AHEPA Sophocles Chapter 106 Celebrates Centennial Gala Marking 100 Years of Brotherhood

CRANSTON, R.I. (June 19, 2026) AHEPA Sophocles Chapter 106 celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a sold-out Centennial Gala at the historic Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, brought together AHEPA members, clergy, dignitaries, family, friends, and guests from throughout Rhode Island, New England, and beyond.

The program was led by Centennial Gala Chairman Stephen Sterpis, who served as Master of Ceremonies, with assistance from ushers Owen Sterpis, Peter Grammas, and Nicholas Badway. The evening opened with the singing of the National Anthems, with the American National Anthem performed by Antonios Vatousios of Orfeas Band and the Greek National Anthem performed by scholarship recipient Gianna Degaitas.

The evening served as both a celebration of the chapter’s first century of achievement and a tribute to the individuals whose leadership, generosity, and dedication have helped strengthen AHEPA’s legacy in Rhode Island.

Chapter President George Coclin delivered opening and closing remarks, reflecting on the Chapter’s proud history, renewed growth, and commitment to carrying AHEPA’s mission into its next century.

United States Senator Jack Reed, who was initiated as a member of Chapter 106, spoke warmly about the Chapter’s legacy, its service to Rhode Island, and its importance to the Greek-American community. Rhode Island State Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse also recognized the Chapter and its honorees with Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition.

Senator Reed’s remarks were followed by the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos, who congratulated Chapter 106 on its centennial milestone and spoke about the enduring friendship between Greece and the United States, the achievements of the Greek-American community, and the importance of preserving Hellenic identity and service for future generations. Chapter 106 also expressed its gratitude to Consul General Tegos for being a wonderful mentor, friend, and supporter of its members, especially its young adults.

The invocation was offered by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church clergy Father Nicholas Lanzourakis and Father Andrew George. The Chapter was also honored by the presence of Annunciation Parish Council President and AHEPA Brother Apostolos Kallis, together with members and supporters of the Annunciation parish community.

During the gala, the chapter recognized several individuals for their outstanding contributions and dedication.

Spiro C. Samaras was posthumously honored as the Centennial Honoree in recognition of his lasting contributions to AHEPA and the broader community. His extraordinary service to AHEPA at every level of the Order, including as Chapter President, District Lieutenant Governor and Governor, Supreme Treasurer, and Chairman of the Supreme Board of Trustees was honored. His legacy of humanitarian service, scholarship support, and dedication to St. Basil’s Academy continues to inspire the Chapter. Also remembered was his beloved wife, the late, legendary Mary Samaras. Their daughter, Nikki Samaras Deary, accepted the award on behalf of the Samaras family.

Constantinos 'Costa' Perdikakis was recognized as the Centennial Benefactor for his generous support and unwavering commitment to the chapter’s mission and continued success. A past President of Chapter 106, Costa has supported the Annunciation parish, the Metropolis of Boston, Leadership 100, the Alpha Omega Council, and numerous civic and charitable initiatives throughout Rhode Island.

One of the defining moments of the evening was the announcement that Costa Perdikakis and the Perdikakis family donated $50,000 to establish a scholarship fund for the benefit of Chapter 106. This extraordinary gift is a lasting investment in education, opportunity, and the next generation. Together with the generosity of sponsors, donors, and guests, the Chapter raised $100,000 for its scholarship fund — an incredible achievement and true highlight of the evening.

Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas 'Lou' Raptakis was honored as the Sophocles Chapter 106 Honoree, acknowledging his distinguished public service and steadfast support of the Greek-American community and the ideals of AHEPA. As the first Greek-American elected to the Rhode Island State Senate and President of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, Senator Raptakis has championed Greece, Cyprus, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, first in the nation Rhode Island’s Greek Heritage license plate initiative, and the annual Greek Independence Day celebration at the State House.

State Senators Leonidas Raptakis and David Tikoian presented Chapter 106 with a Rhode Island Senate Resolution commemorating 100 years of service, achievement, and contribution to the State of Rhode Island.

The gala also recognized five scholarship recipients: Constantine Coclin, George Grammas, Gianna Degaitas, Alexander Vanikiotis, and Peter Grammas. The Chapter’s expanded scholarship fundraising will help ensure that AHEPA’s commitment to education continues for future generations.

Chapter 106 recognized its Past Presidents in attendance: Lakis Andriotis, Constantinos Perdikakis, John Vanikiotis, and Peter Vican, as well as current President George Coclin for leading the Chapter during a period of tremendous growth. The Chapter also acknowledged Past President Ilias Kalessis, who was unable to attend.

The newly reactivated Sons of Pericles Plato Chapter No. 21 was recognized as the next generation of AHEPA. Members recognized included Chapter President Owen Sterpis, Peter Grammas, Chris Andriotis, Theo Arsenis, George Grammas, Harry Arsenis, Alex Arsenis, James Rawlinson, and John Rawlinson, together with their advisor, Nicholas A. Lambros, Esq.

A special historical display, curated by Nicholas D. Lambros, featured 100 years of Chapter 106 archival material, photographs, records, and memorabilia. Chapter 106 extends its sincere thanks to all members, families, and friends who contributed photographs, documents, and historical materials to help preserve and share the Chapter’s story. In addition, a Commemorative Album was designed and prepared by Christopher P. Lambros and Nicholas D. Lambros, featuring the century of history of our chapter and highlighting individual Brothers for their contributions to the community.

The Chapter further recognized the Centennial Gala Committee, including Gala Chairman and Master of Ceremonies Stephen Sterpis, Gala Co-Chairman Nicholas A. Lambros, Esq., Christopher Lambros, Nicholas D. Lambros, Nicholas Badway, Constantine Coclin, Dimitrios Markos, Esq., and Haralambos Dafoulas, whose work made the evening possible.

Also in attendance were AHEPA Supreme Treasurer Marshall Monsell, Past Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides, Past Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope Anna-Helene Grossomanides, AHEPA Supreme Governor of Region 4 Gregory Simones, AHEPA District 7 Governor John Fakis, Daughters of Penelope District 7 Governor Marcella Calagias, Daughters of Penelope Grand Governor of Zone II Christina Vlahopoulos, Boston AHEPA President Chris Tsiotos, and supporting Ahepans and Daughters of Penelope from throughout New England and beyond.

The Centennial Gala capped a remarkable year for Sophocles Chapter 106. Earlier that day, the Chapter hosted the AHEPA District 7 Convention in Rhode Island, where it was honored as District 7 Chapter of the Year. Chapter scholarship recipient Constantine Coclin also received the AHEPA District 7 Scholarship Award, and Chapter President George Coclin was elected Lieutenant Governor of AHEPA District 7, reflecting both his leadership and the continued growth and vitality of Chapter 106.

The celebration concluded with fellowship, Greek music by Orfeas Band, dancing, and a joyful celebration of Chapter 106’s first century and future. Credit for the wonderful photographs goes out to the talented Areti Bratsis.

Founded in 1926, AHEPA Sophocles Chapter 106 has served the Rhode Island Greek-American community for one hundred years through charitable initiatives, scholarships, civic engagement, cultural preservation, and support of Hellenic causes. As it enters its second century, the Chapter remains committed to AHEPA’s founding principles of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence.