Cosmos Philly
OXI Day 1940: Arrests in Rhodes, Volunteers in Athens
When Italy invaded Greece, hundreds of Greek nationals were detained in Rhodes. On the mainland, Dodecanesians classified as Italian nationals risked imprisonment for treason by volunteering for the Greek Army.
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Before the OXI: How Mussolini Misjudged Greece in 1940
Two weeks before invading Greece, Mussolini heard warnings about insufficient troops and difficult terrain. Italian records also reveal plans to manufacture a pretext for war.
Pizza Fan: Everyone Has an Excuse. Who Pays the Bill?
The alleged tax fraud has exposed troubling questions about government oversight, while employees, franchisees, and suppliers face mounting uncertainty. Who will bear the full cost?
How Athens’ Archaeologists Hid Antiquities During World War II
Museum workers spent six months burying ancient statues and concealing antiquities before German troops entered Athens. A new exhibition revisits their efforts and examines archival records from the Nazi occupation.
Greece Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15, Starting in 2027
The restriction takes effect January 1, 2027, covering existing accounts as well as new ones. Questions remain about age verification, privacy, and enforcement.
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In the Community
Greek American life, institutions, and people
The Greek Woman Who Sued Her Pennsylvania Relatives Over a $10,000 Dowry
In 1924, Ella Backas Christopoulos sued her aunt and uncle in Pennsylvania over a promised dowry and years of household work. A federal judge later rejected both her dowry claim and her request for compensation.
One Word, Generations of Pride: Aristotle Academy Brings Ohi Day to Life
Students, families, and educators at Aristotle Academy in Media marked Ohi Day and the Feast of Agia Skepi through history, theater, music, and traditions shared across generations.
Archbishop Elpidophoros Calls for Religious Freedom Without Compulsion in Philadelphia
Speaking as chair of the National Council of Churches’ Governing Board, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop challenged the idea of America as a Christian nation and called for respect among religious communities.
Greek Diaspora Schools Can Apply for Second Round of Student Newspaper Program
Greek schools and community associations worldwide have until December 10 to express interest in a journalism program that helped students from 12 schools publish their own newspapers in its first year.
Annunciation Evangelismos Marks 125 Years at Philadelphia Gala
Annunciation Evangelismos honored Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis at its October 10 gala, where parish leaders reflected on their history and discussed an ongoing capital campaign.
From Greece & Cyprus
Politics, society, and current affairs
Church of Greece Discusses Social Media Guidelines for Clergy
Greek bishops have discussed ten principles addressing personal branding, online disputes and confidentiality. Similar questions about religious authority and digital influence have already surfaced in American Orthodox parishes.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as U.S. Ambassador to Greece Amid Misconduct Allegations
Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as U.S. ambassador to Greece following misconduct allegations involving a political donor and a Greek energy lobbyist.
When the Children Leave: Greece’s Island Schools Face an Uncertain Future
On Kalamos, only two children remain in primary school. Their approaching departure reflects a wider demographic decline threatening schools and smaller communities across Greece.
Cyprus Property Prosecutions Reach Across Europe Over Greek Cypriot Land in the North
A German broker detained since July 2024 is one of several defendants caught in property cases over Greek Cypriot land in the occupied north, with prosecutions and arrest warrants reaching courts elsewhere in Europe.
A Thessaloniki Teacher Now Drives a Munich Bus as Transit Companies Recruit Abroad
Lizetta Tila moved from Thessaloniki to Munich in 2024 and now drives scheduled bus routes. Her move comes as Munich transport operators seek workers beyond Germany, including in Greece, against a much older history of…
Cultural Life
Heritage, language, and the arts
Pete Marifoglou’s Photographs Bring an Earlier Thessaloniki to the Alkazar
Greek-American photographer Pete Marifoglou’s images of a changing Thessaloniki are on display at the newly restored Alkazar through March 2027.
Historian Anthony Molho Donates 6,470 Books to Athens’ Gennadius Library
The Thessaloniki-born Holocaust survivor built a distinguished academic career at Brown University and in Florence. His personal collection, with at least 600 more volumes expected, will become available to researchers in Athens.
Church Treasures Return to Greece After 109 Years in Exchange for Tsar Samuel’s Remains
Religious treasures removed from Macedonian monasteries during World War I are back in Greece after an exchange with Bulgaria. The agreement leaves ownership questions unresolved but allows negotiations over additional objects.
Greece Chooses Broken Vein, Cyprus Sends Hold Onto Me Into 2027 Oscar Race
Greece has selected Yannis Economides’ Broken Vein for the 2027 Oscars, while Myrsini Aristidou’s Hold Onto Me marks Cyprus’ first official submission in the International Feature Film category.
Detroit Students to Explore Democracy Through Puppetry at Hellenic Museum of Michigan
A new Detroit program will use puppetry, workshops and hands-on voting activities to connect students with democracy’s ancient Greek roots and its place in civic life today.
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Obituaries & Memorials
Remembering members of our community
Anastasia Karomfily
Anastasia Karomfily, who grew up in Philadelphia as the daughter of Greek immigrants, passed away on October 20 at age 91. Her funeral will be held October 27 at St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall.
Helen Papadeas
Helen C. Papadeas was a longtime member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, where she served her parish for decades. She passed away October 13 at age 96.
Dimitrios Christodoulou
An Athens native, Jim operated Moms Variety in South Philadelphia for 17 years. Funeral services are scheduled for October 17 in Cherry Hill.
George Thrappas
Born on the Greek island of Chios, George was a longtime St. George parishioner, festival volunteer, and devoted family man who loved cooking, gardening, and Greek music.
Elpida Ioannou
Born in Kato Poroia, Serres, Elpida “Pitsa” Ioannou made her home in the Philadelphia area, where her family joined St. Demetrios and welcomed newly arrived Greek families into their home.
Maria Caravasos
Maria Caravasos, 88, a Sparta-born attorney and longtime Philadelphia-area resident, passed away on September 21, 2026.