Throughout the span of its history, AHEPA has served as a vital vehicle for the progressive development and emergence of American citizens of Greek heritage into every facet of society: government, business, education, entertainment and the arts. This fulfillment illustrates the promise of the American Dream and symbolizes the hard work ethic of our immigrant ancestors who labored to achieve that dream with the principles of Hellenism rooted deep in their hearts.

The AHEPA  was founded as a fraternal organization in Atlanta, Georgia in July 1922, following growing attacks on Greek Americans by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other xenophobic groups. Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greek immigrants as good Americans, assist them with obtaining citizenship and avoiding further attacks. With the full acculturation of Greek Americans, its mission evolved toward philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic ideals and heritage among Greek Americans and philhellenes.

Durham AHEPA chapter 277 was founded May 13, 1931. Our chapter brothers organize various cultural and educational events for the community, including lectures, dinner-dances, movie nights, and get-togethers.  Each year, the local chapter awards scholarships to graduating high school students, who participate in parish life and whose parents are members of St. Barbara’s parish.  In addition, sons and daughters of AHEPA members are eligible to apply for undergraduate and graduate scholarships, awarded by AHEPA District and National Scholarship Foundations.

In time, if you agree with AHEPA’s mission and if you think you might enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood of AHEPA members, as we work together to help the Church and  promote  Hellenic ideals, do consider becoming a member.  Please see or contact any AHEPA officer below.

Welcome Letter

Durham Chapter 277 contacts:

John Varelas, President 

Jim Paliouras, Vice President

Rev. Father Stavroforos Mamaies, Chaplain and Spiritual Adviser

Wesley Platt, Treasurer

Lazar (Larry) Odzak, Secretary 

AHEPA Scholarships are available:

           1) LOCAL “AHEPA 277”: High school seniors who will be graduating this June, who are members of our St. Barbara Parish, and who intend to continue their education are invited to apply for a local AHEPA 277 Scholarship. Applications will be available during March. For more details, check the “AHEPA  table” next to the conference room, where you will find specific instructions by Scholarship Chair, AHEPA Brother Andrew Christakos. Deadline to apply is April 15.

           2)  AHEPA DISTRICT 3: Scholarships are available to all qualifying High School seniors and present undergraduate students. District Scholarship applications are placed on the “AHEPA table” or available online – please “google” <AHEPA District 3> and look for this year’s scholarship applications.   Students must be members- / or children of parents who are members- of AHEPA or Daughters of Penelope [in good standing]. Deadline to apply is also April 15.

           3) AHEPA NATIONAL: Scholarships are available to all qualifying High School seniors, present undergraduates, as well as graduate students. National scholarship applications are placed on the “AHEPA table” or available online – please “google” <ahepa.org> and look for this year’s scholarship applications  Students must be members- / or children of parents who are members- of AHEPA or Daughters of Penelope [in good standing].. Deadline to apply is March 31.

For more information, or if you are interested in the various activities of the local Durham, NC AHEPA chapter 277, or AHEPA’s District or National programs, please e-mail us at ahepa277@gmail.com

Hellenism
An important component of AHEPA's mission is to create an awareness of the principles of Hellenism to society.  These principles include a commitment to humanity, freedom, and democracy.  The preservation and promotion of these ideals is where AHEPA has, and always will be, deeply committed.

Education
AHEPA's commitment to education has been well documented throughout its history. Over $4 million is endowed at the local, district and national levels toward the use of scholarships and a half-million dollars is awarded annually. Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels. The most famous recipient, perhaps, is ABC News' Host of This Week George Stephanopoulos.

The scholarship program at the national level is administered by the AHEPA National Educational Foundation.  It offers scholarships to a wide variety of students. Recipients are: traditional and non-traditional students; seminarians, including those entering Holy Cross Greek School of Theology; and high school seniors, college and post-graduate students who are looking to become tomorrow's leaders.

The preservation of Hellenic or Classical Studies programs on college campuses is an important issue for the AHEPA Educational Foundation. A subcommittee of the Foundation, the Hellenic Cultural Commission, actively works to support the study of the Classics at universities.

In addition, educational programs such as "Journey to Greece" and Washington Internships are sponsored by the Foundation.

Philanthropy
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been pillars of strength for AHEPA.  From natural disaster relief to raising funds for the elimination of life-threatening diseases to making significant contributions to our local neighborhoods, AHEPA is at the forefront of charitable giving.

AHEPA's philanthropic deeds are evident in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; in the Halls of St. Basil Academy, a childcare facility in Garrison, N.Y.; in the care packages we sent to our troops in cooperation with the USO; and in the building of healthcare facilities in Greece.  Yet this only scratches the surface of the numerous philanthropic works of the association.  In addition, countless charitable projects are undertaken every year by AHEPA's chapters and districts.

Civic Responsibility
Our grassroots has a strong voice.  With chapters in every major metropolitan city and in rural areas of North America, AHEPA communicates the positions of the Greek-American community to elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as to our diplomatic leaders.  These issues pertain to Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey; however, our constituents are also interested in domestic policy areas affecting the philanthropic, civic, and community service-based programs in which they are involved.  These positions are based upon our American heritage and ideals with the best interest of the United States in mind.

AHEPA educates its constituents about these issues through seminars and conferences, providing expert panelists from the U.S. government, prominent Washington, DC Think-Tank organizations, and the business world.

Furthermore, AHEPA keeps a watchful eye on Congress with its Congressional Scorecard, a tool that evaluates each member of Congress on Greek-American issues.

Family and Individual Excellence
What makes AHEPA unique from other organizations is the creation of the AHEPA Family. Together with three affiliated organizations, the AHEPA Family works as a unit toward the fulfillment of a common mission.  Combined, the four organizations have contributed well over a billion dollars to national projects throughout their history.

• The Daughters of Penelope was established November 16, 1929 as the Women's Affiliate of AHEPA. It is the first Greek-American women's organization in the United States. One of its crowning achievements is Penelope House, a shelter for battered women in Mobile, Alabama. It is the first shelter for battered women and their children in that state.
• The Sons of Pericles was established February 3, 1926, and was officially recognized as the Junior Order of AHEPA in 1928. Finally, the Maids of Athena was founded July 5, 1930 as the Junior Women's Auxiliary of AHEPA. The two youth groups have combined to contribute to such worthy causes as: Muscular Dystrophy, Deborah Heart and Lung Foundation, the Special Olympics, St. Basil Academy and Cooley's Anemia research.

The Ideals of Ancient Greece are Important to All
AHEPA members are proud of the contributions the ancient Greeks gifted to Western Civilization.  As Americans, we share many of the values put forth by them: civic responsibility, philanthropy, education, family and individual excellence, and the ideals of democracy.  This is the essence of our heritage.  This is the core of our mission.