[New York, NY] — Continuing with its exponential growth and revival the historic Delphi #25
Chapter, based in Manhattan NYC, initiated another 35 new Greek-Americans and Philhellenes into the
ranks of its membership. The Delphi #25Chapter, one of the most storied chapters in the history of the
international fraternal organization, was founded in New York in 1923.
The evening’s festivities were spearheaded by its President, Argyris S. Argitakos and Vice President
Louis Katsos, as well as the dynamic team that comprises the Board of Directors, Michael Papaphotes as
Exec. Secretary, Jimmy Douloumbakas as Secretary, Chris Karis, as Treasurer, as well as Board members
Ted Klingos, George A. Meintassis, Nick Moustakis, George Eliopoulos, Konstantine Drougos, Warden ,
Peter Giakoumis Captain of the Guard, George Giakoumis, Sentinel, with the unanimous support of Chapter
Chairman of The Board of Governors, and Past President, Dr. Marinos Petratos.
Befitting this historical event was the attendance of Supreme President Andrew Zachariades, Supreme
Treasurer Jimmy Kokotas , Supreme Governor for Region 3 Chris Diamantoukos, Governor of District 6
(NYS Empire District) Ted Stamas , as well as many other current and past members of AHEPA's hierarchy
and several Presidents from other local Chapters.
Guests were surrounded by banners and placards presenting the historical figures of Delphi # 25
and the Hellenic and American values of the organization, which were reflected in the oath that the new
members took, the Greek and American national anthems, and the invocation and blessing of the event and
the Vasilopita were offered by Fr. Vasilios Bassakyros, of the St. John the Baptist Church located in
Gramercy Park NYC. Brother Basil Katsamakis, Chairman of Chapter’s Education & Scholarships ,
expounded on some of AHEPA District Six scholarship programs as well as AHEPA’s Journey to Greece
educational and cultural program.
The Initiation was presided by Supreme Treasurer Jimmy Kokotas. At the appointed time the new
members were called to the front of the room, they were then asked to place their left hands on the
shoulders of their fellow recruits and to raise their right hands and were administered the oath of The Order
of AHEPA by the Supreme President Andrew Zachariades.
Also in attendance this evening were several Brothers from the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors
Veterans Program; its Chairman, Brother George Karatzia, expounded on the program with a brief
presentation. Delphi # 25, in the name of its Past President and life member the Hon. Judge Nicholas
Tsoucalas, presented a donation of $ 2,000. to the program.
The annual Vasilopita cutting event was held at the Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan on
January 24, 2017; the evening was dedicated to the memory of the late James A. Poll (1920-2013), who had
served The Order in many capacities most notably Past Supreme Secretary, Past Chairman of AHEPA’s
Saint Basil Academy (In its 90+ year history, the AHEPA family has donated more than $1.75 million to the
Saint Basil Academy for the construction and ongoing maintenance of its facilities) as well as Past President
of Delphi Chapter # 25. Brother Dean Poll, host of the evening and son of James Poll, addressed the 150+
Brothers gathered and fondly recollected his father’s dedication to The Order of AHEPA .
The day after this event, Jan.25th, 2017, Brothers Ted Stamas, AHEPA District Six Governor and
Argyris S. Argitakos, President of Delphi Chapter # 25 were invited on the NYC based Cosmos FM 91.5 a biweekly
radio program entitled “East Mediterranean Business & Culture” (which is hosted by Brother Ilias I.
Katsos,V.President of Delphi Chapter # 25). While on the air the Brothers were afforded the opportunity to
expound on the Vasilopita and Initiation event the night before as well as the history, values, and virtues of
The Order of AHEPA .
