CHARLOTTE, NC – The Order of AHEPA Marathon Chapter #2 established September 11, 1922 as the second chapter initiated by the Order of AHEPA celebrated their Centennial with a total of $30,000 donation to three projects which received $10,000 each- AHEPA Founding Monument Order of AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter #1 Atlanta, GA, the Daughters of Penelope Charitable Foundation Meals on Wheels America, and the AHEPA Charitable Fund.

The Centennial Banquet was held on May 7 at Maggiano’s Restaurant with the Presentation of Colors, singing of the Hellenic and American National Anthems, and a local Greek band performing background music.

AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas was the honored guest and had the opportunity to mingle, meet, and visit with the banquet guests at the fellowship hour prior to the banquet

The honored dignitaries included Congressman Dan Bishop of the North Carolina 9th District and Mecklenburg County Sherriff Garry L McFadden.

AHEPA Family dignitaries were also present: Daughters of Penelope (DOP) Grand Vice President Georgette Boulegeris,  AHEPA Capital District #3 Supreme Governor James Gregorakis, DOP District Governor Sondra Sealine, AHEPA Capital #3 District Governor Steve Goodson, AHEPA Marathon Ch. #2 President Frank Boardman, AHEPA Marathon Chapter #2 Foundation  President James Cavalaris, DOP Venus Chapter # 102 President Christina Skiouris, Sons of Pericles (SOP) Supreme Treasurer Alec Economakis, and SOP President Victory Chapter #123 John Shelton.

Special honored dignitaries included AHEPA District #1 Governor John D. Shinas, AHEPA Chapter #1 Mother Lodge AHEPA Centennial Committee Co-Chairman Tom Kantsios, Past Supreme Secretary James Stasios, and former governor of North Carolina and former mayor of Charlotte Pat McCrory as a guest of Past Marathon Chapter #2 President Louis Politis.

The priests and parish council presidents of the three area Greek Orthodox communities, Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. Nektarios Church, both in Charlotte, and St. Luke Church in Mooresville, also attended.

Fr. Jonathan Resmini, Proistamenos of Holy Trinity Cathedral, read the letters of blessings and congratulations from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta.

Supreme President Kokotas reflected on his travels, current concerns of the Order of AHEPA, and the accomplishments and history of Marathon Chapter #2.

He bestowed upon Past Supreme Governor and Past Chairman National Projects Harry T. Cavalaris the 50-year pin that belonged to his father Thomas Cavalaris, Past Supreme Treasure and AHEPA Chapter #107 member.

Congressman Dan Bishop and Sherriff Gary McFadden reflected on their past associations and friendships with many of Charlotte’s Ahepans from their early years with fond memories.

SOP Supreme Treasurer Alec Economakis and Chapter President John Shelton reflected on the Sons charitable work and outreach. The Charlotte Sons of Pericles Chapter is the largest Chapter in the country.

Marathon Chapter #2 was honored by all of the speakers’ warm reflections and greetings.

The Centennial Banquet Celebration ended with Greek and American dancing and more fellowship.