ANN ARBOR, MI – On March 21, AHEPA Ann Arbor Chapter 195 celebrated the 200 years of the independence of Greece (1821 – 2021) on the grounds of the City of Ypsilanti, named after the Greek general Dimitris Ypsilanti who was one of the architects of the Greek revolution, and the only municipal place in the United States that the Greek and the American flags fly together 24/7.

A memorial was held in the presence of AHEPA Supreme President George G. Horiates, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, Father Nicholas H. Kotsis, Ypsilanti Mayor Lois Richardson, AHEPA Region 5 Supreme Governor Nick Regopoulos, AHEPA District 10 Governor Dimitris S. Papageorgiou, Daughters of Penelope (DOP) District 10 Governor Peggy Collias, DOP Knossos Chapter 174 President Christina Vlahopoulos, Chapter #195 President Craig Theros, other past and present AHEPA officers and a great participation from the extended community.

His Eminence the Metropolitan Nicholas led the memorial ceremony with Fr. Nick H. Kotsis, followed by the American and Greek National Anthems by two young gifted Ahepans, Yan Theros and Socrates D. Papageorgiou.

The Supreme President George G. Horiates delivered a passionate speech about “Defending Hellenism” and the significance of the bicentennial celebration for the Western Civilization. Speeches from Nicholas Stamos, Heleni Tratras Contis, and Mayor Richardson followed. Wreaths were laid at the foot of the Statue of General Ypsilanti by AHEPA and the DOP.

Despite the pandemic a strong participation of 80 plus joined to celebrate Greek Independence on a beautiful sunny day. This celebration was preceded by a mass initiation presided over by the AHEPA Supreme Horiates ensuring Chapter #195 remains the largest chapter in District 10.