Founded in 2013, the ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Chapter, located in Sterling, VA, in the Washington DC metro area, is one of the fastest growing Chapters in the United States.  With a membership ranging in age from the early 20's to the 90's, the Chapter serves over 50 members.  

Our name is an ancient Greek phrase that dates back to the year 480 BC, at the Battle of Thermopylae.  This epic battle took place between a few thousand Greek soldiers and thousands and thousands of invading forces, who greatly outnumbered the Greeks.  The leader of the invading force, in an effort to coerce the Greeks into surrender, encouraged King Leonidas, the leader of the 300 Spartans, to surrender and give up their weapons. Leonidas' response? Molon Lave, which translated to Come and Get Them.  According to historians, the result of that battle has helped to shape western civilization into what it is today. Molon Lave is a phrase that has inspired throughout the centuries a sense of dignity and pride, and a unique perception of life.

Coming from many backgrounds devoted to giving back to the community through many initiatives, we work very closely with the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church with most of the Brothers are also church members.

The Chapter also holds monthly meetings, social events, and drives community outreach programs.  Thank you very much for visiting us as we look forward to seeing our Chapter continue to grow and further expand its local support efforts.

2019-2020 Leadership Team

Officers

President - Chad Burke

Vice President - Bill Caras

Secretary - Hal Hallett

Treasurer - Peter Thomas

Board Of Governors

Pete Margaros- Chairman

Mike Hadjimichael

Bill Lagadinos

Alex Kangelaris

AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society.  It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society.

Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community.

Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Greek descent, application for membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization.

The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.

Hellenism

These principles include a commitment to humanity, freedom, and democracy. The preservation and promotion of these ideals is where AHEPA has, and always will be, deeply committed.

Education

AHEPA's commitment to education has been well documented throughout its history.  Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels, administered by the AHEPA National Educational Foundation.

The preservation of Hellenic or Classical Studies programs on college campuses and educational programs such as "Journey to Greece" and Washington Internships are sponsored by the Foundation.

Philanthropy

From natural disaster relief to raising funds for the elimination of life-threatening diseases to making significant contributions to our local neighborhoods, AHEPA is at the forefront of charitable giving.

AHEPA's philanthropic deeds are evident in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; in the care packages we sent to our troops in cooperation with the USO; and in the building of healthcare facilities in Greece. Yet this only scratches the surface of the numerous philanthropic works, including countless charitable projects are undertaken every year.

Civic Responsibility

AHEPA communicates the positions of the Greek-American community to elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as to our diplomatic leaders.  Our constituents are also interested in domestic policy areas affecting the philanthropic, civic, and community service-based programs in which they are involved. These positions are based upon our American heritage and ideals with the best interest of the United States in mind through seminars and conferences, providing expert panelists from the U.S. government, prominent Washington, DC Think-Tank organizations, and the business world.

Furthermore, AHEPA keeps a watchful eye on Congress with its Congressional Scorecard, a tool that evaluates each member of Congress on Greek-American issues.

Family and Individual Excellence

What makes AHEPA unique from other organizations is the creation of the AHEPA Family. Together with three affiliated organizations, the AHEPA Family works as a unit toward the fulfillment of a common mission. Combined, the four organizations have contributed well over a billion dollars to national projects throughout their history.

The Daughters of Penelope was established November 16, 1929 as the Women's Affiliate of AHEPA. It is the first Greek-American women's organization in the United States. One of its crowning achievements is Penelope House, a shelter for battered women in Mobile, Alabama. It is the first shelter for battered women and their children in that state.

Junior Auxiliaries
The Sons of Pericles was established February 3, 1926, and was officially recognized as the Junior Order of AHEPA in 1928. Finally, the Maids of Athena was founded July 5, 1930 as the Junior Women's Auxiliary of AHEPA. The two youth groups have combined to contribute to such worthy causes as: Muscular Dystrophy, Deborah Heart and Lung Foundation, the Special Olympics, and St. Basil Academy and Cooley's Anemia research.

The Ideals of Ancient Greece Important to All

AHEPA members are proud of the contributions the ancient Greeks gifted to Western Civilization. As Americans, we share many of the values put forth by them: civic responsibility, philanthropy, education, family and individual excellence, and the ideals of democracy. This is the essence of our heritage. This is the core of our mission.

Moreover, throughout the span of its history, AHEPA has served as a vital vehicle for the progressive development and emergence of American citizens of Greek heritage into every facet of society: government, business, education, and the arts. This fulfillment illustrates the promise of the American Dream and symbolizes the hard work ethic of our immigrant for-bearers who labored to achieve that dream with the principles of Hellenism rooted deep in their hearts.