Supreme President Chris Kaitson heads a delegation to Frankfurt

Supreme President Chris Kaitson heads a delegation to Frankfurt, Germany, to attend a joint meeting with Ahepa chapters. 

Chapter 617 „Johann Wolfgang Goethe“, welcomed three new members and hosted a dinner in honor of the Supreme President’s visit. 

Supreme Vice President Dr. Zenon Christodoulou and Canadian President Anastasios Moussas and Executive Director Basil Mossaidis accompanied the president. 

Welcome speech of Frankfurt Chapter President

Distinguished Members of the Supreme Lodge, Brothers of AHEPA,

It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as President of the Frankfurt AHEPA Chapter, welcoming the Supreme Lodge to our beloved city for the very first time. Your presence here honors not only our chapter but the entire Hellenic community of the Frankfurt area. This historic visit marks a milestone in our chapter’s journey, and we are deeply humbled by your commitment to see firsthand the work we are doing here at the heart of Europe.

For the past century, AHEPA has stood as a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for Greeks across the globe. Through times of challenge and triumph, our organization has steadily preserved and promoted our Greek heritage, culture, and Orthodox faith. From educational scholarships to humanitarian relief, from civil rights advocacy to cultural preservation—AHEPA’s contributions have shaped generations and strengthened communities worldwide.

Here in Frankfurt, we have established the chapter back in 2019 and our members work tirelessly to ensure that Hellenism thrives in German society while building bridges of understanding between our communities.

Also our brothers in the surrounding chapters work very hard. Next to us we have the chapter Wiesbaden approximately 30 minute drive from Frankfurt. Heidelberg- one hour drive and Bad Neustadt – two hours drive. 

Yet today, I must speak candidly about both our aspirations and our needs. Europe presents unique challenges and opportunities for AHEPA. We stand at a critical juncture where our lobbying activities and advocacy efforts must expand significantly. The European Union’s decision-making processes, Germany’s evolving policies on cultural integration, and the increasing need for organized Hellenic representation require us to strengthen our voice.

We do much with the resources we have—but we could excel with your support.

To increase our influence in society, to be taken seriously as stakeholders in our community development, and to fulfill our mission effectively, we need more than dedication—we need visibility, institutional presence, and tangible community infrastructure.

This brings me to a project that we believe can transform our chapter’s impact and serve as a model for AHEPA’s work throughout Europe: the establishment of a Greek elderly care home or assisted living here in Frankfurt.

This is not merely a building or a facility—it is a statement of permanence, commitment, and love for our community. Consider what this means:

For Our Elders: Our pioneers, who came to Germany decades ago with nothing but dreams and determination, deserve to age with dignity, surrounded by their faith, their cuisine, and their culture. Currently, many face the heartbreak of care facilities where they are culturally isolated. In our care homes everyone should be welcomed regardless Origin. 

For Our Influence: A professionally-run, state-licensed elderly care facility or assisted living facility would position AHEPA as a serious institutional partner in German society. It would demonstrate our capacity for large-scale community service and open doors for dialogue with city officials, healthcare authorities, and civic organizations. 

For Our Future: This facility would attract families to our community, generate resources for other AHEPA activities, and serve as a hub for cultural programs and community gatherings.

For Our Lobbying Power: Nothing speaks louder to policymakers than concrete action. When we advocate for Greek language education, cultural preservation, or immigrant rights, we do so with the credibility of an organization that has invested significantly in community infrastructure.

Brothers of the Supreme Lodge, Frankfurt is ready. We have conducted preliminary assessments, identified potential supporters, and begun building the necessary relationships with local authorities. What we need is AHEPA’s institutional support—your brand and your resources as investors.

This investment in Europe, in Germany, in Frankfurt, will yield returns far beyond our city. It will prove that our organization’s second century can be even more impactful than its first.

We stand on the shoulders of giants—those visionary founders who created AHEPA in 1922. They understood that organized, purposeful action could transform communities. Today, we ask you to help us write the next chapter of that story here in Germany.

Thank you for honoring us with your presence. And thank you, in advance, for standing with Frankfurt as we build a future worthy of our proud Hellenic heritage.

Thank you for listening. 

Ioannis Stamatis