Maids of Athena

History

Mr. Thomas D. Lentgis, the Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA, founded the Maids of Athena on July 5, 1930 in Tacoma, Washington. At the time, the first chapter Sparta #1 was founded with 12 original members; however, a charter was not granted until November 18, 1937.

Charters were then granted to Alethea #2 in Seattle, Washington, Diana #3 in Portland Oregon, and Ariadne #4 in Vancouver, British Columbia. By the end of 1937, there were 20 chapters and a total membership of 444.

The first constitution and ritual were written in 1935. At the 1950 Supreme Convention in Cleveland, the Maids of Athena officially became the Junior Auxiliary of the Daughters of Penelope. In 1953, the first National Conference of the Maids of Athena was held in Houston. The first Maids of Athena Grande Lodge was elected in 1954 at the Pittsburgh Conference.

Ottawa Chapter

The Maids of Athena “Asteria” Chapter 212 was established in Ottawa on January 30th, 1962
with its first President Elaine Gardner.

The Chapter became inactive for a long period of time, but the young members continued to
participate in events organized by the AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. However, on March 31st, 1985, the Maids of Athena was reactivated with Anna Sophianopoulos as President. It has been active ever since.

The objectives of the Maids of Athena are:

• to promote high standards of ethics, good fellowship and educational values;
• to foster growth by participation and example; and
• to instill patriotism and reverence for the history and traditions of the country in which the
  chapter exists and love and appreciation of Hellenic heritage, culture and ideals.

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