A New Era

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Brothers and Sisters of the Order,

In the company of Governor-Elect Othon Economopoulos and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Merek Vincent, I had the great privilege of representing at Capitol Hill  a district that has become, without exaggeration, a national standard of excellence.

We held meaningful conversations with key voices in Congress—Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, Representatives Haley Stevens and Lisa McClain, and staunch advocates of Hellenic values like Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Mike Haridopolos of the Hellenic Caucus. But our purpose went far beyond protocol or presence. We came as a district with vision, with purpose, and with results.

We made the case for more Section 202 senior housing in Michigan—because our elders deserve dignity.

We advocated for the long-overdue formal U.S. recognition of the Pontian Genocide—because memory is justice.And we reaffirmed the enduring geopolitical and cultural partnership between the U.S., Greece, and Cyprus—because our alliance is both ancient and necessary.

District 10 spoke. And Washington listened.

At the evening Congressional Gala—before a crowd of ambassadors, legislators, military officers, and global Greek leaders—Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles, Brother Alec Economakis, did something extraordinary: He recognized our district, District 10, as the benchmark for AHEPA’s next 100 years. In front of the Hellenic world, he declared what we already know to be true: District 10 is not only “at the forefront”—we are the future, the model for the other districts to follow.

He praised our energy, our youth movement, our unity, our courage to lead, and the ability to do it so well.. And his words were more than symbolic—they were historic.

District 10 is no longer just a district. We are a phenomenon. A wondrous movement.

Supreme President Brother Savas Tsivicos reminded all attendees that true advocacy is action, not rhetoric—and that if AHEPA is to live up to its founding ideals, it will be because districts like ours lead by example.

We have proven that engagement is power. That collaboration builds legacy. And that when we rise together, we elevate not just our chapters, but the entire Hellenic-American cause.

Let us be clear: We are not imitating greatness---we are now greatness incarnate.

And we must continue to do so. We cannot falter. 

We must continue to heavily invest in the next generation, build coalitions at every level of government, and defend our culture and faith with conviction and class. We must support one another—especially the brothers and sisters doing the hard, often thankless work of moving us forward.

District 10 is no longer hidden in obscurity in the shadows. We are at the forefront. And now, the nation is watching.

To all who have believed in this vision and carried us to this moment: thank you. To those just joining us: welcome to something truly special. And to those wondering what this district can become: watch what comes next. We are truly entering a Golden Era in District 10! 

Fraternally and in service,

James Thomas

Outgoing District Governor

AHEPA District 10