Basil Mossaidis, A Generation of Patriotism to Greece and America

Basil Mossaidis is executive director of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the nation’s largest and oldest association of Americans of Greek heritage and Philhellenes. He has served as executive director since January 1, 2003.

Basil is a first-generation Greek-American, born to Pontian Greek parents that immigrated to the United States in the 1950s and settled in the expanding Greektown of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox community, where he is still a member, participating in GOYA and was a member of Boyscout Troop 302, which was primarily staffed by Greek-American members, attaining the level of Eagle Scout.

Basil is a 29-year AHEPA member and has served the organization voluntarily at the chapter, district, and national levels. In 2001-02, he served as Supreme Governor, chairman of the 35th Congressional Banquet – “Honoring Our Veterans,” and chairman of the National Tragedy Relief Fund Drive that raised more than $150,000 for September 11 relief. In addition, he served as Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles—the Junior Order of AHEPA—during the 1989-90 year. During his term, the Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena collectively raised a record of $60,000 for their national project, Deborah Heart and Lung Foundation.

Moreover, the Sons of Pericles attained its highest membership levels since World War II during his tenure (approximately 2,500 members). A native of Broomall, Pennsylvania, Basil holds a dual degree in History and Political Science from Eastern College, Radnor, Pennsylvania. He is also a successful restaurateur, co-owning Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory, a dining establishment located in Alexandria, Virginia.

In October 2010, Mossaidis was invested as Archon in the Order of St. Andrew, the Apostle of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This is the highest lay award presented within the Orthodox Church. Basil is the proud father of Kyriakos Mossaidis and resides in Washington, DC.

Originally published on Cosmos Philly by Eleftherios Kostans. Video by Vasilis Keisoglou.