and current Chairman of the Board Nicholas Karacostas, Supreme Governor for Region 3 Christopher Gallis, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Andreas Christou, Sons’ Advisor Jimmy Kokotas, and District 6 Governor Peter Vasilakos, as well as many other current and past members of AHEPA’s hierarchy and several presidents from other local chapters. Guests were surrounded by banners and placards presenting the historical figures of Delphi 25 and the Hellenic and American values of the organization, which were reflected in the oath they took, the Greek and American national anthems, and the invocation offered by Fr. John Vlahos, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral and Chapter Chaplain.

Former Delphi Chapter Presidents, Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Dr. Marinos Petratos, Khristos Karastathis and Richard Duignant

Speakers expounded on some of AHEPA’s programs, including its scholarships, and its AHEPA Journey to Greece educational and cultural program for youth. The initiation was presided by Supreme Vice President Andrew Zachariades, Supreme Governor of Region 3 Chris Gallis, District 6 Lt. Governor Ted Stamas, and Captain of the Guard was James Zafiros, Director of Membership for District 6, with support in the Sentinel positions from several members of New Rochelle Chapter 405 including Past District Governor Tom Dushas. At the appointed time the new members were called to the front of the room, they were then asked to place their left hands on the shoulders of their fellow inductees and to raise their right hands and were administered the oath of the Order of AHEPA by the Supreme President John Galanis.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of the late James A. Poll (1920-2013), who had served the Order in many capacities most notably Past Supreme Secretary, Past Chairman of AHEPA’s Saint Basil Academy (In its 90+ year history, the AHEPA Family has donated more than $1.75 million to the Saint Basil Academy for the construction and ongoing maintenance of its facilities) as well as Past President of Delphi Chapter 25. Dean Poll, son of James Poll, serves as President of the Board of Holy Trinity Cathedral and is the owner of Gallagher’s NYC which hosted the event.