Omega Chapter 371
Our
Story
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History of Omega Chapter ~371
Order of AHEPA
Writing or reviewing the accomplishments of a chapter for twenty-five years in the service of its community, church, or order is an extremely difficult task. However, the growing interest in the Order of AHEPA has provided ample reason for this endeavor. A more personal reason for the members of the Omega Chapter is the record of those dedicated members and their struggle and sacrifices to steer the projects of this chapter for the good of our Hellenic community and the Order of AHEPA.
To better understand this, one must review some of AHEPA's objectives:
- To promote and encourage loyalty to the United States of America.
- To instruct its members in the tenets and fundamental principles of government, and in the recognition and respect of the inalienable rights of mankind.
- To instill in its membership a due appreciation of the privileges of citizenship.
- To encourage its members to always be profoundly interested and actively participating in the political, civic, social, and commercial fields of human endeavor.
- To pledge its members to do their utmost to stamp out any and all political corruption and to arouse its members to the fact that tyranny is a menace to the life, property, prosperity, honor, and integrity of every nation.
- To promote a better and more comprehensive understanding of the attributes and ideals of Hellenism and Hellenic culture.
- To promote good fellowship and endow its members with the perfection of the moral sense.
- To endow its members with a spirit of altruism, common understanding, mutual benevolence, and helpfulness.
- To champion the cause of education and to maintain new channels for facilitating the dissemination of culture and learning.
When AHEPA was established, it was founded on the principle to inculcate its members with particular lessons or virtues, as other organizations have done for hundreds of years. Over time, as the original teachings of the fraternity lost some of their importance, AHEPA transformed into an institution of "all things to all men." Today, AHEPA continues to champion the cause of Americanism and the general education of its members in good government. It also asserts itself in the international field of human endeavor by supporting worthy worldwide causes and seeking to marshal active service and world opinion for oppressed and downtrodden peoples.
Examples of this commitment include the crises in Cyprus and its refugee problem, the rightful cause of Greece and the Aegean Islands, and the concern for the safety of the Patriarchate. Contributions to national and international causes are numerous, alongside the many local activities of our chapters within their communities.
AHEPA brings man to the center of his universe and seeks to arouse mankind to the realization that tyranny, wherever it may exercise its baneful power, is a menace to life, property, prosperity, honor, and integrity of every nation. AHEPA is non-partisan but deeply concerned with political affairs, supporting those who are true patriots. The organization also values education, focusing on right thinking and distinguishing between the counsel of artful demagogues and genuine statesmen.
This mission drives AHEPA to marshal the finer impulses and capabilities of Hellenes in America, serving the institutions of the country and fostering the appreciation of culture and learning.
Early History and Formation
In January 1950, Brothers PSG A. Lingon (deceased), PDT N. Stergiotis (deceased), and PDG Harry J. Pulos filed a petition with the Supreme Lodge to create a new chapter in Detroit. This new chapter, named "Omega," was established to serve the eastern section of Detroit. The charter members were initiated in March 1950 at the AHEPA Temple on Davenport Street, with PST S. V. Seckles presiding.
The early years were marked by hard and dedicated work from its membership. Projects included helping in the erection of the Church building, organizing many fundraisers, and co-sponsoring projects with the Church Council. One notable achievement was securing the remaining funds to pour the cement floor of the Church in time for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 1953.
Notable Accomplishments and Events
Omega Chapter has seen periods of both activity and decline. In the early years, it organized a Daughters chapter, participated in district and national programs, and initiated numerous projects for the community. The chapter faced challenges during the Detroit riots of 1967-68, losing many records and experiencing a drop in membership. Despite these challenges, the chapter continued to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its members.
Significant projects and activities from 1958-1961 include:
- Organizing the Sons Chapter.
- Co-sponsoring many community events with Detroit area AHEPA Chapters.
- Participating in national and district sports tournaments.
- Hosting a national bowling tournament.
- Acquiring chapter officers' jewels.
- Co-sponsoring family projects with the Thamyris Chapter.
- Presenting the first scholarship and scholastic awards.
- Sponsoring the first program to pave the Church parking lot.
- Initiating Memorial Day services.
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- Appointing Lambros Milonas to the AHEPA National Advisory Board of the Sons of Pericles.
Past Presidents of Omega Chapter
Here is a list of all past presidents of Omega Chapter:
- 1950-1951: Andrew P. Johnson
- 1952: Mick Sardelis
- 1953: Chris W. Charouhis
- 1954: Arthur Jatros
- 1955: Daniel Poulfos
- 1956: Arthur Jatros
- 1957: Peter K. Pappas
- 1958-1959: James Palmer
- 1960: Lambros Milonas
- 1961: Harry J. Pulos
- 1962: Nondas J. Carres
- 1963: Dr. Charles Milenas
- 1964-1965: Dean Moraitis
- 1966: George Petrouleas
- 1967: Harry J. Pulos
- 1968-1969: Nondas J. Carres
- 1970-1972: George Panos
- 1973: Louis Pisley
- 1974: Milton A. Gust
- 1975- Spero Theros
- John Hatzis
-2022-present -James Thomas
Past Governors and District Officers from Omega Chapter
Here is a list of all past governors from Omega Chapter:
-Spyro T. Nicholas
- Harry J. Pulos (District Governor, National Advisory Board Chairman, Sons of Pericles)
- Milton A. Gust (District Scholarship Chairman)
-Spero Theros,
-Menas Georgenson
-Petros Besieris
-James Thomas
-Othon Economopoulos
Other Notable District Officers:
- Lambros Milonas (Member of the National Advisory Board, Sons of Pericles)
- George Petrouleas (District Athletic Advisor)
-Merek Vincent (District Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer)
-Steven Brylinski (District Secretary)
Rebuilding and Growth
The chapter continued to grow and rebuild through the 1970s, with projects like:
- Participating in the Old World Market of the International Institute.
- Participating in the Detroit Ethnic Waterfront Festival.
- Contacting Congressmen regarding the Cyprus vote.
- Collecting and distributing clothing and supplies to Cyprus.
- Returning to ritualistic meetings.
- Re-activating the scholarship and scholastic awards.
- Participating in AHEPA Sons tournaments.
- Re-activating the Past-President's dinner.
- Co-hosting the Detroit 1973 District Convention.
- Holding visitations by National and District Lodge officers.
- Participating in city elections.
-significant donation campaigns
The year 1975 was devoted to celebrating the chapter's 25th anniversary, with events honoring past presidents and members. The chapter received its highest membership since the 1960s and continued to meet at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Building every second Wednesday of the month.
Looking Forward
Omega Chapter has initiated 155 members into the Order of AHEPA and continues to strive for excellence. Though the chapter is young, it has made significant contributions to the Hellenic community and the Order of AHEPA. Looking forward to the year 2000 and beyond, Omega Chapter is dedicated to serving its community and maintaining the values and mission of AHEPA.
Since 2000:
Omega Chapter completed Phase 2 of their Housing in 2004. The chapter was on a small but steady for a very long time in terms of members. Recently, the chapter has been revived under a newer younger leadership. The chapter under its new president James Thomas since 2022 has increased in its membership to almost over 100 members most of which are younger and more involved. Under the leadership of James Thomas, the chapter has won chapter of the year nationally in 2023 and 2025. Brother James Thomas also won governor of the year as well in 2025.
The chapter held two successful conventions one at Assumption in 2024 and one in Traverse City in 2025. At that convention, Governor Thomas honored Omega Chapter with a chapter of the quarter century award for all their major contributions over the years. The chapter also celebrated its 75th anniversary in Traverse City.