Press Release
The Convention took place in Ottawa, Ontario on May 19-21, 2017 and hosted several dignitaries, among them were the President of the Hellenic Community of Ottawa, Mr. Antonios Georgiou; the Cyprus High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Pavlos Anastassiades; the Ambassador of Greece to Canada, H.E. Mr. George Marcantonatos; His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios and the Protopresbyter Father Alex Michalopulos. In addition, the notable presence of AHEPA Family officers such as the MOA District #23 Governor, Sister Joanne Karakasis; the MOA Grand Vice President, Sister Effie Sapuridis; the SOP Supreme President, Br. Nikolas Apostolou; the DOP District #23 Governor, Sister Annie Valkanas, the AHEPA District #23 Governor, Sister Annie Valkanas, the AHEPA District #23 Governor Br. Emmanuel Constas; the DOP Grand Governor Zone V, Sister Vasilia Kachmarski; and the AHEPA Canadian President, Br. Bill Bakalis; was highlighted by their remarks.
Governor Br. Emmanuel Constas; the DOP Grand Governor Zone V, Sister Vasilia Kachmarski; and the AHEPA Canadian President, Br. Bill Bakalis; was highlighted by their remarks.
The Convention was impressively organized and hosted by the Convention Co-chairs Br. Nicholas Hatzitheodosiou, President of AHEPA Ottawa Chapter and Daughters of Penelope Ottawa Chapter President, Sister Catherine Pantieras. Moreover, the Committee Coordinator Alice Sophianopoulos, the Delegate Coordinator Gisele Reklitis and several additional coordinators in the areas of finance, hospitality and entertainment made such a successful gathering come true. The AHEPA family was welcomed on Friday with a hospitality reception and the business agenda of Saturday was executed diligently, in a way that fostered a very productive environment were successful meetings took place for the Good of the Orders.
Our Sisters and Brothers collectively decided that the next Mid-Year District Conference will be hosted in Toronto and next year’s District Convention will go to Hamilton. Following the proceedings of the AHEPA Family, the four orders conducted productive meetings and further discussed ideas on growth and expansion. All Committees convened and reported back and very important motions were passed. Instrumental to the progress and success of Convention was the Meeting Chair Br. Fred Photopoulos.
Following the Convention deliberations, Beaver District #23 Governor
Elections took place, re- electing Br. Emmanuel Constas (Toronto, ON) as the District #23 Governor and Sister Xanthe Vathopoulou (Toronto, ON) as the District #23 Governor for the Daughters of Penelope. Also elections took place for the Executive Officers of the respective District Lodges. The election of the new officers reflected the programs adopted by the Beaver District and the individuals selected appear to have the necessary skills and abilities to administer their duties successfully and advance the causes of AHEPA.
The AHEPA family and guests on Saturday night gathered for the Greek Glendi, “Plaka Night”, where the Family enjoyed delicious food along with wonderful sounds of the Greek music performed live by Vasilis Galatis.
On Sunday mornng following a moving church service at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, District awards were presented for Best Chapter, Best Chapter President, and Best Ahepan of the Year. Respectively, the awards were presented to Br. Ioannis Panagiotou on behalf of the Mount Royal Chapter CJ7, Montreal, Quebec; Br. Nicholas Hatzitheodosiou and Br. James Hutchison. Moreover, after the awards ceremony, this year’s scholarships winners were announced, followed by speeches from the distinguished guests present. All attendees seemed to be having a wonderful time.
This year’s convention came to an end on Sunday night with a Boat Cruise along the Rideau Canal with spectacular fireworks in celebration of Queen Victoria’s Birthday, where attendees enjoyed a buffet and live music.
Composition of the new Beaver District #23 Lodge for 2017-2018:
Br. Emmanuel Constas, Governor
Br. Anastasios Moussas, Lieutenant Governor
Br. James Hutchison, Secretary
Br. Ioannis Panagiotou, Treasurer
Br. Byron Yankou, VP of Hellenism & Marshall
Br. Nicholas Hatzitheodosiou, VP of Civil Responsibility
Br. Ioannis Bougas, VP of Education
Br. Jim Fabrikis, Athletic Director
Br. Jimmy Dionissopoulos, Sons of Pericles Advisor
Br. Jim Tsiokos, VP of Philanthropy
Br. Frank Antoniou, Warden
Beaver District #23 consists of numerous Chapters of the AHEPA, the DOP, the SOP and the MOA located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
AHEPA is the world’s largest association of people of Greek descent, with over 500 chapters across the globe. It works to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence.
