What is the AHEPA?

On July 26, 1922, eight Greek Americans, created an organization that would help combat ignorance and intolerance. They met at the Greek Orthodox Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and laid the foundation for the National Organization known as the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). The organization was founded to protect individuals from the evils of bigotry and discrimination. The Order of AHEPA, is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus.

The Mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.

For more information about AHEPA, please visit the National website.

Did you know that?

1. AHEPA’s jurisdiction extends to each of the 50 states, and the districts, territories, islands and possessions of the United States, including seven Canadian provinces, the Bahamas, Greece, Cyprus, Europe and Australia.

2. AHEPA has initiated more than 300,000 members. Including the AHEPA Auxiliaries, the “AHEPA Family” active membership is over 30,000.

3. AHEPA’s national headquarters are located at 1909 Q Street NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20009 and operated by a paid staff of five full time emloyees.

4. AHEPA’s membership is open to any male person of good moral character over 18 years of age, who has declared his intention to become a citizen, and who is able to read, write, or speak the English language.

5. AHEPA has non-Hellenic members, Judges, Mayors, Congressmen, Senators, Governors, and other prominent non-Hellenic citizens belong to AHEPA. Former President Roosevelt and Truman were active Ahepans as were many members of Congress.

6. AHEPA’s maintains a national, AHEPA magazine, “The Ahepan” it is the official organ of the Order.

If you'd like to read about the history of AHEPA, please click here.

Did you know?

That AHEPA ranks No. 1 in prestige and standing with the United Stated Government? That numerous U.S. Senators, members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, Judges and even Presidents of the United States have joined the AHEPA as dues –paying members? That they are the guests of AHEPA at the national biennial banquet in Washington and local functions throughout the year? That AHEPA was an official issuing agent of the U.S. Treasury Department during World War II? That AHEPA was an accredited voluntary agency of our State Department under the Refugee and Relief Act of 1953?

AHEPA wants to build a better America?

Through positive Americanism programsn such as promoting and encouraging loyalty to the United States of America? Instructing by precepts and examples the tenets and fundamental principles of government? Instilling a due appreciation of the privileges and corresponding obligations of citizenship?

Would you pitch in?

To help build your community? Do you want your hometown to be a better place to live in? To participate in the Cancer, Blood drives and Heart Fund drives of your community?

Would you like a passport of Welcome?

To a local group consisting of the AHEPA Family? – the local AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athens and Sons of Pericles? Bound together in bonds of fraternal love and concord in over 500 chapters of the AHEPA Family scattered throughout the length and breadth of the United States, Canada, Europe and abroad?

Want to perpetuate Hellenic Culture?

By promoting throughout the world and especially in the United States of America, a better and more comprehensive understanding of the Hellenic peoples and nation, and by reviving, cultivating, enriching and marshalling into active service for humanity the noblest attributes and ideals of Hellenic Culture?

Believe on equal opportunity?

By granting scholarships to deserving youth? By sponsoring the admission into the United States of victims of alien and totalitarian ideologies?

Are you going our way?

To a brighter, greater, and fuller life? To the building of AHEPA homes in every community which shall house our auxiliaries and our youth? Do you approve of the humanitarian, charitable, patriotic and fraternal projects and programs of the AHEPA?

If most of your answers are “yes” – then YOU belong in the Order of AHEPA where YOU can do an effective job in AHEPA activities the interest YOU!