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Start of 02 The Order of AHEPA |
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Logo of the Order of AHEPA 1922 (?)
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The Order of Ahepa
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association was founded in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) on July 26, 1922. The stars in its emblem signify the eight founding Fathers of this Fraternal Organization.
Adverse criticisms had been spreading in the United States and Canada against "foreigners" at this time, and North American Hellenes were suffering discrimination as a result. Eight men believed that an organization of citizens of Hellenic ancestry should be created ". . .to counteract the unfavourable opinion against them and to create good will amongst their fellow citizens*." (*George Plasteras, District 24 Governor, Order of AHEPA 1931-1934)
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The Eight Founders of the Order of AHEPA 26 July 1922
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The AHEPA Creed
The AHEPA Creed advocates and promotes good-citizenship to their membership and obedience to the laws of their Country of adoption. It also encourages its members to perpetuate their language and Hellenic culture; to help further understanding amongst other linguistic groups; to support and pursue knowledge and education; to continue philanthropic endeavors for their homeland, and for people in North America.
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The Founding Members of the Daughters of Penelope 16 November 1929
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The Daughters of Penelope
The Daughters of Penelope was founded by Dr. and Mrs. Alexandra Apostolides in San Francisco, California on November 16, 1929. In 1940 it became the Senior Women's Auxiliary to the Order of AHEPA.
The organization's objectives are to encourage the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its members; to perpetuate their Hellenic ideals and traditions; to promote charity towards their fellow men and the society in which they live.
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The Founder of the Daughters of Penelope: Apostolides, Alexandra center, with Girgulis, Christina (left) and Girgulis, Vasilia (right). At the 60th Anniversary, Daughters of Penelope, San Francisco, California. November 1989
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Emblem of the Daughters of Penelope 16 November 1929 (?)
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Emblem of the Sons of Pericles 1926 (?)
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The Sons of Pericles
The organization was founded in 1926 by Dr. Alexander Cambadhis as the junior order of AHEPA which brought together young men, aspiring to objectives similar to the senior Order.
The group is named after the Athenian statesman Pericles (495-429 BCE), noted for his incorruptible character. He was responsible for the promotion of Athenian influence and was commissioner for many of the great buildings on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon.
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The Emblem of the Maids of Athena 1930 (?)
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The Maids of Athena
The junior auxiliary of the Daughters of Penelope, the Maids of Athena, follow the ideals of Hellenism and its cultural heritage, promote education and raise funds for their annually selected charities.
The organization is named for Athena, the virgin goddess, who was patron of the city of Athens, and of wisdom, skills and warfare.
Washington, DC is the National Headquarters of the Order of AHEPA and of the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.
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Some early and active members of the Mother Lodge of the Order of AHEPA Canada at a celebration of its 30th Anniversary in Toronto, Ontario. 1958
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The Order of AHEPA in Canada
In 1928 eight men from Toronto were initiated into the Order of AHEPA in Buffalo, New York. They returned to Canada to establish the Mother Lodge of Canada, Lord Byron Chapter CF NO.1. By 1983 AHEPA Canada consisted of 3 districts and some 36 chapters across the country.
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Convention of Royal Canadian District 24. This convention included the first visit by the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, Chibethes, V., who is pictured middle row 5th from the right.
1936 Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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The Order of AHEPA Canada and the Daughters of Penelope Canada are divided into Districts and Chapters. Royal Canadian District 24 (formerly District 19) is comprised of the chapters in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. Dominion Chapter CJ 9 is the Saskatoon chapter of the Order.
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The Daughters of Penelope District Convention. Three charter members of the first Canadian chapter are pictured: Chrones, Mrs. Jim (back row third from left), and in the first row Girgulis, Mary (1st from left), Leakos, Agatha (1st from right). 1958 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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The first chapter of the Daughters of Penelope in Canada was chartered in Saskatoon. The Telemachus Chapter no. 69 was sponsored by the Order of AHEPA Chapter no. 9. The installation of the charter members took place in May 1938. The first president of the chapter was Mrs. Fony Kortes.
The chapter was named after the loyal son of Odysseus and Penelope.
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The first district convention of the Daughters of Penelope, in the Gus Andrews Restaurant. 1945 Gus Andrews Restaurant, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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In 1945 the first district Lodge of the Daughters of Penelope were elected and installed in Winnipeg. The first district governor was Cleo Girgulis of Saskatoon. During her term as governor in 1953/1954, with the assistance of Ahepans Ted Gardener and Bill Girgulis, she organized and chartered the Edmonton (no. 54) and Calgary (no. 59) chapters of the Daughters of Penelope.
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Grand Lodge of the Daughters of Penelope. 1963
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In 1960 a Grand Lodge Office for Canada was instituted for the Daughters of Penelope. The following year Sister Cleo Girgulis, of Saskatoon, was appointed the first Grand Vice-President of the Daughters of Penelope in Canada.
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Order of AHEPA Saskatoon Chapter. Back row from left Gardener, Joe; Thanaghan, Gus; Kortes, George and Chris: Andrianakos, George. Front row from left Girgulis, James; Kortes, Tom; Mirras, James: Leakos (President) Steve, Manos, Tom. 1939 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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The Order of AHEPA in Saskatoon
The Saskatoon Chapter (C.J. no. 9) of the Order of AHEPA was formed in 1930 and granted its charter from the National Organization in 1933.
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