1. Establishment
“St. Antypas Religious Society” was established in Pergamos (Bergama) in 1908 and was one of the most important clubs of the area. The club promoted the local church of the same name, founded a library and financed various publications. The club was established in an atmosphere of euphoria and expectations following the Revolution of the Young Turks and the revival of the constitution.
2. Activities
The initial aim of the club was the embellishment of the churches of the community of Pergamos, although before long it promoted the historical and religious importance of the church of St. Antypas (Kızıl Avlu), held homilies and supported the Sunday sermons. The club expanded its activities and became one of the most important and greatest clubs of the area. Among its intentions was the cooperation with other local clubs as well as with the club of Anatolian Greeks “Anatoli” of Athens, which helped the society establish a community library and financed two publications, Histories of Pergamos (Pergamines istories) by G. Chondronikis (1910) and On moral and religious education (Peri thriskeftikis kai ithikis morfoseos) by Α. Kolyetifs (1911). The founding members included Georgios Chondronikis, Galinos C. Vakirtzis and Dimitris Chatzi-Mikes, while the archdeacon of the diocese of Ephesus Ioakeim Gounaris and the archaeologist and historian Georgios Lambakis were proclaimed honorary presidents. The date of the club's dissolution remains unknown.