AHEPA This organization, known as the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922. It is the umbrella organization, which includes the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, and Maids of Athena. Its initial purpose was to integrate the Greek immigrants into mainstream America by helping them learn English, the customs and culture of our country, and to help Greek immigrants obtain American citizenship. By the end of World War II these ends were largely accomplished. Since then AHEPA has become a very active service-type fraternity. It has raised money, sponsored and participated in many charitable, medical, educational and community projects. The Fresno AHEPA Chapter 151, with over 100 members, is one of the strongest chapters in District 21, having been chartered on March 26, 1927. Membership is not restricted to those of Greek descent. Anyone interested can contact the St. George Church Office for a referral. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The Daughters of Penelope is the women’s auxiliary of AHEPA. This senior women’s organization was founded in 1929 and now has over 330 chapters in the U. S. and Canada with a total membership of approximately 15,000. The structure of chapters is such that there are local, district and national chapters. The district and national levels hold annual conventions in different locales in the country. The objectives and goals of the Daughters of Penelope are to promote the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its members, to cultivate good citizenship and patriotism for the U. S. A., and to encourage members to participate in worthwhile projects in their respective communities. To qualify for membership, one must be of Greek heritage or be married to an AHEPAN. Meetings are held on the first Thursday evening of every month in the church meeting rooms. We structure the activities so that there are always ongoing philanthropic projects, whether on the local, district, or national levels. We have our social meetings and we have our ‘fund-raiser’ projects. We invite all interested persons to contact any member of the Daughters of Penelope, if interested in joining. MAIDS OF ATHENA Maids of Athena is the young ladies auxiliary of AHEPA. Its membership consists of girls between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one. The Maids are guided by two members from the Daughters of Penelope who counsel them in their purpose and objective, which includes fellowship, church activities, charitable and community participation. Young ladies are encouraged to join. Those interested should contact an existing member. G.A.P.A. G.A.P.A. began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1923, with chapters initiated in cities throughout the United States. In Fresno, the Ilissos-Alcmene Chapter was founded in 1927 and has been serving the Greek Orthodox community continuously. The aims of G.A.P.A. are: To defend and encourage faith in and obedience to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America. To educate its members in the ideals of American democracy. To strive for the cultivation and preservation of the Greek language. To strengthen the religious sentiments of its members in accordance with the beliefs and Holy Canons of our Orthodox Church. To strive for the growth and preservation of the Greek teachings and ideals. The chief symbol and insignia of our organization is the lamp with three flames, symbolizing Orthodoxy, the United States, and Greece. In recent years the chapter "adopted" a family in Cyprus and donated over $4,000.00 towards its support. Currently, the chapter is building its Charitable Fund to have means available to support worthy and/or needy projects. The only requirement for membership is to be a Hellene or a Philhellene of the Orthodox Faith.