The Hellenic American Women’s Council will host a two-session online cultural series on June 27 and July 25, 2026, connecting America’s 250th anniversary with Thomas Jefferson’s interest in ancient Greek civilization and Epicurean philosophy.
The program will be presented by Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos and Dr. Christos Yapijakis, co-founders of the Society of Epicurus, Garden of Athens. The series places Jefferson’s political thought in conversation with ancient Greek ideas, with particular attention to the intellectual background of the Declaration of Independence.
The first session, “Thomas Jefferson: I Too Am an Epicurean,” will take place Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. Central, 2 p.m. Eastern, and 11 a.m. Pacific. Panagiotopoulos, an author and researcher, will discuss Jefferson’s life and his inspiration from ancient Greek thought. Registration is available at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJsTNGCyRiu3VuoRfvjyMg.
The second session, “Pursuit of Happiness in the Declaration of Independence & Epicurean Philosophy,” will be held Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. Central, 11 a.m. Eastern, and 8 a.m. Pacific. Yapijakis, an associate professor of genetics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and an author, will examine Epicurean ideas of happiness, human flourishing, and personal freedom in relation to Jefferson’s political philosophy. Registration is available at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/11Ai2NaQSA6dpwAXGQJw1A.
HAWC is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nationwide network that encourages public policy awareness and promotes Hellenic American women in leadership, community, and professional life.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.