HELLENISM

For over 80 years, the AHEPA Family has strived to stimulate a love for and appreciation of the Hellenic Culture, traditions, and ideas. With a recent decline in new Greek immigrants to this country, the Sons are ensuring that our Greek heritage will not be forgotten by today’s youth. By incorporationg thise ideals into their daily lives, our members take active roles in their communities and promote a better understanding of our Hellenic people.

"There are two types of people in this world: Greeks and people who wish they were Greek." Michael Constantine, the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, couldn’t have said it better. The one thing that makes the Sons of Pericles unique among all other fraternal organizations is that we are all Hellenic. We share a common background, culture and language that no other fraternal order has. Perhaps this is the reason why members of the Sons of Pericles consider the Order the greatest organization in North America.

The Sons of Pericles represents the lifeline of Hellenism in America. In order to introduce Hellenic Ideals to a new generation of Americans, the Sons of Pericles must continue to thrive into this millennium. This is where you (the member) come into play.

EDUCATION

Every year, members of the Sons of Pericles are eligible to receive thousands of dollars in scholarship money. From high school seniors to postgraduates students; from the local level to the national level, our scholarships are the latest chapter in the Hellenic success story. Three members of the Sons of Pericles who suffered untimely deaths have had scholarships established in their memory to assist Sons of Pericles attending and continuing their schooling. These men are Stergios B. Milonas, George N. Kaloudis and John Katsimatidis. Today, the Sons continue to promote education. Every year the Sons help raise money and distribute numerous scholarships to the membership.

A mentorship program affords members the opportunity to gain experience and contacts in their career field. Your mentor will be able to guide you in developing a career goal plan ans assisting you with internship and job placement.

NATIONAL PROJECTS & PHILANTHROPY

Benevolence towards others is a major aspect of the Sons of Pericles. The Sons have a long history of community service and continue that tradition by the philanthropic projects that are performed throughout the local and national levels. In 1938, an excursion to Greece gave the Sons the inspiration for the first of many national projects. A visit to Missolonghi, Greece, inspired the dedication of a monument to the heroes of the war of Greek Independence. After approval of both Houses of the U.S. Congress, the monument was presented as an expression of goodwill from America to Greece.

In 1971, the Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena (Junior Order of the Daughters of Penelope), undertook the same National project for the first time, raising over $30,000 for Multiple Sclerosis. In 1985, the Sons of Pericles raised $10,000 in order to bring the Greek Special Olympics team to the International Games in Utah. In 1996, the Sons of Pericles helped raise over $10,000 for a commemorative statue that was presented at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. This statue represented the past, present, and future of the Olympic Games. The dedication ceremony took place a few months before the Olympic Games and was attended by local and state officials as well as His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. During the Olympic Games, when a small pipe bomb was detonated, this immense statue helped shield tourists from debris. In 2009, a $10,000 check was donated to the Cooley´s Anemaia Foundation, as a result of the fundraising efforts of members of the Sons of Pericles nation-wide.

Since the beginning of our Order, the Sons of Pericles have raised well over a million dollars for various charities and special events. We proudly continue this commitment to helping those that are less fortunate, and to fight for causes that promote Hellenism.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

During the years of WWII (1942-1946), the Sons of Pericles suspended operations. However, they did not remain idle. They assisted the members of the AHEPA in the selling of US war bonds. The Order of AHEPA, with the Sons' assistance, sold the most war bonds during the war than any other organization. In 1947, the Sons resumed normal operations.

In 1982, the Sons, in continued cooperation, held the first biannual youth salute. The first honoree was U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes, with Sergeant Shriver (1984), Ike Pappas (1986), and U.S. Congressman George W. Gekas (1988) to follow. In 1990, Chris Economindes was awarded the honor, and just recently, in 2001, Christos Cotsakos chairman and CEO of E* Trade was also honored.

ATHLETICS

In an effort to keep all of its members active and athletic, the Sons of Pericles undertook an athletic program, with local, regional and national tournaments. One of its most popular sports has always been basketball. Numerous local tournaments were merged to form regional ones. The first national basketball tournament was held in 1940 with Pittsburgh, PA #112 taking top honors. Every year, there are four regional basketball tournaments. Each are dedicated to the members in the West, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Supreme President Greg J. Kalamaras (1988-1989) helped restructure the way each regional is hosted. These rules of operation are the ones still used today. Furthermore, there continues to be District tournaments and seasonal leagues with other sports such as soccer, softball, and football. These events, while competitive, instill in our members the ideals of teamwork and good sportsmanship.