The 68th National Chian Convention opens Friday, October 9, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, for a three-day gathering that will also raise support for volunteer fire brigades on Chios.
Organized by the Chios Society of New Jersey, the convention runs through Sunday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Lee and marks the federation’s 68th national convention.
Alongside the meetings, dinners, and social events, organizers are using this year’s gathering to direct support back to Chios. The convention will launch the Homeland Relief Initiative, a campaign seeking €128,092.80 to equip and modernize nine volunteer fire brigades across the island.
The appeal follows the major wildfires that struck Chios in June and August 2025, when volunteer firefighting and forest-protection teams responded to the emergencies.
The weekend opens Friday evening with a welcome reception from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring comedian Carie Karavas. Younger attendees will have their own gathering from 7 to 11 p.m. at City Bistro in Hoboken.
Saturday shifts to federation business, with delegates meeting beginning at 10 a.m. That evening, the Grand Banquet and Dinner Dance begins with a 7 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner, presentations, and dancing at 8.
The banquet will honor three New Jersey Chians: John M. Kontolios, Dimitrios Moutafis and George L. Staphos. The Yiannis Lignos Orchestra will provide the evening’s music. Tickets are $160 per person and include an open bar.
On Sunday, attendees will gather at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension in Fairview for Divine Liturgy from 10 a.m. to noon. A coffee hour and Oxi Day program with the New Jersey State Hellenic-American Heritage Commission will follow from noon to 1 p.m.
The convention ends with an afternoon visit to Liberty State Park and Ellis Island, scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m.
For convention information, contact Dimitrios B. Kontolios at 201-960-9260 or chiossocietynj@live.com.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.