Event marks $1 million milestone for the Journey to Greece program and presentation of the Defender of Hellenism Award
Press release
On December 27, 2025, AHEPA held a testimonial gala honoring its immediate past Supreme President Savas Tsivicos at The Graycliff in Bergen County, New Jersey. Members of the AHEPA family, including its global leadership as well as leadership of the Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles, were in attendance. They were accompanied by many members of other Hellenic organizations, well-wishers, donors to the Journey to Greece program, and former student attendees of the program itself.
The evening program was a benefit to endow AHEPA’s Journey to Greece program. During his two terms at the helm of AHEPA, the past president made it a priority to raise over one million dollars to endow the program for future generations. The program allows students to earn college credit while in Greece through AHEPA’s affiliation with Webster University. The number of students participating has increased over the years, as AHEPA provides the cost of housing and tuition and encourages students to attend during the summer.
Savas’ assistance to Journey to Greece came in the form of soliciting donations from many family members, friends, and institutions, notably AHEPA Housing, and on the heels of a $200,000 grant last year from Ahepan Tassos Efstratiades, Esq. At the conclusion of the evening, and as the result of the generosity of many supporters, AHEPA through Savas’ efforts was successful in reaching the one million dollar mark in funds raised.
Savas hails from the Asbury Park chapter of AHEPA, known as the Thomas Edison Chapter 287. His Grace Bishop Athenagoras opened a long line of well wishers, offering congratulations on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Church. Thereafter, the host Asbury Park chapter offered heartfelt remarks through its President Dimitris Geneas.
Many others came to the podium to express their appreciation of Savas’ efforts, including Nick Larigakis of AHI, Panos Stavrianides of the NJ Hellenic Federation, and Kyriakos Papastylianou of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations. John Chrysoulakis, Greece’s former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, also gave a moving tribute to the honoree in a special appearance.
AHEPA was also honored to have Petros Dorizes, Consul from the Consulate General of Greece in New York, and Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, address the audience. Both spoke eloquently about Savas’ service to Hellenism and AHEPA throughout his life.
The Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena were represented at the podium by Sons Supreme Vice President George T. Horiates and Past Maids Grand President Mariana Pantelous. Noting the upcoming Centennial celebration of the Sons of Pericles, Horiates brought Savas forward and presented him with a special commemorative 100 Year Anniversary Sons of Pericles pin, noting that many members of the Junior Orders have been beneficiaries of and participants in the Journey to Greece program.
They were followed by tributes from Past Supreme Governor Phil Vogis and former AHEPA Board member Vassos Chrysanthou. Past Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope Margaret Dritsas and Past AHEPA Canadian President Emmanuel Constas were also brought forward, sharing reflections from their travels with the Supreme President and stories of brothers and sisters working together for Hellenism.
AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson delivered the keynote address, speaking of Savas’ dedication to Hellenism from the perspective of having served as his Vice President. He noted AHEPA’s appreciation as the Journey to Greece fundraising continued after Savas’ term, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the commitment to Hellenism that defines the honoree’s legacy.
Kaitson then called the honoree to the stage along with members of the Supreme Lodge, including Vice President Zenon Christodoulou, Treasurer Themis Frangos, Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, and Past Supreme Presidents former Board Chair Nicholas Karacostas and current Vice Chair George G. Horiates, who also served as Master of Ceremonies. Kaitson presented Tsivicos with AHEPA’s Defender of Hellenism Award to rousing applause.
Maria Tsivicos, the wife of the honoree, spoke and introduced their son, Evangelos Tsivicos, who in turn introduced his father. It was a heartfelt family tribute. Tsivicos rose to respond to a standing ovation as the DJ played his favorite song, Ehi Ena Fengari Apopse.
In his remarks, Savas spoke about the shared responsibility of passing the flame of Hellenism to future generations. He thanked the well-wishers and attendees, as well as the many contributors to Journey to Greece, noting each listed in the evening program. Various donors presenting checks and Journey to Greece participants expressing appreciation also came forward to the microphone on a memorable night for AHEPA.
Images courtesy of GANP/Dimitris Panagos.