The Ahepan Fall 2019 - 16

possible by the sponsorship of AHEPA Chapter 326, Flushing,
N.Y. Finally, the International Koulouraki Contest made its return.
Nikki Kalantzis, Canton, Ohio, captured the honors.
More than 225 conventioneers attended the Opening Ceremony
at the gorgeous Empire Ballroom of the Palmer House Hilton. They
also enjoyed cultural and social events at unique venues that only
Chicago can provide. The local AHEPA family hosted "A Night at
the Art Institute of Chicago" and an "AHEPA Family Celebration"
was held at the historic University Club of Chicago.
Two events bookended the Supreme Convention. For the first
time, the AHEPA National Housing Corporation held its quarterly board meetings in the lead-up to the convention. A Sons
and Maids Reunion was held July 6 and 7 that attracted former
members from across North America.

Grand Banquet

AHEPA MILITARY MEDAL OF
HONOR PRESENTED
AHEPA proudly presented Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of
the Republic of Cyprus National Guard General Staff, with the
AHEPA Military Medal of Honor, July 11, in New York City.
Supreme President George Horiates presented the award
accompanied by Board Chairman Nicholas Karacostas, PSP,
and Supreme Treasurer Savas Tsivicos.
Lt. Gen. Leontaris conveyed his appreciation for the honor
and complimented AHEPA as an institution that since its establishment has been a facilitator of enhanced U.S. relations with
Greece and Cyprus.
Lt. Gen. Leontaris was unable to attend the 97th Grand
Banquet in Chicago where AHEPA announced the award.
16

THE AHEPAN · Fall 2019

The 97th Grand Banquet, the pinnacle event of the annual Supreme
Convention, was held July 5, 2019. It serves to honor excellence in
the community and salutes dedication and service to the Order.
Two prominent Ahepans were honored with the highest award
AHEPA bestows as Michael Psaros, co-founder and managing partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP, and Philip Christopher, president/
CEO and founder of American Network Solutions, each were presented the AHEPA Socrates Award. AHEPA initially presented
Christopher with the award during a gala held at the Presidential
Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, in May (see The Ahepan, summer 2019).
Each of the Socrates Award recipients were recognized for
their fulfillment of the American Dream and for their unwavering
support for Hellenism and Orthodoxy.
"I am proud to be an Ahepan because of its service to others
and to the world," Psaros said in acceptance. "AHEPA is a selfless organization and the impact of AHEPA's philanthropia over
decades in our collective community is extraordinary."
Christopher, a champion of the quest to see peace, love and
just prevail and reign over a unified Cyprus, also conveyed his
pride in being an Ahepan.
"I have been a proud member of AHEPA for many years and
always recognized the dedication and commitment of the organization to Greece, Cyprus, and Hellenism," he said.
Another prominent Ahepan, Publisher and Philanthropist
Gregory Pappas, received the 2019 Academy of Achievement
Award in Hellenism. Pappas is the founder of the news/blog
site, The Pappas Post, and the Greek America Foundation. Past
Supreme President Ike Gulas introduced Pappas.
In addition, Leonidas Platanias, M.D., Ph.D., director of the
Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University, received the
2019 Academy of Achievement in Medicine. Past Supreme
President Dr. John G. Grossomanides introduced Dr. Platanias.
Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of the Republic of Cyprus
National Guard General Staff, was unable to attend to receive
the AHEPA Military Medal of Honor. Past Supreme President
Carl R. Hollister, a retired U.S. Army Major, spoke about Lt. Gen.
Leontaris' service.

Archbishop Elpidophoros: An Opportunity to Affirm "Great
Potential"
In his first appearance before the AHEPA family, His Eminence
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America delivered the Keynote
Address.
"My heart is filled with joy to address you on this wonderful
event of the Grand Banquet of the AHEPA Supreme Convention,"
His Eminence said. "This is a blessed opportunity for fellowship

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The Ahepan Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ahepan Fall 2019