To many, being a “Maid of Athena” may seem like a bit anachronistic. While the ancient Maids of Athena who served the ancient Greek goddesses may be outdated, the youth organization by the same name is as prominent as ever.

According to senior Sophia Andricopulos, Maids of Athena is a nationwide organization, for young women of Greek heritage, dedicated to the serving their communities. The organization’s Chicago-land chapter used to be one of the strongest in the nation. However, since the 1980s, membership consistently dwindled until it closed. After three years of planning, the Chicago-land chapter has reopened after over 20 years of inactivity.

 “We’re all really hopeful and excited to start planning for the years ahead,” Andricopulos said.

 While the organization has high aspirations for itself, accumulating the membership required to realize its mission isn’t easy. In order to become a Maid, one must be over 14, a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox church and willing to be initiated into the organization, according to junior Maid Pamela Haralampopoulos. During the initiation, the girls must swear an oath of secrecy, a tradition deeply embedded in the roots of Maids of Athena. The desire to accumulate a stronger membership for the organization is evident through Maids of Athena Grand President Deanna Socaris’ trips around the world to gather monetary support, members, recognition and respect for the organization’s mission.

 In addition, Socaris believes that to be a Maid of Athena, one must have a deep commitment to developing a sisterly connection between the other Maids and improving communities, both close to and distant from home.

 Maids of Athena chapters across the nation are currently participating in fundraisers, such as car washes and raffles, for the rebuilding of a Greek Orthodox church that was destroyed during the 9/11 attack, according to Andricopulos.

 “I’m hoping we can have more of a global impact through Maids [of Athena],” Andricopulos said.

 Socaris expressed similar hopes. Over the past five years, Maids of Athena has cooperated with the male equivalent group called Sons of Pericles, according to Socaris. Jointly, the two organizations have raised over $150,000. While a contribution of that amount of money can make a significant impact in the receiving communities, there are still people in need. Socaris believes it is important for members and stewards of the Maids of Athena to help meet such needs.

 “Although we are a small group, only 1,300 throughout both youth orders, our work is much larger than that,” Socaris said. “The monetary donations, volunteering hours, and compassion we share for our community heavily outweigh our physical number.”