The Panepirotic Federation of America was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1942 by Greek immigrants from the historic region of Epirus. Established during a turbulent period marked by war, displacement, and widespread political upheaval, the organization emerged with a clear and enduring mission: to improve the economic conditions and quality of life of the people of Epirus and to safeguard the human rights of ethnic Greeks living in Southern Albania—an area known to Greeks as Northern Epirus.

In the aftermath of World War II, Albania’s communist regime criminalized many of the cultural, religious, and linguistic traditions of its ethnic Greek minority. These policies led to decades of persecution, discrimination, and forced assimilation for tens of thousands of Epirotan Greeks. In response to these injustices, the Panepirotic Federation dedicated itself to advocating for the community’s rights, raising international awareness, and offering humanitarian support to those affected. Protecting the human rights of the Greek minority in Albania remains one of the organization’s central goals—an effort that began to show progress only after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Over the decades, the Federation has grown into a vibrant umbrella organization comprising 36 chapters across the United States and Canada. Its members, descendants of Epirotan families and supporters of the region, work collectively to preserve Epirotan cultural heritage, promote educational initiatives, and strengthen the bonds between the diaspora and their ancestral homeland. The Federation also serves as a voice for minority rights, advocating before U.S. government bodies, international institutions, and human rights organizations to ensure that the concerns of the Greek minority of Albania are heard.

Today, the Panepirotic Federation of America continues to uphold the values that inspired its founders—solidarity, justice, cultural preservation, and support for the Epirotan people. Through cultural programs, community events, youth engagement, scholarship initiatives, and ongoing advocacy, the Federation remains dedicated to protecting the heritage and future of Greeks in Epirus and Northern Epirus while fostering unity among Greek Americans nationwide.