When Tourism Pushes Wildlife to the Edge: Greece’s Monk Seals and the Cost of “Experience”
Greece is home to half the world’s Mediterranean monk seals. Conservation helped them recover, but tourism is now pushing the species back toward danger.
Greece Tops International Living’s 2026 List of the Safest Places to Retire
Greece ranked first in International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index. We look at why, how the list is built, and the local context behind it.
Symbolism vs. Limits: What Cyprus Can and Cannot Change During Its EU Council Presidency
Cyprus assumes the EU Council presidency in 2026. What the role can realistically change, where its power stops, and why the symbolism still matters.
Christeas and the Socratic Nature of Abstraction
A reflective essay exploring abstraction, memory, and inquiry through the work of Greek abstract artist Gregory Christeas, inspired by the Socratic tradition.
Federation Annual Dinner and Vasilopita Set for January 21 in Pennsauken
The Federation of Hellenic American Societies will hold its annual dinner meeting and Vasilopita cutting on January 21 at the Atheras Center in Pennsauken.
Theophany on the Schuylkill River: St. Sophia Marks the Feast in Valley Forge
From basil blessings inside the church to the casting of the cross into the Schuylkill River, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church marked Theophany with prayer, tradition, and a renewed sense of community.
When the Chants Began to Change: A Philadelphia Moment in Greek-American Church Life
Nearly thirty years ago, a Philadelphia newspaper captured a moment of concern inside Greek-American churches: who would carry forward the tradition of chant as generations changed?
Young Leaders Kick Off 2026 with Vasilopita Brunch in Philly
Philadelphia Greek-American youth organizations will welcome 2026 with a Vasilopita brunch at Mona, bringing together young leaders from across the region.
Christos D. Pappas Obituary
Christos D. Pappas, a devoted family man and longtime member of Philadelphia’s Greek-American community, passed away on January 1, 2026.
Applications Open for Heritage Greece Program Summer 2026
Applications are open for the Heritage Greece Program, a fully funded summer program for Greek-American and Canadian college students of Hellenic descent.
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- Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies
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- GM Efestos Contracting Inc.
- KAST Distributors Inc.
- Krissos Designer Jewelry
- Law Offices of George G. Horiates
- Lundy, Beldecos & Milby, P.C.
- Marinis Brothers, Inc.
- Modern Auto Crafters
- Sigmapharm Laboratories, LLC.
- Step By Step Learning Center and Child Care
- Vraim Funeral Home
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Refresh Your Greek Marks Five Years With New Cycle of Free Online Classes
The Consulate General of Greece in Chicago launches the fifth year of Refresh Your Greek, a free online Greek language program for adult learners. Registration closes January 18, 2026.
Athens Flight Control Crisis: What Happened, and What It Exposed
A radio communication failure shut down Greek airspace on January 4, 2026, grounding flights nationwide and exposing vulnerabilities in Greece’s aviation infrastructure.
Today in History: The Battle of Lemnos, January 5, 1913
On January 5, 1913, the Greek navy sealed its control of the Aegean at the Battle of Lemnos, forcing the Ottoman fleet back into the Dardanelles and shaping the map of the region for generations.
Pontian Akritai of Philadelphia Welcome the New Year with Community Gathering in Upper Darby
Families and members of the Pontian Akritai of Philadelphia gathered in Upper Darby for a New Year celebration centered on tradition, food, and community.
Penelope Mitoulis Obituary
Penelope “Penny” Mitoulis, a longtime member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, passed away on January 1, 2026. She was 93.
Upcoming Events
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Churches, schools, and organizations can all share what’s coming up.
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Church festivals, fundraisers, concerts, lectures, and community gatherings from individuals, parishes, schools, and organizations are all welcome.
Share your event with the Greek American community.
Obituaries & Memorials
Christos D. Pappas Obituary
Christos D. Pappas, a devoted family man and longtime member of Philadelphia’s Greek-American community, passed away on January 1, 2026.
Penelope Mitoulis Obituary
Penelope “Penny” Mitoulis, a longtime member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, passed away on January 1, 2026. She was 93.
Giorgos Papadakis, Longtime Host of Kalimera Ellada, Dies at 74
Greek journalist Giorgos Papadakis, longtime host of Kalimera Ellada, died on January 4, 2026. He shaped Greek morning television for 34 years.
Albertos Elefterios Plevrakis Obituary
Albertos Elefterios Plevrakis, Greek-born restaurant manager and member of the Greek Orthodox community in Reading, PA, passed away on December 23, 2025.
Stavroula Xenofanes Obituary
Presvytera Stavroula “Voula” Xenofanes, a longtime member of the Greek Orthodox community in New Jersey, passed away on December 20, 2025, at age 87.
Community Voices
Elias Pappas: A Greek American Leading With Purpose
Elias Pappas shares his journey from the parish halls of St. Nicholas in Northridge to leading Odyssey Charter School in Delaware, blending Greek heritage with a modern vision for education.
The Heart of Service: Father Emmanuel Pratsinakis in His Own Words
Cosmos Philly speaks with Father Emmanuel Pratsinakis about his life, ministry, and the message that defines his forty years of service: to lead with faith, humility, and heart.
John Pogas: From Corporate Success to a Life of Service
After a corporate career, John Pogas found real purpose in serving others through his church, FOCUS Philadelphia, and volunteer work with Project Mexico.
Faith Has A Way Of Surprising Us: Father Symeon Williams’ Journey To St. Sophia
From a Baptist upbringing in Virginia to his priesthood at St. Sophia in Philadelphia, Father Symeon Williams’ unexpected path shows how faith can transform a life.
George Agatsiotis: A Story Of Faith, Family, And Community
From Katerini to Upper Darby, George Agatsiotis has devoted his life to faith, family, and service at St. Demetrios. From coaching GOYA basketball to cooking his famous spanakopita, he continues to inspire the community.
Greek-American Organizations
Federation Annual Dinner and Vasilopita Set for January 21 in Pennsauken
The Federation of Hellenic American Societies will hold its annual dinner meeting and Vasilopita cutting on January 21 at the Atheras Center in Pennsauken.
Young Leaders Kick Off 2026 with Vasilopita Brunch in Philly
Philadelphia Greek-American youth organizations will welcome 2026 with a Vasilopita brunch at Mona, bringing together young leaders from across the region.
AHEPA Testimonial Gala Honors Savas Tsivicos
AHEPA honored former Supreme President Savas Tsivicos at a New Jersey testimonial gala marking $1 million raised for the Journey to Greece program.
AHI Announces 2026 College Student Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus
AHI announces its 2026 College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip for Greek-American students, with visits to Washington, Greece, and Cyprus.
The Hellenic Initiative Raises $2.7 Million During Major New York Fundraising Weekend
The Hellenic Initiative raised $2.7 million during a multi-day fundraising effort in New York, highlighting the continued role of the global Greek diaspora in supporting Greece’s long-term recovery.
Greek Orthodox Churches
Theophany on the Schuylkill River: St. Sophia Marks the Feast in Valley Forge
From basil blessings inside the church to the casting of the cross into the Schuylkill River, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church marked Theophany with prayer, tradition, and a renewed sense of community.
When the Chants Began to Change: A Philadelphia Moment in Greek-American Church Life
Nearly thirty years ago, a Philadelphia newspaper captured a moment of concern inside Greek-American churches: who would carry forward the tradition of chant as generations changed?
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church to Host 16th Annual Winter Feast in Egg Harbor Township, January 2026
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will host its 16th Annual Winter Feast January 30 to February 1, 2026, in Egg Harbor Township, featuring food, dance, music, and more.
Vatican Leadership Change Sparks Orthodox Discussion on Clergy Retirement
A Vatican leadership transition has prompted renewed discussion within Greek Orthodox circles about clergy retirement practices and institutional continuity.
St. Sophia Philoptochos Hosts Annual Vasilopita Breakfast on January 4
St. Sophia Philoptochos hosts its Annual Vasilopita Breakfast on January 4 in Jeffersonville, following Divine Liturgy and supporting Saint Basil Academy.
Greek-American Societies
Pontian Akritai of Philadelphia Welcome the New Year with Community Gathering in Upper Darby
Families and members of the Pontian Akritai of Philadelphia gathered in Upper Darby for a New Year celebration centered on tradition, food, and community.
Pontian Society Akritai of Philadelphia Preserve a Rare Kalanta Tradition Across the Delaware Valley
A rare Pontian Christmas tradition came alive as the Akritai of Philadelphia sang Kalanta in Pontian Greek across the Delaware Valley.
Delaware Valley Knossos Hosts New Jersey Tribute for Vasilis Skoulas’ 65 Years of Cretan Music
A packed ballroom in New Jersey, live Cretan music, and a rare honor as Delaware Valley Knossos hosted a major tribute event for legendary Vasilis Skoulas.
Cyprus Society Hosts Christmas Celebration at Estia on December 28
Celebrate Christmas with the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia at Estia Restaurant on December 28 with live music, dancing and a festive dinner.
Dance of the Nafpaktian and Perihora Society Brings Music, Tradition, and Kefi to The Merion
The Nafpaktian and Perihora Society gathered at The Merion for a night of music, dinner, and dancing, with live performers from Greece and support for Toys for Tots.
Greece & Cyprus
When Tourism Pushes Wildlife to the Edge: Greece’s Monk Seals and the Cost of “Experience”
Greece is home to half the world’s Mediterranean monk seals. Conservation helped them recover, but tourism is now pushing the species back toward danger.
Greece Tops International Living’s 2026 List of the Safest Places to Retire
Greece ranked first in International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index. We look at why, how the list is built, and the local context behind it.
Symbolism vs. Limits: What Cyprus Can and Cannot Change During Its EU Council Presidency
Cyprus assumes the EU Council presidency in 2026. What the role can realistically change, where its power stops, and why the symbolism still matters.
Athens Flight Control Crisis: What Happened, and What It Exposed
A radio communication failure shut down Greek airspace on January 4, 2026, grounding flights nationwide and exposing vulnerabilities in Greece’s aviation infrastructure.
Giorgos Papadakis, Longtime Host of Kalimera Ellada, Dies at 74
Greek journalist Giorgos Papadakis, longtime host of Kalimera Ellada, died on January 4, 2026. He shaped Greek morning television for 34 years.
History
Today in History: The Battle of Lemnos, January 5, 1913
On January 5, 1913, the Greek navy sealed its control of the Aegean at the Battle of Lemnos, forcing the Ottoman fleet back into the Dardanelles and shaping the map of the region for generations.
When Athens Turned Against the Refugees of 1922
How Athens turned against the refugees of 1922. The forgotten story of fear, xenophobia and survival in the capital’s streets.
The Women Who Stayed Behind: What Old Greek Songs Reveal About Emigration
Before letters, before phone calls, there were songs. A look at the women who stayed behind and the Greek music that carried their lives across the ocean.
How Turkey Interprets the “Rum” Question and Ottoman History Today
An analysis of how Ottoman history and the Rum question are reframed today, and why selective memory still shapes identity and politics.
The Last Greeks of Ethiopia: A Journey Through Faith, Friendship, and Two Thousand Years of History
A small Greek community in Ethiopia keeps a two-thousand-year story alive, from Axum and Gondar to Haile Selassie and the Greek school of Addis Ababa.
Video Spotlight
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- Acropolis Pizza
- AHEPA
- Artistacon
- Astra Foods, Inc.
- Cedar Farms
- Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies
- Dodoni
- GM Efestos Contracting Inc.
- KAST Distributors Inc.
- Krissos Designer Jewelry
- Law Offices of George G. Horiates
- Lundy, Beldecos & Milby, P.C.
- Marinis Brothers, Inc.
- Modern Auto Crafters
- Sigmapharm Laboratories, LLC.
- Step By Step Learning Center and Child Care
- Vraim Funeral Home
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