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Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon" · Est. 1916
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Pan-Rhodian Society Seal
Est. 1916 · Hartford, Connecticut · 110 Years of Heritage

Welcome to the
Pan-Rhodian Society
of America

Preserving the culture, heritage, and unity of Rhodians in America since 1916. Philanthropic, educational, and patriotic — in eternal service to our beloved island of Rhodes.

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1916 Founded
110+ Years of Service
97th Annual Convention
10 Chapters Nationwide
Rhodes Our Heritage

A Century of Rhodian Pride

The PanRhodian Society of America (P.S.A.) "Apollon" was originally established in 1916 in Hartford, CT under the name "Omonoia." The objectives were multifaceted: philanthropic, educational, and patriotic — for the then-enslaved motherland of Rhodes.

Over more than a century, the Society has grown to unite Rhodians across America, fostering cultural pride and supporting initiatives that connect our communities to the beautiful island of Rhodes.

"United in heritage, devoted to our homeland — the spirit of Rhodes lives in every Rhodian-American heart."
Read Our Full Story →
Rhodes, Greece

What We Stand For

🏛️

Cultural Heritage

Preserving the rich traditions, language, and customs of Rhodes for future generations of Rhodian-Americans across the country.

📚

Education & Scholarships

Awarding scholarships to talented students of Rhodian heritage through our annual scholarship program, investing in tomorrow's leaders.

🤝

Philanthropy

Supporting charitable causes tied to Rhodes and our communities, including the landmark Kolympia Cultural Camp project in Greece.

Latest News & Events

📅 Convention 2026

97th Annual Supreme Convention — Coming 2026

The 97th Annual Convention is coming to Baltimore, MD on October 10–11, 2026. Mark your calendars! The 96th Convention in Warren, Ohio was a tremendous success — thank you to all who attended.

View Details →
🏛️ Kolympia Camp

Apollon to Inaugurate Cultural Camp in Kolympia, Rhodes

The Pan-Rhodian Society looks ahead to inaugurate an educational and cultural camp in Kolympia, Rhodes, Greece for students of Rhodian heritage.

Learn More →
💛 Support Us

Support Us — Multiple Ways to Give

We ask all members and friends of the Society to consider donating to help make the Kolympia Cultural Camp a reality for future generations.

Donate Now →

Join the Pan-Rhodian Family

Whether you trace your roots to Rhodes or simply share a love for its rich heritage, there is a place for you in the Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon."

🏛️

Cultural Connection

Access to events, conventions, and cultural programs that celebrate our Rhodian heritage year-round.

📚

Scholarship Eligibility

Member families are eligible for our annual scholarship program supporting students of Rhodian heritage.

🤝

Community & Brotherhood

Join a nationwide network of Rhodians united by shared history, culture, and love for our beautiful island.

✦ Contact Us to Join

Our Pillars

🏛️

Cultural Heritage

Preserving the traditions, language, music, and customs of Rhodes for generations of Greek-Americans.

📚

Education & Scholarships

Investing in our youth through annual scholarships that honor academic excellence in our community.

🤝

Philanthropy

Supporting communities in need — both in America and on the island of Rhodes — through charitable giving.

🌊

Rhodian Identity

Celebrating the unique spirit of Rhodes — the island of the sun, the Colossus, and timeless Greek culture.

🎭

Arts & Celebration

Annual conventions, dances, festivals, and cultural events that bring the Rhodian spirit to life across America.

🔗

Unity Across Chapters

Ten chapters strong, from coast to coast — one society, one heritage, one enduring brotherhood and sisterhood.

"Rhodes is not merely an island — it is a feeling, a memory, a light that follows those of Rhodian blood wherever they go in the world."

— Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon"

Support Rhodian Heritage

From the Kolympia Camp to disaster relief — your generosity makes a difference. Explore our fundraising initiatives and help keep our heritage alive.

✦ See All Ways to Give

About Us

The history and mission of the Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon"

Our History

The PanRhodian Society of America (P.S.A.) "Apollon" was originally established in 1916 in the city of Hartford, CT under the name "Omonoia." The objectives of the P.S.A. "Omonoia" were multifaceted: philanthropic, educational, as well as patriotic for the enslaved motherland of Rhodes.

For over 100 years, the Society has served as the cornerstone of Rhodian-American cultural identity — uniting communities across the United States and maintaining a deep connection to the island of Rhodes.

"From humble beginnings in Hartford to a nation-wide fellowship — Apollon endures."
Rhodes Greece

The Island of Rhodes

Rhodes is an island in the Aegean Sea, the largest of the Dodecanese Island complex. Located at the southeastern edge of the Dodecanese archipelago, it faces the shores of Asia Minor. The population exceeds 110,000 and it covers an area of 1,398 square kilometers.

Rhodes has been inhabited since the Stone Age and is renowned throughout history. The Colossus of Rhodes — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — stood as a symbol of the pride and unity of the Rhodian people.

305 BC
The Colossus of Rhodes was constructed following the defeat of Demetrios Poliorketes — a triumphal statue of Helios, standing over 30 meters tall.
Ancient Times
According to myth, Zeus and Helios chose Rhodes as the most beautiful island in the Aegean Sea — bathed in Helios's own radiance.
1916
The Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon" founded in Hartford, CT, uniting Rhodian immigrants under the name "Omonoia."
Rhodes Ancient City

Rhodes: By the Numbers

FactDetail
CountryGreece
Surface Area1,398 sq km
Coastline220 km
Population~110,000
Capital CityRhodes Town
Known ForThe Colossus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Support Us

Help preserve Rhodian heritage through our ongoing fundraisers and charitable initiatives

How You Can Make a Difference

The Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon" is currently running several fundraising initiatives that support our community, our island of Rhodes, and the preservation of our heritage. Every contribution — large or small — makes a real impact.

🏛️

Kolympia Cultural Camp

Help us build lasting educational facilities in Kolympia, Rhodes — a living bridge between the Rhodian diaspora and our ancestral island, serving students of Rhodian heritage from around the world.

✦ Support the Camp
🆘

Disaster Response Fund

When disaster strikes Rhodes or our Rhodian-American communities, Apollon responds. This fund enables rapid, meaningful relief for those affected by natural disasters and emergencies.

✦ Donate to Relief Fund
🔔

Church Bell Fund

A beloved community initiative to restore and honor the sacred bells of a Rhodian church — a symbol of faith, tradition, and the timeless call of our heritage. Help us ring in history.

✦ Support the Bell
📚

Rhodian Omogenia Library

A library dedicated to the history, culture, and diaspora of Rhodians worldwide. Your support helps collect, preserve, and share the stories of our people for generations to come.

✦ Support the Library

Every Contribution Matters

Whether you give to the Kolympia Camp, the Disaster Response Fund, the Church Bell, or our Library — your generosity preserves Rhodian heritage for generations to come.

✦ Donate on Network for Good

Supreme Lodge

Officers and leadership of the Pan-Rhodian Society of America

Current Officers

👑
President
Ilias Tomazos
📞 860.906.8458
paideia@snet.net
📋
Vice President
Nicholas Papadimitriou
 
✉️
Secretary
Christina Kapolis
📞 220-719-3224
ckapolis@neo.rr.com
💰
Treasurer
Panagiotis Fotinis
📞 973.598.9778

Past Presidents

TermPresident
1927–1930Athanasios Athanasiades
1931–1933Theodosios Nychis
1933–1936Dimitrios Petrides
1935–1937Panayiotis Mereses
1937–1939Ionnis Botsaris
1939–1942Savvas Kambouris
1942–1945Dimitrios Petrides
1944–1947Menelaos Zagorianos
1946–1949Dimitrios Petrides
1948–1951Panayiotis Nychis
1950–1952Vasilios S. Kambouris
1951–1954Michael Nocholiades
1953–1957Athanasios Athanasiades
1955–1958Antonios Xintas
1957–1960Klimis Klimenton
1959–1962Moskos Moskis

* Partial list. For the complete record, please contact the Supreme Lodge Secretary.

Organization

Structure, correspondence, and records of the Pan-Rhodian Society

Contact the Supreme Lodge

For correspondence and official inquiries, please reach out to the Supreme Lodge officers listed below. All chapter communications should be directed through the appropriate officer.

👑
President
Ilias Tomazos
📞 860.906.8458
paideia@snet.net
✉️
Secretary
Bill Angelis
1590 Stafford Ave NE
Warren, OH 44483
📞 330.372.5665
💰
Treasurer
Panagiotis Fotinis
📞 973.598.9778

Scholarship Program

Investing in the next generation of Rhodian leaders

Apply Now

Download the Official
Scholarship Application

Click below to download the application form. Fill it out and submit to your local chapter or the Supreme Lodge Secretary.

Download Application Form (.doc)

Free Microsoft Word document  ·  Opens in Word or Google Docs

Who Can Apply?

Each year the Pan-Rhodian Society of America "APOLLON" offers scholarships to talented students of the APOLLON family. The scholarship fund reflects our commitment to educational excellence and our deep connection to Rhodian heritage.

  • Must be a member or child/grandchild of a member in good standing
  • Must demonstrate academic merit and/or financial need
  • Students of Hellenic Studies and related fields are encouraged to apply
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Contact the Secretary
Step-by-Step
1 Download and complete the application form (button at the top of this page)
2 Gather your supporting documents — official transcripts & a personal statement
3 Submit your completed application to your local chapter or the Supreme Lodge Secretary
4 Awards are announced at the Annual Supreme Convention
Questions?

Christina Kapolis, Supreme Secretary
📞 (330) 719-3224

Ready to apply? Download the form and get started today.

Download Application Form

Chapters

Pan-Rhodian Society chapters across the United States

Our Chapters

The Pan-Rhodian Society of America has chapters across the United States, each maintaining a vibrant connection to Rhodian culture and the broader Society mission.

🏛️
Chapter #1
Hartford, CT
Connecticut — Founding Chapter
🗽
Chapter #2
New York, NY
New York
🌆
Chapter #3
Chicago, IL
Illinois
🚗
Chapter #4
Detroit, MI
Michigan
⚙️
Chapter #5
Pittsburgh, PA
Pennsylvania
🦅
Chapter #6
Baltimore, MD
Maryland
🌉
Chapter #7
Newark, NJ
New Jersey
🦞
Chapter #8
Boston, MA
Massachusetts
Chapter #9
Warren, OH
Ohio
🌺
Ladies Auxiliary
National
All Chapters

For chapter contact information or to start a new chapter in your area, please contact the Supreme Lodge Secretary.

Convention & Events

97th Annual Convention · Baltimore, MD · October 10–11, 2026

Convention 2026

97th Annual Supreme Convention

📅
Date: October 10–11, 2026
📍
Location: Baltimore, MD
🏛️
Host Chapter: Baltimore, Maryland
🎉
Special Event: Panigiri in Honor of Panagia Tsambika

96th Convention — Warren, Ohio (2025)
Our 96th Annual Supreme Convention was held September 5–6, 2025 in Warren, Ohio. Thank you to Chapter #9 and all members who attended and made it a memorable event.

Contact for Details ↗
Convention

Panigiri in Honor of Panagia Tsambika

Panagia Tsambika is one of the most revered religious icons of Rhodes, housed in a small church perched dramatically on a hilltop near Kolympia. The annual Panigiri (feast day celebration) is a beloved tradition honoring this sacred patron — bringing together Rhodians in prayer, music, dance, and communal celebration.

"The Panigiri is not just a celebration — it is a remembrance of who we are and where we come from."

Pre-Convention Event — Monolithos

Join the Pan-Rhodian Society of America "Apollon" for a special Pre-Convention gathering in the historic village of Monolithos, Rhodes on July 28, 2026 — set against the backdrop of one of the most stunning fortresses in the Aegean.

This event coincides with the Paideia Study Abroad Dodecanese Islands Study Tour (July 13–30, 2026), which brings students through Rhodes during this same period. It is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and celebration of our shared Rhodian heritage.

Monolithos Pre-Convention — Preliminary Program

📅
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
📍
Location: Monolithos Village, Rhodes, Greece
🏛️
Event: Annual PSA "Apollon" Pre-Convention in Monolithos
🎓
Also Attending: Paideia Dodecanese Islands Study Tour (July 13–30)

📋 Preliminary Program Schedule

09:00Registration of Delegates
09:30Opening of Pre-Convention · Prayer
09:40Greetings from Officials
10:00Report of Central Committee Members "Apollon"
10:10Historical Archive "Apollon" in Rhodes
10:20Statue of Dorieus in Rhodes — Dr. Efstathios Manousakis, Deputy Mayor of Culture, Municipality of Rhodes
10:30Kolymbia Camp for Youth Accommodation in Rhodes — Dr. Thomas Sotrilis, Deputy Mayor of Diaspora, Municipality of Rhodes
10:50Monolithos as an International Dark Sky Community — Stylianos Koutris
11:15Astronomy and Positive Sciences in Ancient Rhodes — Prof. Xenophon Moussas
11:40Observatories of Greece — Dr. Fiori Metalinou
12:00The Importance of an Educational Planetarium — Prof. Matt Gouthry
12:20Promotion of Positive Sciences that Flourished in Ancient Rhodes — Prof. Antonios Pinotsis
12:45Volunteer Work — Tree Planting in Rhodes — Nektarios Kalogirou
13:15Volunteer Work — Stray Animals in Rhodes — Dr. Dikaia Loukia Agapis
13:30☕ Break — 30 minutes
Proclamation of Prof. Ioannis Yortsos as "2026 Rhodian of the Year"
14:2097th Annual Convention PSA "Apollon" — Baltimore, MD, October 10–11, 2026
14:30CHS Paideia Scientific Conference & Inauguration of Greek Theater – Spartan Museum, September 17–20, 2026
14:50Proposals for the Benefit of "Apollon" & Rhodes
15:00Annual Pre-Convention 2027
15:15Recording of Resolutions / Announcements
16:00End of Pre-Convention Proceedings
🏰

Monolithos Castle, Rhodes

One of the most spectacular medieval fortresses in the Aegean — perched on a 236-meter rock overlooking the sea, in the heart of Rhodian heritage country.

Dodecanese Islands Study Tour 2026

Paideia Study Abroad's Dodecanese Islands Study Tour runs from July 13–30, 2026, covering a remarkable journey through the islands of the Aegean. The tour includes academic programs, cultural immersion, and visits to historic sites — culminating in Rhodes where participants join the PSA "Apollon" Pre-Convention event in Monolithos on July 28.

📍 Islands Visited

Patmos · Leros · Leipsoi · Kalymnos · Kos · Nisyros · Tilos · Halki · Karpathos · Rhodes

🗓️ Schedule

July 13 — Departure
July 14–25 — Island Hopping
July 26–30 — Rhodes
July 28 — PSA Apollon Pre-Convention, Monolithos
July 29 — Agios Soulas Festival
July 30 — Departure

🎓 Academic Focus

Culture of the Dodecanese Islands — Ancient, Byzantine and Modern Periods. Architecture, Music, Folk Dances, Ceramics, History, Marine Science, and Traditions of the Aegean.

Tentative Daily Itinerary (Selected Highlights)

Jul 13–14Departure from the US · Transfer to Patmos via Piraeus (Blue Star Ferry)
Jul 15–19Patmos: St. John Monastery, Hora · Day trips to Leros, Leipsoi, Arkioi
Jul 19Kalymnos: Sponge Divers Museum · Kos/Nisyros arrival
Jul 20Kos: Hippocrates Tree, Askleipion, Ancient Theater, Walking Tour
Jul 21–22Nisyros: Stefanos Crater (one of Europe's largest active volcanoes), Volcano Museum
Jul 22–23Tilos: Megalo Horio, Small Elephant Museum, Environmental Initiatives
Jul 23Halki: Walking Tour, Nimporio Port, Meeting with Local Authorities
Jul 23–26Karpathos: Villages of Menetes, Arkasa, Aperi, Othos, Olympos/Diafani
Jul 26–30Rhodes: Ancient City, Kameiros, Kritinia, Lindos, Jewish Museum, Temple of Apollo, Symi/Panormitis, Empona Wineries
⭐ Jul 28PSA "Apollon" Annual Pre-Convention in Monolithos Village
Jul 29Agios Soulas Annual Festival (afternoon/evening)
Jul 30Departure · Rhodes airport → Athens → Home

Program organized by Paideia Study Abroad in Greece · hellenicstudiespaideia.org

Conferences Supported by PSA "Apollon"

International academic events advancing Greek scientific and cultural heritage

Measuring the Cosmos to Navigate the Earth

The Antikythera Mechanism, Hipparchus of Rhodes and the Scientific Foundations of Oceanic Navigation and Cartography

An international scientific conference examining how Hellenistic astronomical science — epitomized by the Antikythera Mechanism and the work of Hipparchus of Rhodes — contributed decisively to humanity's ability to measure time, predict celestial phenomena, determine latitude and longitude, and navigate the oceans.

📅
Date
September 17–18, 2026
📍
Location
Paideia Center, UConn Campus, Storrs, CT
📝
Abstract Deadline
May 1, 2026

Astronomy, Timekeeping & Mapping the Seas

By integrating astronomy, mathematics, mechanical computation, and observational precision, Greek science laid the conceptual and technical foundations of cartography, geodesy, and maritime navigation — enabling later global exploration and the modern GPS and satellite systems we rely on today.

🔭 Session I — The Antikythera Mechanism

  • Astronomical computer and navigational timekeeper
  • Eclipse prediction, lunar theory, and calendrical cycles
  • Planetary motions and scientific predictability
  • Mechanical modeling of the cosmos

⭐ Session II — Hipparchus of Rhodes

  • Star catalogue and celestial coordinates
  • Discovery of precession and navigational implications
  • Latitude determination via stellar observations
  • Foundations of longitude through time measurement

🌊 Session III — Oceans, Navigation & Astronomical Time

  • Astronomical timekeeping at sea
  • Lunar cycles, tides, and maritime planning
  • Calendars and navigation in the Mediterranean
  • From Hellenistic to Islamic and European navigation

🗺️ Session IV — Cartography & Mapping the World

  • Greek cartography: Anaximander to Ptolemy
  • Spherical Earth models in mapmaking
  • Sea routes, coastlines, astronomical orientation
  • The Silk Roads: From Thule to China

🏛️ Session V — Transmission & Legacy · Round Table

From the Antikythera Mechanism to modern astronomical instruments — Hipparchian methods in Byzantine, Islamic, and Renaissance science — the long-term influence on global exploration and modern navigation systems.

Round Table: Humanity and the Oceans — Education, Science, Exploration, and Responsibility. Scientific heritage and astronomy as a universal human language.

Submit Your Research

The conference welcomes original scholarly contributions from historians of science, astronomers, archaeologists, classicists, geographers, ocean scientists, and specialists in ancient technology.

📏
Abstract Length: 300–400 words
🌐
Language: English
📅
Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: May 15, 2026
🔬
Review: Peer-reviewed by Scientific Committee
📚
Publication: Selected papers considered for edited scholarly volume
"Submissions must present original, unpublished research with clearly stated research question, sources, methodology, and main conclusions."

🎯 Thematic Areas

1. The Antikythera Mechanism — functions, inscriptions, timekeeping
2. Hipparchus of Rhodes — catalogues, coordinates, precession
3. Astronomy and Oceanic Navigation — timekeeping, tides, calendars
4. Ancient Cartography and Geodesy — spherical models, sea routes
5. Transmission and Legacy — Byzantine, Islamic, Renaissance science

🌍 UNESCO Alignment

Aligned with UNESCO's mandate for protection of scientific heritage, promotion of ocean science, and recognition of knowledge as a common heritage of humanity — contributing to ocean literacy and sustainable human–ocean interaction.

International Conference Symi 2026

The Antikythera Mechanism, Hipparchus of Rhodes and the Symian Heroes of the Abyss

A two-day International Scientific Conference held in Symi, in honor of the Symian Sponge Divers who discovered the Antikythera Mechanism. The conference was held live at the Cultural Center of Symi and broadcast via ZOOM through Fryktories, PAIDEIA, and other platforms.

A special ceremony was also held on January 18 at 15:00 at the Port of Symi — the unveiling of a statue of the heroic diver Captain Dimitrios Kontos, in whose honor the conference was dedicated.

Symi Conference Poster 2026

Official Conference Poster

📅
Dates
Saturday–Sunday, January 17–18, 2026
📍
Location
Symi, Greece (Live & ZOOM)
🏛️
Auspices
Min. of Culture of Greece, Mrs. Lina Mendoni

Supporting Organizations

Municipality of Symi Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese South Aegean Region Center for Hellenic Studies "Paideia", USA Pan-Rhodian Association "Apollon", USA-Canada-Greece Dodecanese Federation USA Greek Student Association Paideia, UConn, USA Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) Symean Mutual Aid Brotherhood of New York "The Glory" Women's Union of Symi

📋 Conference Sessions — Day 1 (Saturday)

Session I — Shipwreck · Historical Context · People
Session II — The Mechanism: Definition & Scientific Context
Session III — Technology · Cases · Reconstructions
Session IV — The Antikythera Mechanism of Mexico (MAMH)
Session V — Hypotheses and Models
Session VI — Culture · Legacy

📋 Conference Sessions — Day 2 (Sunday via ZOOM)

Session VII — Education · Diffusion · Paideia
Session VIII — Education · Schools of Eastern & Western Attica

Featured Speakers included:

Prof. Xenophon Moussas (Univ. of Athens) · Dr. Angeliki Simosi (Honorary Curator of Antiquities) · Prof. Antonios Pinotsis (Univ. of Athens) · Kostas Kotsanas (Museum of Ancient Greek Technology) · Prof. Maria Papathanassiou (Univ. of Athens) · Kyriakos Efstathiou (Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki) · Dr. Agamemnon Tselikas, Palaiographer · Prof. Julio Saucedo Morales & MAMH Team

"The Antikythera Mechanism did not emerge as an isolated technological anomaly, but as the natural outcome of a long and coherent intellectual tradition that originated in Archaic Greece and reached maturity within the Hellenistic kingdoms."

Additional Supported Events

PSA "Apollon" continues to support international academic and cultural conferences. Additional events will be posted here as they are confirmed. Contact us for more information.

Contact Us ↗