Constitution
The Order of the
Sons of Pericles
July 2024, Revised by Supreme Convention Delegates
Preamble
In order to Perpetuate a Fraternal Organization, Encourage the Principles of Brotherhood, Promote Justice and Fidelity, the Welfare and Happiness of the Membership; to instill a Spirit of American Patriotism; to Stimulate the Love and Admiration of Hellenic Culture, Traditions, and Ideas; and to Promote the Principles and Objectives of the Order of AHEPA, the spiritual mother of this fraternity; this Constitution is Ordained.
Article I
NAME
This Fraternity shall be known as the Order of the Sons of Pericles, the Junior Order of AHEPA. It may be referred to as the Sons of Pericles for short. It may be further designated by Greek letters “Ypsilon Pi” (YΠ).
EMBLEM
The official emblem of the Order of the Sons of Pericles shall consist of a cross whose arms are of equal length over which shall fly the eagle on a background of the rays of the rising sun and above which shall be the bust of Pericles. Beneath the left wing of the eagle shall be the Greek letter Ypsilon (Y). Beneath the right wing shall be the Greek letter Pi (Π). Behind the cross shall be to naked, crossed swords with points directed downward and underneath the cross shall be the designation “Junior Order of AHEPA.”
The entire emblem shall be embraced by two olive wreaths.
Article II
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
(a) To stimulate love and admiration of Hellenic culture, traditions and ideas; to promote throughout the world, and especially the United States and Canada, a better and more comprehensive understanding of the Hellenic people; to encourage the study of Hellenic letters, arts and sciences, and the preservation and teaching of the Hellenic language.
(b)To promote and instill the spirit of national patriotism; allegiance to the flag; support to the Constitution; obedience to the laws and reverence for the history and traditions of the United States of America, Canada, the Bahamas, the Commonwealth of Australia and Greece.
(c) To serve local, state, national, and international communities through philanthropy, charitable contributions, and volunteer services.
(d) To develop young Hellenes and Philhellenes into well-rounded, successful men in society through education, professional networking and development, and social engagement.
- To develop character by promoting, in every manner possible, a high standard of ethics and good fellowship amongst its members. To develop the spirit of human understanding, mutual benevolence, helpfulness and to stimulate and encourage education and to point out to its members the beauties of sacrifice and the deformities of selfishness.
- To champion the causes of education, and to make possible for its members the full enjoyment of education facilities.
- To further in its memberships the ideals of obedience and respect towards parents and elders.
- To prepare its members for admission into the Order of AHEPA and to assist the chapter of AHEPA to carry out the aims and purposes of the Senior Fraternity.
Article III
JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Order of the Sons of Pericles extends over the state, districts, territories and possessions of the United States of America, and over Canada, the Bahamas, the Commonwealth of Australia, and Greece and into any other parts as the Order of AHEPA may extend its own jurisdiction.
Article IV
SECRECY
Secrecy is a fundamental principle of this Fraternity. No action taken, no comment made, no ritualistic ceremony executed, and no other event shall be revealed to anyone other than to a regular and duly initiated member in good standing of this Order or of the Order of AHEPA.
Article V
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
(a) Any male person at least 14 years old but not yet 28 years old who is of good moral character, a believer in the existence of God and the Divinity of Jesus Christ; who believes in and advocates the maintenance and promulgation of the Mission, Objectives, Principles and Ideals of the Order; who is willing to subscribe by the Sons of Pericles Constitution, the Sons of Pericles Bylaws, and the decrees and mandates of the Supreme Conventions; to obey its authorities and revere its traditions; and who is a resident and citizen, or has declared his intention to become a citizen of the country within the AHEPA Family Domain in which the person resides shall be eligible for membership in this Order.
(b) Any male person whose adopted or foster parents(s) are of Hellenic descent or who has been baptized into the Christian faith shall be deemed qualified for consideration for membership in the fraternity if he comes within the age limits as outlined in subparagraph (a).
Section 2:
No person shall be admitted to membership except through the applicable rites of initiation as prescribed by the ritual of the Fraternity and only after he has proved his eligibility as required by this Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 3:
The admission of candidates for membership in the Fraternity shall proceed as follows:
- The candidate must file an application for membership endorsed by one member of the Fraternity in good standing or one member of the Local AHEPA Chapter in good standing.
- Said application must be accompanied with the usual initiation fee of the chapter with which it is filed. Applications may be either submitted to the Secretary of the local chapter in which the candidate seeks membership or submitted directly to the Supreme Lodge for review. Applications submitted directly to the Supreme Lodge must be promptly copied and forwarded to the Secretary of the local chapter in which the candidate seeks membership.
Section 4:
All applications for membership must be dated, and must include the name, address, date of birth, occupation, religious affiliation, and the requisite endorsements.
Section 5:
All applications for membership, correctly signed and dated by the Secretary of the chapter, must be filed expediently with a Supreme Lodge member.
Section 6:
A member shall be considered to be in good standing if the current calendar year’s dues have been submitted to a Supreme Lodge member or Headquarters.
Section 7:
Any member who is in good standing and whose current dues have been paid is eligible for transfer from one chapter to another. A transfer may be effectuated as follows:
- The member seeking the transfer shall file an application in writing with the Secretary of the chapter to which he desires to transfer.
- The majority vote shall be sufficient for the acceptance of an application for transfer.
- The Secretary of the chapter receiving a member by transfer shall, upon acceptance of the member by the chapter, submit to a Supreme Lodge member or Headquarters.
(d) No transfer shall be effective until the Supreme Lodge notifies both chapters of the transfer.
(e) The chapter from which a member transfers must remit to the new chapter the prorated dues of the member paid by the chapter.
Section 9:
A member may withdraw from a chapter by filing a written declaration of such purpose with the Secretary. After all obligations against such a member have been satisfied, such request shall be acted upon at the next regular meeting following the receipt of the same, and the majority vote shall be sufficient for acceptance.
Section 10:
Every member shall notify the Secretary of any change of his address within ten (10) days thereof.
Article VI
DUAL MEMBERSHIP IN AHEPA
Section 1
All members shall, upon attaining their eighteenth birthday, automatically become dual members in the Order of AHEPA after undergoing the proper AHEPA ritual initiation. Members will pay full Sons of Pericles dues that will entitle them to membership in both organizations. Dual members will be exempt from AHEPA per capita tax and every other fee beyond Sons of Pericles dues. Finally, the August 31st on or following their twenty-eighth birthday, members are graduated from the Order of the Sons of Pericles to the Order of AHEPA.
Section 2
A Son of Pericles may not hold an office in the Order of AHEPA and Sons of Pericles simultaneously.
Article VII
ORGANIZATION
The Order of Sons of Pericles shall be composed of the following subdivisions:
- Mother Lodge
- Supreme Convention
- Supreme Lodge
- National Advisory Board
- District Convention
- District Lodges
- Local Advisory Board
- Local Chapters
Article VIII
MOTHER LODGE
The original eleven members of the Queen City Chapter of Manchester, New Hampshire, namely: William A. Vassilou, Arthur C. Hasiotis, Peter Clainos, Peter Koundes, Gregory Papagiotes, Vasilios Hasiotis, Papademetriou and William Chaloges, founders of the Order of the Sons of Pericles, shall constitute the Mother Lodge. It shall be an honorary body only. Upon initiation, all candidates shall be instructed that they owe fealty to the Mother Lodge Fraternity.
Article IX
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Section 1:
The National Advisory Board of the Sons of Pericles shall comprise of seven (7) members of the Order of AHEPA, including five (5) to be appointed by the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, from a list of not less than six (6) qualified AHEPANS submitted to him by the Supreme Convention of the Sons of Pericles; the most recent Past Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles; and one (1) to be appointed by the Canadian President for a term of three (3) years. The vacancies shall be filled by September 30th following the Supreme Convention.
Section 2:
Each member shall serve on the Board for their appointed term unless he shall have been appointed to fill a vacancy in which case the member shall serve for the remainder of the predecessor’s term. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.
Section 3:
The National Advisory Board shall supervise and regulate all activities of the Officers of the Sons of Pericles to make sure they are acting in accordance with the Constitution, rules and Bylaws of the Fraternity.
Section 4:
The National Advisory Board shall render and annual report of the Junior Order to the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA.
Article X
SUPREME CONVENTION
Section 1:
There shall be a Supreme Convention of the Order of the Sons of Pericles at the same time and place as that of the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA.
Section 2:
The Sons of Pericles Supreme Convention shall be the supreme authority of the Sons of Pericles and shall have the power to legislate for the Fraternity. The majority vote shall be sufficient for passage except wherein it affects change in this constitution (see Article XXVI, Section 1).
Section 3
- Each chapter in good standing with the Supreme Lodge of the Order shall be entitled to the following voting rights in the Supreme Convention.
- Chapters having from eight up to and including ten members in good standing and per capita tax paid to the Supreme Lodge or Headquarters shall have one vote at the Supreme Convention.
- Chapters having more than ten members in good standing as of December 31st of the previous year shall have the following votes at the Supreme Convention:
11 – 20 members = 2 votes
21 – 30 members = 3 votes
31 – 40 members = 4 votes
41 – 50 members = 5 votes
51 – 60 members = 6 votes
61 – 70 members = 7 votes
71 – 80 members = 8 votes
81 – 90 members = 9 votes
91 – 100 members = 10 votes
(d) Chapter having more than 100 members in good standing and their per capita tax paid shall be entitled to an additional vote for every ten (10) members in excess of 100.
(e) In order to determine chapter voting strength, per capita tax must be postmarked by December 31st of the preceding year.
(f) Chapters that are reactivated or newly initiated during the same year as the Supreme Convention will be granted one vote at the convention, provided they have fulfilled their dues obligations.
Section 4:
Each District of the Fraternity shall be entitled to representation at the Supreme Convention and each District shall have the right to cast one vote in such capacity.
Section 5:
Each District shall be represented by only its duly elected governor if he is present. If the governor is not present, the next highest elected District Lodge officer who is present will represent the District, or an appointee of the governor.
Section 6:
The members of the Supreme Lodge shall be entitled to sit in the Convention, have all the rights and privileges therein. They each shall have a vote in their capacity, and shall present a report to the same.
Section 7:
The Past Supreme Presidents, provided that they are active members of the Sons of Pericles, shall be entitled to sit in the Convention, have all the rights and privileges therein, shall have a vote in the convention, and shall travel to and from the convention at their own expense.
Section 8:
The Executive Secretary of the Sons of Pericles shall have the right to attend the Convention to answer questions, but he shall not be eligible during his service to hold any other elective office in the Fraternity.
Section 9:
The Convention Officers are to be elected by the delegates present at the convention as the first order of business and shall consist of the Chairman, Vice‐Chairman and Secretary. The Supreme President shall call the Supreme Convention to order and shall preside until the Convention officers are elected and qualified for office.
Section 10:
The members of the National Advisory Board shall attend the deliberations of the Supreme Convention but shall act only in an advisory capacity to such body.
Section 11:
The Convention Chairman, immediately upon the assumption of his duties, shall appoint the following committees:
Grievance and Resolutions Constitution
Budget National Project Athletics Scholarships Officer Reports
The Chairman of the Convention may modify this list in order to expedite the business of the Convention.
Section 12:
The Chairman of the Convention shall appoint, in addition to the committees mentioned in the previous section, an AHEPA/Sons Committee composed of the Supreme Lodge and three additional members appointed by the Chairman or elected by the delegates as each convention shall decide. This committee shall meet with the Sons of Pericles Committee, appointed by the Chairman of the AHEPA Convention, and shall present to said AHEPA Committee a report of the deliberations and any constitutional amendments enacted by the Supreme Convention of the Sons of Pericles.
Section 13:
The host chapter of the Sons of Pericles to the Supreme Convention shall act under the supervision of the Sons of Pericles Supreme Lodge. If there is no Sons of Pericles chapter in the convention city, arrangements for said convention shall be made by the local AHEPA chapter under the supervision of the National Advisory Board and the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles.
Section 14:
The delegates representing their respective districts at the Supreme Convention shall be reimbursed by their respective District treasuries if funds are available. If in the opinion of the District Advisor, funds are not available or are limited, he can recommend to the AHEPA District Lodge to help defray the expenses of the Sons District Representative to the Supreme Convention. The payment of the money will be contingent upon the delegate’s regular attendance at the business sessions and will be verified by the Supreme Lodge upon request.
Section 15:
A Son of Pericles may not sit as a delegate for his respective Sons Chapter and AHEPA Chapter at the same Convention.
Section 16:
A Son of Pericles must fulfill his Chapter’s delegate obligations before any dual member can become an AHEPA delegate.
Section 17:
Any member of the Sons of Pericles who is in good standing shall have the right to sit in on the deliberations of the Supreme Convention.
Section 18:
Credentials of the delegates to the Convention must be verified by the Supreme Secretary of the Sons and carry the great seal of the Order.
Section 19:
(a) All delegate forms must be submitted to a Supreme Lodge member or Headquarters by the deadline of May 15th and delegates and alternates to be seated at the Convention must fulfill all requirements. The deadline may be extended by the Supreme Lodge for good cause.
(b) If no report form has been sent or received or postmarked after the deadline, a delegation may be seated by a majority vote of the Convention after the election of the Convention officers.
(c) Delegates must register by the start of business Wednesday. If there is no business meeting conducted on Wednesday of the Supreme Convention, then it will be the duty of the Supreme Lodge to make themselves available for brothers to register until noon on Wednesday. The deadline may be extended by the Supreme Lodge for good cause.
Section 19:
The quorum for any session of the Supreme Convention, except the election of Supreme Convention and Supreme Lodge Officers, approval of constitutional amendments, and approval of financial matters, shall be defined as 25% of the delegates registered at the time of the call for a quorum. The quorum is 50% for the excepted items.
Article XI
SUPREME LODGE
Section 1:
The Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles shall be composed of up to seven elected officers, namely Supreme President, Supreme Vice President, Supreme Secretary, Supreme Treasurer, and up to three (3) Supreme Governors. All of the elected officers shall be elected at the Supreme Convention for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 2:
(a) No person shall be eligible to hold a Supreme Lodge office who has not held an elective District Lodge Office or the Presidency for at least one year of a chapter in a District ineligible to have a District Lodge as stipulated in Article XIV.
(b) A member is not eligible for the office of Supreme President unless he has served in an elective Supreme Lodge Office for at least one year.
Section 3:
(a) Candidates for a Supreme Office shall be nominated from the floor of the Convention and shall be voted upon by roll call vote. The candidate receiving a majority of votes cast shall be declared elected to the office to which he was nominated.
(b) No Supreme Lodge Officer, with the exception of the Supreme Secretary, may serve in his respective office for more than two (2) successive terms.
Section 4:
In the event the Supreme President’s office is vacant, the Supreme Vice President shall automatically assume the office and the vacancy to be filled will be that of the Supreme Vice President. In the event of death or disqualification of a Supreme Lodge Officer, other than the Supreme President, his successor shall be appointed by the Supreme Lodge subject to approval by the National Advisory Board.
Section 5:
The Supreme Lodge shall enforce the Constitution, by‐laws, rules and regulations of the Fraternity in good faith. Before entering on the execution of the office, each Supreme Lodge Officer shall take the following oath, same to be administered by the retiring Supreme President or someone representing him:
“I … (name)… Do solemnly swear
That I will faithfully execute The office of…(title)…
Of the Order of the Sons of Pericles And will, to the best of my ability, Preserve, Protect, and Defend
The Constitution of the Fraternity.”
Section 6:
The Supreme Lodge may adopt and establish uniform rituals, rites and ceremonies for the various services of the Order, including initiation, installation and graduation ceremonies, subject to the supervision and approval of the National Advisory Board.
Section 7:
The Supreme Lodge, with the approval of the National Advisory Board, may adopt and regulate uniform regalia for the various members, and designate the occasion and manner on and in which may be worn.
Section 8:
The AHEPA Supreme Counselor of the Order of AHEPA shall serve as the Supreme Counselor of the Sons of Pericles and he shall serve in this capacity without financial reimbursement from the Sons of Pericles. He shall render all legal opinions and interpretations of the Constitution, and shall give counsel and advice in all matters involving contracts and other legal documents whenever requested by the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles.
Article XII
DUTIES OF SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS
Section 1:
The Supreme President shall be responsible for the enforcement of the Constitution, bylaws, rules, and regulations of the Fraternity. He shall be the chief executive of the Order and shall represent the Supreme Lodge at all times. He shall be responsible to the Supreme Lodge, National Advisory Board, and to the Supreme Convention for the execution of all resolutions adopted at the Supreme Convention and shall work in conjunction with the Executive Secretary in the execution of the national program as adopted by the Supreme Convention. He shall preside at all meetings of the Supreme Lodge and shall perform such other duties delegated to him by the Supreme Lodge, National Advisory Board, and the Supreme Convention. His expenses while at work at Supreme Lodge Headquarters or while traveling in the interest of the Fraternity shall be defrayed from the National Treasury of the Sons with the approval of the Chairman of the National Advisory Board. The Supreme President shall sign all checks of the fraternity together with the Supreme Treasurer, and countersigned by the Chairman of the National Advisory Board.
Section 2:
The Supreme Vice President shall be an elected office. He shall be responsible for the operation and promotion of a national program for membership and new chapter development. In the event of absence from the domain of the Fraternity or disability of the Supreme President, the Supreme Vice President shall assume the duties of the former until the Supreme President’s return or recovery.
Section 3:
The Supreme Secretary shall be an elected office. He shall be responsible for the operation and promotion of a national program for membership and new chapter development. He shall also perform such duties as told by the Supreme Convention and the Supreme President. The collection and recordation of reports shall have the highest priority.
Section 4:
The Supreme Treasurer shall be an elected office. He shall be responsible for the promotion of the national scholarship program. He shall sign all checks of the Fraternity together with the Supreme President and the Chairman of the National Advisory Board. The Supreme Treasurer shall also perform such duties as prescribed by the Supreme Convention and the Supreme President.
Section 5:
The Supreme Governor(s) shall be elected officers. He (they) shall perform such duties as prescribed by the Supreme Convention and the Supreme President.
Section 6:
The Supreme Athletic Director shall be an appointive office. He shall be responsible for the coordination and promotion of a National Athletics Program.
Section 7:
All appointed Supreme Lodge Officers shall be filled by the Supreme President and ratified by a majority vote of the Supreme Lodge when a vacancy occurs in an appointed Supreme Lodge office; this article shall control the vacancy.
Section 8:
In the election of the Supreme Lodge, due consideration should be given to fair representation of each section of the domain.
Section 9:
Meetings of the Supreme Lodge may be called by the Supreme President. The Supreme President shall preside at all such meetings. Joint meetings of the Supreme Lodge and the National Advisory Board may be called at the discretion of the National Advisory Board.
Section 10:
The expenses of the Supreme Lodge Officers to and from the Supreme Convention and on all other official trips undertaken with the approval of the Chairman of the National Advisory Board shall be defrayed from the National Treasury of the Sons of Pericles.
Article XIII
DISTRICT ADVISORS
Section 1:
Each District Advisor shall advise the District Lodge of the Sons of Pericles. He shall promote a closer relationship between the Local Advisory Boards and the National Advisory Board. He shall also bring about a closer cooperation between the Junior Order and Senior Orders in his District.
Section 2:
Each District Advisor shall give semi‐annual reports to the National Advisory Board as to the activities of the Sons Chapters in his District.
Article XIV
DISTRICT CONVENTIONS
Section 1
(a) The chapters of the Order shall be grouped in the same manner as districts of the Order of AHEPA. Each district shall bear the same number as the corresponding AHEPA district. The boundaries of the district shall have jurisdiction over all monies and other assets belonging to the districts.
(b) In districts where only one or two chapters exist, special permission from the Supreme Lodge may be obtained, wherein, the isolated chapters may apply for membership into the nearest active district. Said district shall vote to accept the chapters at its District Convention with the final approval coming from the Supreme Lodge. However, upon the reactivation of the inactive district, the chapters incorporated into the neighboring district shall immediately withdraw and become a member of its own district.
Section 2:
Each district of the Order shall hold a District Convention annually. Said conventions are to be held at the time and place as that of the Order of AHEPA, and are to be planned and arranged in cooperation with the District Lodge of the Order of AHEPA in said district.
Section 3
(a) The convention shall be composed of duly elected delegates of the chapters, in good standing with Supreme Lodge Headquarters, of each District and the four members of the District Lodge (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary and Treasurer) shall attend, have a voice in the deliberations and each shall have one vote. The District Marshall shall attend, have a voice in the deliberations, but cast no vote in his capacity as District Marshall.
(b) When a district has 100 or more paid members, as of the yearbook from the previous year, then the District Marshall shall have a full vote.
(c) When a district has 150 or more paid members, as of the yearbook from the previous year, then the District Convention may elect a District Athletic Director with a full vote. No more than 6 elective officers are permitted.
Section 4:
Each chapter shall elect six (6) delegates, with a total of six (6) votes, but no delegate shall have more than one vote at the district convention. Any member of the Sons of Pericles who is in good standing shall have the right to sit in the deliberations of the District Convention and to voice his opinion.
Section 5
(a) The district convention shall have the power to discuss, consider, and act upon all matters affecting the affairs of the Fraternity in the District, to adopt such legislation as the delegates may deem proper for the welfare of the district, provided that such legislation is in harmony with and consistent with the Constitution of the Fraternity, and further provided that they discuss, consider, and pass resolutions regarding the Fraternity as a whole, and transmit same to the Supreme Convention for action, through the office of the District Governor. The district convention shall elect a District Governor, District Lieutenant Governor, District Secretary and District Treasurer. A District Marshall shall be appointed by the District Governor if he deems it necessary, with the exception of Districts
falling Section 3, subparagraph b, in which case the District Marshall shall be an elective office with a full vote at the District Convention.
(b) A minimum of three (3) active, good‐standing chapters shall constitute a recognized District and shall have the authority to elect a District Lodge. Representatives from fifty percent of the active, good‐standing chapters of each district shall constitute a quorum at the District Convention. A chapter in a neighboring District which has been approved under Section 1, subparagraph b shall be eligible to participate in the District Convention with all rights and privileges enjoyed by the other member chapters, and can be included for quorum purposes to satisfy the requirements of the section in the Constitution.
(c) If no quorum is met or no convention is held, the delegates present shall instead recommend two nominees for each respective district office to the Supreme Lodge which shall submit their recommendations to the AHEPA District Lodge for appointment. Such District Lodge Officers shall have all the rights, privileges and duties as specified in this Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 6:
The District Convention shall be called by the District Lodges through the office of the District Governor, and shall be assisted by the other officers of the District Lodge who will complete the governing body of the convention by serving in their respective offices.
Section 7:
The retired Past District Governors, provided that they are active members of the Sons of Pericles, shall be entitled to sit in the Convention, having all rights and privileges therein, shall have a vote in the Convention, and shall travel to and from the district at their own expense.
Section 8:
The District Convention Chairman shall be mandated to read the duties and prerequisites for district lodge officers prior to elections.
Article XV
DISTRICT LODGES
Section 1:
The District Lodge shall be elected at the termination of the District Convention by majority vote subject to the provisions in Article XIV.
Section 2:
(a) A member is not eligible for District Lodge office, except the office of District Governor, unless he has served for at least one year in an elective chapter office.
(b) A member is not eligible for the office of District Governor unless he has served as an elective District Lodge officer or District Contact.
(c) No District Lodge officer, with the exception of Secretary, may serve in his respective office for more than two (2) successive terms.
Section 3:
The District Lodge shall hold meetings as often as necessary. Meetings shall be called by the District Governor or District Advisor. The District Governor shall also have the power and right to call district meetings of the chapters in his district. Any such communications shall be dispatched through the District Secretary’s office.
Section 4:
The District Lodges shall work under the supervision of the District Advisor and the Supreme Lodge officers, and shall be responsible to them for every action undertaken at all times. Annual reports shall be submitted by the copy of which shall be filed at Headquarters, with the additional stipulation what a copy of the District Convention minutes be submitted to Headquarters at least two weeks prior to the Supreme Convention.
Section 5:
All matters pertaining to expenditures, collections, district treasuries, and the like, shall be subject to majority vote of the elected District Lodge. All such matters must also have the approval of the District Advisor.
Section 6:
Each District Lodge shall have the right to amass its own treasury, either through donation or otherwise. The District Lodge may also collect assessments from Chapters located within the District. The amount of the assessment must be determined annually at the District Convention by a majority vote of the delegates at said convention.
Section 7:
The District Governor shall visit the chapters of his District as often as possible; he shall investigate any applications for the creation of new chapters within his district, and report the same to Supreme Lodge Headquarters. He shall make quarterly reports as to the conditions of his district to Supreme Lodge Headquarters, to the District Advisor and to the Supreme Lodge Officer in charge of his district. The District Governor shall have the right to call a meeting of the officers and members of any chapter in his district and report his findings to his Supreme Lodge Liaison.
Section 8:
The Lieutenant Governor shall assist the District Governor in the execution of his duties. The District Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the minutes of each meeting of the District Lodge and of any other district meeting that may be called by the District Governor. The District Treasurer shall be in charge of the District Treasury and shall sign all checks which must be countersigned by the District Governor and the District Advisor. The District Marshall shall perform such duties as are assigned him by the District Governor.
Section 9:
In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of the District Governor, the office shall be filled by the Lieutenant Governor. If there is a vacancy other than the District Governor, the District Lodge shall select and appoint and qualified, good‐standing member in the District to serve the unexpired term, subject to the approval of the District Advisor.
Section 10:
A Son of Pericles selected by the Sons District Lodge with dual membership in the Order of AHEPA shall act as liaison to the AHEPA District Lodge. His duty is to provide the AHEPA with the youth’s perspective on matters in which the AHEPA feels are necessary to enhance the relations and participation between both Orders. The liaison term of office shall be one year and may be reappointed for an additional term but no more than two consecutive years.
Article XVI
LOCAL ADVISORY BOARD
Section 1:
The Local Advisory Board shall consist of three members of the local sponsoring AHEPA chapter. These members shall hold their offices for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified. The Chairman and the other two members of the Board shall be confirmed as follows: two chosen by the chapter of the Sons of Pericles, the third appointed by the AHEPA Chapter president. They shall be notified of all meetings of the Youth Chapter and, where possible, represent the Senior Chapter in said meetings. They may be removed from office only upon a majority vote of the members of the Local AHEPA Chapter.
Section 2:
The Chairman of the Local Advisory Board shall represent the Board at all times, be its spokesman on all occasions, and countersign all orders upon the treasury or special funds of the local chapter. In meetings of the local chapter, the Chairman, or another representative Advisor, shall have all rights and privileges that a Sons of Pericles member would have in such meetings.
Section 3:
The Local Advisory Board shall have jurisdiction over all appropriations made by the local chapter either directly from the chapter treasury or from any other funds set aside for some specific purpose. The Board shall exercise its jurisdiction over any appropriation by directing the Chairman to grant or withhold his signature from any order upon the Chapter Treasury or any Chapter fund.
Section 4:
The Local Advisory Board shall have authority to approve all expenditures of the local chapter, provided that the amount is more than $500.00 and shall not exceed the total sum in the treasury of the local chapter. In all matters involving public activity, public appearance of the local chapter, no decision of the Local Advisory Board shall be effective unless first approved by the Local AHEPA Chapter.
Section 5:
The Local Advisory Board shall give quarterly reports to the Local AHEPA Chapter on the activities and work of the Junior Order Chapter, in writing or orally at a meeting called for that purpose by the President of the Senior Chapter. The President of the Local AHEPA Chapter shall have the right to call the members of the Local Advisory Board at any regular meeting of the Chapter to answer any questions pertaining to the Junior Order.
Section 6:
The Local Advisory Board shall give quarterly reports to the Sons District Lodge, on the activities and work of the Junior Chapter, in writing or orally at a meeting called for that purpose by the District Governor of the Sons of Pericles. The District Governor has the right to call the members of the Local Advisory Board at any regular meeting of the District Lodge to answer any questions pertaining to the Junior Chapter.
Section 7:
The Local Advisory Board reserves the right to seek the counsel and advice of the Local AHEPA Chapter in all matters of the Junior Chapter within its jurisdiction.
Section 8:
The Local Advisory Board shall be the liaison for all formal business between the Youth and Senior Chapters.
Section 9:
The Local Advisory Board shall examine all books and records of the local chapter at least twice during the fiscal year, and shall present the report of the same to the Local AHEPA Chapter.
Article XVII
CHAPTERS
Section 1:
Local chapters shall be sponsored by local AHEPA Chapters and be composed of groups of men, eight or more in number, who have petitioned for and obtained a charter from the Supreme Lodge Headquarters, and who have regularly passed through the Right of Initiation into the Fraternity (Article V supra).
Section 2:
A petition for charter must be of a form approved and sent forth by the Supreme Lodge, with the approval of the National Advisory Board and signed by eight or more persons, and each of whom must be a firm believer and advocate of the objects and principles of this fraternity as set forth in this Constitution.
Section 3:
No petition for charter shall be considered by the Supreme Lodge unless such petition is accompanied by the proper charter fee (if any), and by the initiation fees (if any) and completely filled out applications for membership of each and every petitioner. Upon receipt and approval of such petition, the Supreme Lodge shall forward materials to the Local AHEPA Chapter sponsoring the proposed chapter, or to any other authorized agent of the National Advisory Board, with instructions to proceed with the initiation and installation. After such action has been duly taken, the Supreme Lodge or Headquarters shall then forward a properly certified charter.
Section 4:
Each chapter shall have exclusive control over its separate property and funds, and the use and disposition thereof, except that the chapter records shall be the property of the Fraternity.
Section 5:
The Supreme Lodge, with the approval of the Chairman of the National Advisory Board, shall have the exclusive right and power to grant as well as revoke charters.
Section 6:
New chapters shall not be created in cities where one or more chapters already exist without the consent of the Supreme Lodge.
Section 7:
Properties and monies of defunct chapters shall go to the sponsoring AHEPA chapter to be held in trust for a period of three years. If during this period, the defunct chapter fails to reorganize, said properties and monies shall automatically become the property of the Sons National Scholarship Fund or the National Project, at the discretion of the Supreme Lodge.
Article XVIII
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section 1:
The elective officers of each chapter shall be the President, the Vice President, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
Section 2:
At the meeting following the elections, the newly elected president shall announce the appointment of the following appointive officers: Assistant Secretary, Master of Ceremonies, High Guardian, High Priest, Inner Guard, and Sons‐AHEPA Liaison.
Section 3:
Chapter officers shall hold a term of one year, commencing in the first regular meeting of the month following the election to said office.
Section 4:
The election of officers shall be held at a time selected by the local Chapter President but no later than the time of the District Convention in the District in which the Chapter resides. It shall be the duty of the Chapter Secretary to notify all members of the day designated for the election of new officers at least ten (10) days in advance of the election. Failure to do so shall be considered sufficient ground to declare an election null and void.
Section 5:
A quorum for the election of officers shall consist of eight members of a chapter, or three‐ fifths of the membership, whichever is lower, unless otherwise specified by the Supreme Lodge. However, for those chapters having a membership of fifteen members or less, a quorum shall be determined as follows:
8 – 9 members 5 members must be present,
10 – 11 members 6 members must be present,
12 – 14 members 7 members must be present.
Section 6:
Only members that are in good standing for two months prior to elections, and new members one month prior to elections, shall be eligible to vote for new officers.
Section 7:
A member shall not be qualified for office if he has not been in good standing for nonpayment of dues or any other cause at any time within the period of six months preceding elections. With the exception of new or reactivated chapters in which no one is eligible, a member is not eligible for the office of Chapter President unless he has served in an elective office for at least one year.
Section 8:
No chapter officer, with the exception of the Secretary, may serve in his respective office for more than two terms in succession.
Section 9:
No person shall hold an elective chapter office while holding, at the same time, an elective office in a District or Supreme Lodge, nor hold an elective office in a District and Supreme Lodge concurrently. Before assuming his office in the chapter, it shall be required of him to resign the elective office he holds in the District or Supreme Lodge. Nor shall any member be eligible for the office of President unless he shall have been a member in good standing for the year preceding his election to office.
Section 10:
Candidates shall be nominated from the floor and shall be voted upon by secret ballot. The candidate receiving the majority of the votes cast shall be deemed elected to the office for which he was nominated. The President shall appoint three tellers, who shall call out the names written on the ballots and the score shall be taken down by the Secretary and one of the tellers who shall in turn, announce the results to the chapter. The President shall be entitled to a vote provided that the same is cast before the ballots are counted. At no time shall the President be entitled to two votes. In the case of a tie, the President shall call for additional voting by secret ballot on the same candidates until the tie is broken.
Section 11:
Both elective and appointed officers shall be installed shortly after their election to office, however, they shall assume their duties at the first regular meeting in the month following their election.
Section 12:
In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of Chapter President, the same shall be filled by the Chapter Vice President. If the vacancy is other than the Chapter President, then the chapter shall elect any qualified member of the chapter who is in good standing to serve the rest of the term.
Section 13:
An officer may be removed from office if he fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meeting of the Chapter without cause. The officer shall be given a hearing at a regular meeting of his chapter at which time he may offer an explanation of his absence; he may be removed from his office only by a majority decision of the Local Advisory Board if he refuses to appear for the hearing, or appearing, he refuses to explain the cause of his absence or fails to give a valid excuse for his absence.
Article XIX
DUTIES OF CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section 1:
The President shall preside at all meeting of the chapter and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the chapter. He shall enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Fraternity; preserve order at all times during the meetings; and shall be responsible for the observance of the Fraternity’s purposes and ideals by the members of the chapter.
Section 2:
The Vice President shall assist the President in conducting the business of the chapter and shall assume the duties of the President in the absence or disqualification of the latter.
Section 3:
The Secretary shall conduct all correspondence of the chapter under the direction of the President; keep a record of proceedings of the chapter, its membership and such other matters as shall be of interest and value to the chapter or to the Fraternity. He shall collect all duties and fees, give a proper receipt for the same, and immediately turn over to the Treasurer of the chapter all such monies collected. He shall submit a periodic report on the progress of his chapter to the District Governor and to the Supreme Lodge liaison.
Section 4:
The Treasurer shall receive all monies coming to the Chapter, give receipt for the same and deposit all such monies received in the bank account of the Chapter. All orders upon the treasury of the chapter must be signed by the President and Treasurer of the Chapter and countersigned by the Chairman of the Local Advisory Board. Further, the Treasurer shall keep record of all finances of the Chapter under the direct supervision of one member of the Local Advisory Board designated by the Chairman for that purpose and present the report on the same to the Chapter at the end of each quarter of the year.
Section 5:
The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary of the Chapter in the discharge of his duties.
Section 6:
The Master of Ceremonies shall execute all orders given by him by the President.
Section 7:
The High Guardian shall open and close the chapter hall and carry the keys thereof. He shall be the custodian of all property and paraphernalia and keep a detailed record of the same.
Section 8:
The High Priest shall open and close all the meetings of the Chapter with a prayer and perform all other ritualistic duties as directed by the President.
Section 9:
The Inner Guard shall guard the entrance to the Chapter room against all intruders and permit no one to enter who cannot properly identify himself as the member of the Fraternity or the Order of AHEPA.
Section 10:
A Son of Pericles selected by the chapter officers with dual membership in the Order of AHEPA shall act as a liaison to their AHEPA chapter. His duty is to provide the AHEPA with the youth’s perspective on matters in which the AHEPA feels is necessary to enhance the relations and participation between both Orders. The liaison’s term of office shall be for one year and may be reappointed for an additional term, but not exceeding two consecutive years.
Article XX
MEETINGS OF CHAPTERS
Section 1:
Regular meetings of the chapters shall be held at such times, places, and hours as called by the Chapter President and may be arranged with the sponsoring AHEPA Chapters. All chapters shall have at least one (1) regular meeting each month.
Section 2:
Called meetings of chapters may be held at any time upon the call of the Chapter President, the Local Advisory Board, or upon the written request to the President by five (5) members of any Chapter. Reasonable notice shall be given to all members before such meetings.
Section 3:
(a) A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of eight (8) members of a chapter except where a chapter has a membership of less than fifteen (15), in which case a quorum shall consist of five (5) members of the chapter.
(b) A quorum for the initiation of candidates of other ritualistic work, in which no regular business will be transacted, shall consist of five (5) members of the chapter.
Section 4:
The meeting of the Chapters shall be free of any and all interference from members of the AHEPA. All AHEPAns attending the meeting of any chapter shall be spectators and auditors only and in no way partake in the discussions without a specific request from the presiding officer except the members of the Local Advisory Board who may, with the permission of the presiding office, be given the floor.
Section 5:
The presiding officer in a meeting of the chapter shall possess the same power and authority for maintaining order over AHEPAns attending meetings as he enjoys over his own assembly. All the members of AHEPA shall be addressed by the Sons of Pericles as Senior Brother and all members of the Sons of Pericles shall be addressed by the AHEPAns as Junior Brothers.
Article XXI
FINANCES
Section 1:
All applications for membership into this Fraternity shall be accompanied by the proper initiation fee and at least one year’s dues. The Secretary of the Chapter, receiving said application and dues shall deliver the application immediately to the Supreme Lodge. Each application shall be accompanied with proper initiation fee and per capita tax fee payable to the Supreme Lodge. Said initiation fee and first year’s per capita tax fee shall be retained by the Supreme Lodge, to ensure that his dual membership requirement is fulfilled.
Section 2:
(a) There shall be an annual per capita tax levied by the Supreme Lodge Headquarters in the amount equal to that of the AHEPA national per capita tax for every member greater than the age of 18, entitling them to dual membership in the Order of AHEPA. Members between the ages of 14 and 17 will pay dues of $20 and will only be members of the Sons of Pericles. Payments must be made promptly to the Supreme Lodge Headquarters when due and failure to comply shall be deemed sufficient cause for disciplinary action to be taken by the Supreme Lodge.
(b) In order for a chapter to remain in good standing, it is required to donate a minimum of one-hundred dollars ($100.00) per year, earmarked to the National Project, payable by the District Convention or June 30th, whichever is earlier.
Section 3:
Supreme Lodge Headquarters may issue membership cards for all newly initiated members upon the receipt of the application for membership, and the per capita tax for the yearly period. Membership cards may also be issued for the yearly period for which the per capita tax has been paid.
Section 4:
(a) Each chapter and district shall have power to assess its members regular annual dues, which shall be payable in advance. These dues shall be in addition to the per capita tax levied by the Supreme Lodge Headquarters.
(b) Any increase of decrease of such dues, or other such assessments, not in violation of this Constitution, may be made by two‐thirds vote of the members of a chapter and voting (or ,where appropriate, the members present and voting at District Convention), provided that previous notice thereof has been sent to all members.
Article XXII
DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS
Section 1:
All grievances against a national officer of the fraternity must be submitted in writing to the National Advisory Board. Its decision shall be final, with the exception of a decision involving expulsion, suspension, or impeachment and removal from the office in which case an appeal may be made to the Supreme Lodge of the Order of AHEPA.
Section 2
All decisions rendered by a District Advisor may be appealed to the respective AHEPA District Lodge and finally, if necessary, to the National Advisory Board. The District Governor of a District shall have the authority to appeal any decision of the Advisor or the AHEPA District Lodge in his District. Action on any appealed decision is suspended for fifteen days after the appeal is filed. The District Governor must notify the District Advisor and the AHEPA District Lodge of any appeals.
Section 3
In case any decision of the local chapter is refused the approval of the Local Advisory Board or the local AHEPA Chapter, the decision may be appealed to the National Advisory Board, in which the final authority shall rest.
Section 4:
(a) Upon complaint in writing of one‐third of the members of any local chapter duly filed with the Chairman of the Local Advisory Board, any elective officer of a chapter may be placed on trial before the Local Advisory Board which shall the conduct a hearing of the charges. The Local Advisory Board will then make a recommendation to the Supreme Lodge as to whether removal and/or other punishment may be required. Supreme Lodge shall take the Local Advisory Board’s recommendation and conduct a trial. If convicted, the defendant shall be removed from office and/or suffer such other punishments as may be decided by the trial board. In all cases, a two‐thirds vote shall be required. Notices of such complaint shall be sent to the defendant at least two weeks prior to his trial.
(b) In the event the Supreme Lodge imposes a punishment which is greater than the recommendation of the Local Advisory Board, such act will constitute valid grounds for appeal and the Supreme Lodge will have to justify to the National Advisory Board the reason for their decision.
(c) All other grievances within a chapter, not related to an elective officer, shall be submitted by a member to the Local Advisory Board for arbitration. Its decisions shall be final, with the exception of a decision involving expulsion, in which case an appeal may be made to the National Advisory Board.
Section 5:
(a) A member who is in arrears for three (3) months shall be permitted within the chapter room, but shall not be allowed to participate in the business of the chapter, nor have the right to vote, nor to receive the password.
(b) A member, when he is six (6) months in arrears, shall be suspended for nonpayment of dues upon thirty (30) days written notice from the Secretary. Suspended members shall not be permitted to participate in Chapter meetings, or any other Chapter or District function.
Section 6:
(a) A Local Chapter, with the consent of the Local Advisory Board, shall have the power to suspend members for good and sufficient reasons. Such suspension shall remain in force while the cause therefore exists and the same may be lifted only by a majority vote of the Chapter.
(b) A suspended member may be reinstated upon either the settlement of all obligations against him, or by such procedure as the Supreme Lodge at specific times may prescribe. Headquarters shall reinstate a suspended member’s application for reinstatement.
Section 8:
All obligations provided by this Constitution and Bylaws to be performed by the several Chapters shall be discharged by them within three months from the time the same are due. Failure to take proper action to answer the same shall be deemed sufficient grounds for suspension of the Chapter rights of non‐conforming chapters.
Section 9:
The National Advisory Board, in conjunction with the Supreme Lodge, may make further rules and regulations with respect to discipline as are not inconsistent with or contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Fraternity, and which may serve the best interests of the Fraternity.
Article XXIII
OFFICIAL PIN AND PARAPHERNALIA
The Supreme Lodge shall prescribe the design and form of the official pin and other recognized jewelry of the Fraternity. Such pins and jewelry may be purchased through Supreme Lodge Headquarters. The manufacturing and distribution of official pins not authorized by the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles is strictly prohibited. Only members in good standing shall be privileged to wear or display official jewelry and paraphernalia of the Fraternity.
Article XXIV
PROCEDURE
All proceedings of the Supreme Convention, District Convention, and Chapters of the Fraternity shall be governed by the same manual of parliamentary procedure which is in use by the Order of AHEPA.
Article XXV
SCHOLARSHIPS
Section 1:
The Sons of Pericles may annually award a maximum of four National Scholarships in the amount of $3,000.00
Section 2:
The scholarships shall be paid from the interest accrued by a permanent fund, composed of existing monies set aside for this purpose and contributions received during the fiscal year, deposited in a bank or savings and loan institution fully insured and certified.
Section 3:
The Supreme President and his Supreme Lodge shall, in compliance with the delegates and the Supreme Convention, distribute to the chapters rules and regulations governing the awarding of the scholarships.
Article XXVI
AMENDMENTS
Section 1:
This Constitution may be amended by two‐thirds of the delegates present and voting at the Supreme Convention, with the approval of the Supreme Lodge of the Order of AHEPA, provided it does not conflict with the decisions of the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA.
Section 2
At The District Convention of any active District of the Sons of Pericles, the delegates may propose amendments to this Constitution. Proposed amendments must be sent to the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles at least 14 days prior to the opening of the Supreme Convention. Such proposals must be passed through the process described in Section 1 of this Article.
Section 3:
Amendments other than for edification of this Constitution or for changes to the text, shall be numbered and entered into Article XXVII of the Constitution. The majority vote of the Convention following ratification shall make such entry and serve as an example of the true progressive spirit of the Fraternity.
Article XXVII
PROTHOS
AMENDMENT ONE:
Wall of Honor
Section 1:
In a commitment to recognize the contributions of its past members and Senior Brothers of AHEPA, the Sons of Pericles shall establish and maintain a Wall of Honor.
Section 2:
(a) At each Supreme Convention, the Supreme Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Pericles shall nominate candidates worthy of the honor. A vote shall be taken and those names collecting a majority number of votes shall be elected to the Wall of Honor.
(b) Each year’s inductees shall be grouped as a class.
Section 3:
The Supreme Lodge shall purchase and maintain plaques bearing the names of the honorees, their class and year of induction. The plaque is to be displayed proudly at AHEPA Headquarters.
AMENDMENT TWO:
Mother Lodge Chapter
The current Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles shall have special privilege granted by this Constitution to hold honorary membership in the Queen City Chapter #1 of Manchester, New Hampshire. Thus, the Mother Lodge Chapter shall always be active in honor of the young men that initiated the movement that is now the Order of the Sons of Pericles.
AMENDMENT THREE:
Record of Resolutions
All resolutions passed and adopted by the Supreme Convention body shall be incorporated in the Sons of Pericles Fraternal Information Manual for the purpose of establishing a historical record.
AMENDMENT FOUR
International Per Capita Tax
Section 1:
Per capita tax for members of International Chapters shall be the same as members in the United States, payable in United States Dollars or the calculated equivalent in the country’s currency in which said Chapter resides.
Section 2:
Every year, this provision shall be addressed by the Supreme Convention of the Sons of Pericles shall be modified if two‐thirds of the Supreme Convention so votes.
AMENDMENT FIVE:
Sons at Large
Section 1:
In areas where there are no chapters, potential members can join the Sons of Pericles as a ‘Sons at Large.’ A Son at Large is entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of a chapter.
Section 2:
A Son at Large cannot exist in the same city or area as an active chapter of the Sons of Pericles. If a chapter is activated, the Son at Large must join the local chapter.
Section 3:
A Son at Large may serve as a District Contact in a District that does not have enough chapters to serve as an active District.
Section 4:
The Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Pericles may expand on the duties and privileges of Sons at Large and inactive districts in the Bylaws.
AMENDMENT SIX:
Dues Payment for End of Year Initiations
In consistency with the procedures of the Order of AHEPA, any Sons of Pericles newly initiated after November 1, or any chapters chartered or reactivated after this date, through December 31 of that same year, who remit their dues to Sons of Pericles Headquarters, shall have their dues counted for the remainder of that year and the entire year that follows.
AMENDMENT SEVEN:
Delegate Registration Deadline for Supreme Convention
Delegates must register by the start of business Wednesday. If there is no business meeting conducted on Wednesday of the Supreme Convention, then it will be the duty of the Supreme Lodge to make themselves available for brothers to register until noon on Wednesday. The deadline may be extended by the Supreme Lodge for good cause.
AMENDMENT EIGHT:
Dues Payment for Members Under 18 Years of Age
There shall be an annual per capita tax levied by the Supreme Lodge Headquarters in the amount equal to that of the AHEPA national per capita tax for every member greater than the age of 18, entitling them to dual membership in the Order of AHEPA. Members between the ages of 14 and 17 will pay dues of $20 and will only be members of the Sons of Pericles. Payments must be made promptly to the Supreme Lodge Headquarters when due and failure to comply shall be deemed sufficient cause for disciplinary action to be taken by the Supreme Lodge.
