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Membership Benefits

Founded in 1929, the Pancretan Association of America (PAA) is a longstanding cultural, educational, and philanthropic organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of Crete. Our membership comprises individuals with roots on the island of Crete, Greece. Annual membership dues are $30.00 per individual. Additional Chapter dues may apply.

Member Benefits:

--Bi-monthly magazine KPHTH (one of the longest running and highly regarded printed cultural magazines in the United States)

--Graduate and undergraduate scholarship opportunities for youth members who have been members for a minimum of two years.
--PAA Mentor Opportunity 
--PAA Cultural Programs offered in person and online throughout the year
--PAA Philanthropic Programs that benefit programs in the US, Greece and Crete
--Monthly PAATalks! online 30 minutes programs sponsored by Creta Autentica
--Invitations to events throughout the US and Crete.  View flyers of District and Chapter Upcoming Events.
--Excursions to Crete for members (not an annual program)
--Bi-Annual conventions in the United States and in Crete
--Cultural opportunities with summer programs in Crete. Discover the PAA/PYA 2024 Summer Activities in Crete photo albums..
--Pancretan Endowment Fund-benefits the: Univ. of Crete, University Press, Botanical Garden & more
--Member of the World Council of Cretans (annual events take place in Crete)
--Member of the Eleftherios Venizelos Foundation  (annual events in Crete)
--Support and Honor PAA veterans who have served the United States and Greece --Veterans Affairs -- PAA
--Opportunity to serve on the PAA National Board and be a delegate at the bi-annual conventions
--If you are 15 to 30 years old, you can join the Pancretan Youth Association ($19). PYA Upcoming Events

Members cherish the opportunity to connect with Cretans from around the world, forming lasting friendships. The PAA provides a platform to maintain their Cretan heritage, share it with future generations, and experience immense pride. And, of course, members enjoy a wonderful time at our Cretan events.
Nikos Kazantzakis in Report to Greco said it best:


“There is a kind of flame in Crete - let us call it "soul" - something more powerful than either life or death. There is pride, obstinacy, valor, and together with these something else inexpressible and imponderable, something which makes you rejoice that you are human being, and at the same time tremble."

CLICK HERE TO JOIN TODAY!  

QUESTIONS?  Email PAA VP of Membership, George Tsoutsounakis (CMT) at
gtsoutsounakis@pancretan.org


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PAA/PYA SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN CRETE 2024


During the summer of 2024, over two hundred Pancretan members and their families traveled to Crete. Members had the opportunity to attend a variety of  dance and music workshops, cultural events, and visit philanthropic locations supported by the PAA. Explore the  PAA/PYA  Summer Activities 2024 photo albums. CLICK HERE

World Council of Cretans

PAA members are united and with Cretans from around the world to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions unique to the island of Crete. Several PAA members have served on the WCC executive board. We congratulate our General Supervisor Nickos Kastrinakis on his appointment as WCC President and extend our best wishes to all the PAA members serving on the board this year. Stay tuned for details in the upcoming KPHTH magazine.

Eleftherios Venizelos Foundation 

The Eleftherios Venizelos Foundation is a national research foundation in Chania, Crete.  Founded on March 26, 2000, it is the center for research and study of the work and the era of this great statesman. The Foundation premises are located in the residence of Eleftherios Venizelos in Halepa Square, Chania.

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PAA/PYA Excursion to Crete 2022


During the summer of 2022, over two hundred Pancretan members and their families traveled to Crete. Some for the first time for a week-long "Discover Your Roots" excursion.  This program brought 3rd and 4th generation Cretan Americans together, some performing in the PYA National Dance Troupe!

Make Lifelong Friends from around the world


"I joined the Pancretan because I wanted to be closer to who I am as a person, as a Greek and as a Cretan!  Having the ability to connect and meet fellow Cretans is truly amazing. We all have an instant connection to one another, and it is something I cherish daily."  Niko Stratoudakis, 2023.

PAA Cultural, Educational and Philanthropic programs 


In the United States and Crete, the Pancretan offers programs that inspire us and exemplify our Cretan philotimo and philoxenia