The AHEPA, Gus Cherevas Estia-Pindus, Chapter 326 history begins back in 1939. Members of the Corona, Queens, community of the Transfiguration of Christ, Greek Orthodox Church, chartered the original Pindus,(Pindus Mountain Range The “Backbone” of GREECE) Chapter on December 4, 1939. The Estia, (Family, Hearth, Focus) Chapter, was chartered on June 26, 1947, by members of the Flushing Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church community. In the early 1980s, the Executive Boards of both AHEPA chapters held a series of meetings to merge, the two chapters. The membership of both chapters approved the motion, in 1985, which formed the AHEPA Estia-Pindus Chapter # 326.

Gus Cherevas played a pivotal role in the AHEPA Estia-Pindus history. He was a founding member of the Flushing Estia Chapter. Brother Gus Cherevas devoted a lifetime of active service and unselfish commitment to the Order of AHEPA. He held nearly every position on the chapter, district, and national level including AHEPA`s highest office, Supreme President in 1969. Brother Cherevas served in the U.S. Navy and his love and devotion to Country and fellow man was always evident. He was honored with the AHEPA Life Achievement Award by Supreme President, Andy Banis, on July 19, 2002. The members of the Estia-Pindus chapter voted unanimously to rename the chapter to “Gus Cherevas Estia-Pindus Chapter #326” on June 10, 2006. They honored him with a testimonial dinner to mark that momentous occasion. Brother Charevas passed away in 2008, but his memory will forever be eternal.

The Gus Cherevas Esia-Pindus Chapter has always been at the forefront of AHEPA. Bringing forth leaders on both the District and National levels. Our chapter has had many brothers who have served on the District 6 Loge level, many of whom have served in the capacity of District Governor: Gus Cherevas (1958-1959), James. Anthros (1982-1983), James Hanges (1989-1990), Michael Capous (2004-2005),and Dean Moskos (2021-2023).

Many national leaders originated from our chapter as well. We have three Past Supreme Presidents: Gus Cherevas (1968-1969), George Dariotis (1999-2000), and Nicholas A. Karacostas (2009-2011), who currently serves as the Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees. But perhaps what separates our chapter apart the most, is our commitment to the youth. This is evident by the fact that six of our members are Past Supreme Presidents of the Sons of Pericles: James Gounaris (1980-1981), George Dariotis(1985-1986), James Lolis(1992-1993), Dino Kostaridis (1998-1999), John Halkias (2000-2001), and Nick Livaditis (2001-2002).

The Gus Cherevas Estia-Pindus Chapter is one of the largest chapters in our district, with an active roster of 116 members. We have a strong history of philanthropic, civic, and educational accomplishments and the distinct honor of being recognized as the National AHEPA Chapter Leader in Fundraising. Below are some of our Chapter’s major contributions toward various philanthropic, civic, and Hellenic causes:

*Awarded over $65,000 in scholarships since 2000 to high school seniors, planning to attend college, the graduates of The St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School, and The Stephen and Areti Hellenic School, as well as many neighboring schools.

● Donated $50,000 to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Flushing towards the Capitol Building Expansion Project.
● In 2016 & 2017, contributed a total of $60,000 towards the $1 million total AHEPA donation for the rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Shrine Church at the World Trade Center (Ground Zero).
● In 2018, donated $30,000 to purchase and train two K-9 dogs, to assist Veterans suffering from PTSD.
● In 2019, donated $25,000 to St. Nicholas G.O.Church of Flushing to support the Youth programs:
● In 2020, donated $20,000 to the Ronald McDonald House. And $10,000 to the Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center (AMPHRC), to support the production of a documentary film “LETHAL NATIONALISM: Genocide of the Greeks 1913-1923″.
● In the Spring of 2021, donated $35,000 to St. Nicholas G.O. Flushing Church to provide financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
● On November 22, 2021, presented a check for $30,000 to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, to benefit Camp St. Paul, a Greek Orthodox youth camping ministry.
● On May 13, 2023, presented a check for $20,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, Greek Division, and on June 22, 2023, we donated $5,000 to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing.
● 2024, We will partner with the NY METS & MLB, To bring Greek Heritage Night back to Citi Field. Proceeds to benefit The MDA and the District 6 Scholarship fund.