AHEPA Dayton, Ohio Chapter #113 Local HistoryOn November 1926, a traveling insurance agent in the person of Spiro Kansas, visited the City of Dayton, got in touch with most of the members of the Greek Community and sold them life insurance. However, he did more than that. He sold them on the idea of brotherhood and cooperation. He sold them the idea of AHEPA. In November of that year thirty Greek-Americans of Dayton assembled in the ballroom of the Beckel Hotel and were initiated into the ideals and principles of The Order of AHEPA. Members from the South Bend (Indiana) Chapter, with Rev. Louis Rocca presiding, conducted the ceremonies.
The first meeting of the new Chapter was held in the back room of the Greek Orthodox Church at 15 South Robert Boulevard with the entire membership attending. Election of officers was the first order of business, with Brothers James T. Leakas, George Steffens, and John Zonars being elected to the offices of President, Vice-President and Secretary, respectively. It was at this meeting that the second and fourth Tuesday of every month was designated as a meeting night.
Carried away by the enthusiasm of the membership, the Dayton Chapter was instrumental in establishing Chapters in several neighboring cities: Middletown, Springfield, Cincinnati, and others not so near: Anderson, Muncie, Indianapolis and Kokomo, Indiana.
In 1956, Ted Boudouris, Dino Houpis and Ted Leakas organized the first Dayton AHEPA Family Day, which has been held yearly, ever since. The event was so successful that eventually it came to the attention of the Supreme Lodge and was adopted as the AHEPA Family Day, a national event.
Our Dayton AHEPA Philanthropic Foundation has contributed well over $11,000 /year towards Educational, Philanthropic, Cultural and Local Civic Causes.
On October 23, 1998 we broke ground for our 58 unit Senior Elderly Housing Project located on County Line Road in Beavercreek, Ohio and dedicated this facility on June 3, 2000.
AHEPA prides itself on the concept of Family & Individual Excellence.
Our Hellenic history is one of which we should all be proud. The preservation and promotion of that history and the principles of Hellenism – basically man’s commitment to humanity – is one area where AHEPA has and always will be deeply committed.
As individuals we are all limited in the things we can do in meeting our responsibility to our fellow man. However, it is when we come together as a group, organized and focused in our objectives that we can begin to realize the fulfillment of our mission. AHEPA and the AHEPA Family is that vehicle to lead us to the fulfillment of our dreams.
We urge any individual that is interested in joining our brotherhood to contact Nick Protos, President of the Dayton, Ohio Chapter #113 at 937-344-5102.
Our Services
The Sunday Divine Liturgy
will begin every Sunday at 9:30 am
The Orthros Service
will begin every Sunday at 8:30 am
From the North, West, or East: I-75 South, pass Rt 4 interchange near downtown Dayton, 1-75 will snake to the right, then proceed to left lane, and exit at left lane exit, for Salem Ave. The exit ramp twists to the left, at the bottom of ramp (there is a traffice light, turn left and proceed to Monument, turnn left, cross over the lanes so you can cross over the bridge. At the end of the bridge is a traffice light, turn right and proceed to Belmonte Park North, between Dayton Art Institute and Masonic Temple. Church driveway is 4th driveway on the right (sign at foot of driveway) (First 3 driveways belong to DAI).
From the South: I-75 North to downtown Dayton, take Salem Ave-First St. Exit. Bear left at the bottom of the ramp. Cross over the bridge and turn right at the first light, and go to second left, Belmonte Park North, between Mason Temple and Dayton Art Institute. Church driveway is 4th on the right (sign at foot of driveway). (First 3 driveways belong to DAI).
500 Belmonte Park North | Dayton, Ohio 45405-4797 | 937.224.0601 (phone) | 937.224.0173 (fax) | annunciation@donet.com
