America's history relates hundreds of pioneer stories, filled with unbelievable feats of adventure, sacrifice, torment and success! One of these stories is about a fraternal organization known as "THE ORDER OF AHEPA".

The Greek Immigrant of the early 1900's arrived in New York Harbor, armed with faith, hope and a determination to make good in this new land of promise.

Soon, however, numerous obstacles were encountered. One of the most difficult being that of becoming accepted by the other residents of the town in which he lived and worked. It was a time in which people were both cautious and fearful of the new strangers, or "foreigners". The Greek newcomers, however, had the one basic factor in their favor --- DEMOCRACY. They came from Greece, the Country that gave birth to Democracy and they now lived in the Country, which chose Democracy as its form of government.

There was first a need to become naturalized American Citizens and they needed to adapt to the American way of life while simultaneously retaining their own ethnicity. The solution agreed upon was to organize themselves and try to uplift the image of the Greek immigrant in America. The vehicle by which this was to be accomplished was the fraternal organization known as the Order of AHEPA. or, THE AMERICAN, HELLENIC, EDUCATIONAL, PROGRESSIVE, ASSOCIATION.

Greek immigrants residing in Atlanta, Georgia mirrored the feelings of their compatriots in Charlotte, NC, which had initially organized as a chapter. On July 26, 1922 the Order of AHEPA was chartered in Atlanta, Georgia. On September 9, 1922 the second Chapter of the Order of AHEPA was formally hartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Later in the same year, a third Chapter was chartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The following year, a fourth Chapter became reality in Charleston, South Carolina with Chapter No. 5 shortly thereafter in Savannah, Georgia. This series has continued to expand to this day with over 1,000 chapters of AHEPA and its auxiliaries in the US, Canada and Australia.

In its worldwide role of leadership today, the AHEPA, stands as a monument, a true beacon, to its founders, those dedicated men of the 1920's and 30's who endured through perseverance and determination.

On September 9, 1922 the Marathon Chapter No. 2, of the Order of AHEPA was formally organized and received its Charter from the State of North Carolina. One of AHEPA's first projects was to make arrangements to have an afternoon Greek School for the children. This accomplished, they immediately set out to organize a Parish.

In 1923, this feat was done. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish was organized. The first Church services were held in the upstairs room of a rented building in the second block of East Trade Street.

Finally, in 1929-1930, the Parish purchased a Church building on South Boulevard, raising donations of $100 each from donors. The Marathon Chapter donated $500. For the next five years, the Parish was able to pay only the interest on the loan. The Church basement was then enlarged and remodeled by the AHEPA and was thus named AHEPA Hall.

The AHEPA Hall was used almost daily for: Greek School, wedding receptions, baptisms, dances, general assembly meetings and numerous other needs of the community.

The loan on the Church building was finally paid off; however, needed repairs began to take their toll. The roof was leaking and the building seemed to require constant repairs.

In 1950-1951 a choice parcel of land was offered for sale to the Charlotte Chapter of the Order of AHEPA for $75,000. This was a bargain, the cost being only one-fifth of the actual value of the square city block on East Boulevard. The buyer of the property would have to agree to use it for religious and/or educational purposes only.

Quickly, two concerned AHEPANs, now deceased, called the Parish Council in special session, and the following Sunday a General Assembly of the Parish was called to order. However, the Community did not have the funds to acquire this choice property.

Again, the Marathon Chapter called a special meeting and voted unanimously to donate $8,500.00 to the Community. This $8,500.00 was for the down payment and retaining bond on the Jones property at 600 East Boulevard, today's site Orthodox Cathedral and Hellenic Center of Charlotte, NC

of the Holy Trinity Greek

Although this story is entitled, "History of the AHEPA", it is in fact, a history of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Charlotte, NC. The history of one cannot be written without including the history of the other. The two are "one" and yet, they are two different organizations working harmoniously. This is one of the reasons that both, the Marathon Chapter No. 2, of the Order of AHEPA and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Parish rank among the nation's LEADERS.

AHEPA and Community, working in unison has been the story throughout their nearly 76 year history's in Charlotte. A few years ago, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese put out an urgent call for emergency funds for the Theological Seminary. The first organization in the United States to send money was the Marathon Chapter.... $1,000.00.

When the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built in 1953-1954, the AHEPA donated the cost of the church pews ... $7,000.00. When the Diocesan Headquarters was being built on East Boulevard, the AHEPA gave $1,000.00. When the Hellenic Center was built, the AHEPA donated the cost of the first printing room ... $5,000.00. When the new wing was added to the Hellenic Center, the AHEPA came through by giving once again.

In recent years, the AHEPA gave to the Community by donating the new doors for the Cathedral. The cost of this was $6,200.00. Over 200 red leather Bibles that are used each Sunday in the Church pews and by newly married couples were donated by the AHEPA at a cost of $2,000.00. A Medal and Certificate awarded annually to the student who excels most in the Charlotte Greek School. For the past twenty years, the Marathon Chapter No. 2, of the Order of AHEPA has given approximately $4,000.00 each year in scholarships exclusively to the youth of the Charlotte Greek Orthodox community. With one given annually in memory of our beloved and most Reverend Father Phaethon Constantinides, (better known as Fr. CC,,).

These are but some of the facts of our history. They show the prominent role which the AHEPA Marathon Chapter No. 2, has played in the progress of our Greek Community of Charlotte, NC. The Community recently recognized the Chapter as a Great Benefactor of the Parish. As in the past, together, we can continue to work harmoniously for an even greater, more fruitful future.
 
 
 

				John G. Plumides -     Past Supreme President

				Zoe Cavalaris -            Past Grand President

				Thomas Cavalaris -     Past Supreme Treasurer

				Michael G. Plumides - Past Supreme Counselor

				Chris Economides -    Past Supreme Sons National Advisor

				Peter A, Pappas -       Past Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles

				Harry T. Gavalaris -    Past Supreme Governor

				Nicholas G. Pappas -  Past District Governor

				Tom P. Pappas -        Past District Governor

				Mary Katismathes -   Past District Grand Governor

				Margaret Kambas -   Past District Grand Governor

				Sophia Hondras -     Past District Grand Governor

				Mary G. Plumides: - Past District Grand Governor