Cosmos Philly
Sponsored Community Event
Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Ben Franklin Parkway and 22nd Street
Free Admission
Presented by the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley
Long before ‘detox diets,’ there was fasting: what Lent still is for Greeks
Greek Orthodox Lent is one of the world’s oldest fasting traditions, and it has nothing to do with wellness trends. Here’s what it actually looks like, and why it endures.
Latest Stories
AHI Honors Three Greek Americans for Leadership and Service in Washington
The American Hellenic Institute honored Helen A. Carlos, Savas Tsivicos, and Stavros Veletsis at its 52nd anniversary awards dinner in Washington, D.C.
Greece Is Still Safe. So Why Are Travelers Hesitating?
Travel to Greece remains safe in 2026, but regional conflict and rising airfare costs are making travelers more cautious before booking.
How Greece Finally Recognized the Bektashi–Alevites of Thrace
A small, distinct community in Thrace is now officially recognized. This is the story behind Greece’s decision and what it reveals about identity, religion, and the state.
The Day They Were Driven Out: Strantza and the Black Easter of 1914
On Easter Monday, 1914, Greek families in Strantza, Eastern Thrace, were expelled by force. A close account of one village’s expulsion and what the records show.
Our Supporters
In the Community
Greek American life, institutions, and people
Memory and Preparation: The Lead-Up to New York’s 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade
New York’s 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade takes shape with a Cyprus-focused historical lecture, 70 registered organizations, 45 floats, and a full weekend of events on Fifth Avenue.
Annunciation of Elkins Park Greek School Seeks Teachers for Growing Program
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park is seeking Greek School teachers as its program expands. Evening positions available for qualified candidates.
60 Years Since the Founding of the Archons: A Quiet Force Behind the Ecumenical Patriarchate
For 60 years, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have supported religious freedom and the future of Orthodoxy. What their work means today.
Name Days this Week: April 5 – 11, 2026
Greek name days celebrated from April 5 to 11, 2026, during the early days of Holy Week.
Metropolitan Apostolos Moves Across Philadelphia Area Parishes During Holy Week
Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey will preside at Holy Week 2026 services across Baltimore, Wilmington, and the Philadelphia region.
From Greece & Cyprus
Politics, society, and current affairs
Greece’s Feta Is Under Pressure as Livestock Disease Spreads Across Key Regions
Livestock disease outbreaks in Greece are reducing sheep and goat herds, putting pressure on feta production, farmers, and the global supply.
Greece Moves Closer to Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
Greece is preparing to ban social media use for children under 15, with strong public support and growing concern over online safety, early exposure, and enforcement challenges.
When Education Isn’t Enough: What Greece’s Youth Unemployment Still Tells Us
A March 2026 Eurobank report explains why young people in Greece struggle to move from education into stable employment.
EU Prosecutors Ask Greek Parliament to Lift Immunity of 11 MPs as Scandal Triggers Government Reshuffle
EU prosecutors have asked Greece’s Parliament to lift immunity for 11 MPs in an OPEKEPE farm subsidy fraud investigation tied to EU funds.
March 30, 1960: The Agreement That Sent an Entire Generation of Greeks to Germany
On March 30, 1960, a labor agreement quietly set one of Europe’s largest postwar migrations in motion and reshaped Greek families forever.
Interviews
Voices from our community
Featured Sponsors
Cultural Life
Heritage, language, and the arts
Inside the Greek Diners of 1970s New York: A Rare Photo Archive
A rare 1976 photo archive captures Greek diners in New York, revealing the people, spaces, and everyday life behind a defining chapter of Greek America.
At the Stathakion, a New Look at How Americans Saw the Greek Revolution
A new exhibition at the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria explores how Americans responded to the Greek Revolution of 1821, tracing early philhellenism and transatlantic connections.
When Is Greek Orthodox Easter 2026? Dates, Traditions, and the Meaning of Pascha
Greek Orthodox Easter in 2026 falls on April 12. Learn the key dates, Holy Week traditions, and the meaning of Pascha in Greece and the diaspora.
Greek Institute of Venice Begins Major Digitization of Historic Greek Archives
A major project is digitizing centuries of archives from the Greek community of Venice, opening an important part of diaspora history to wider public access.
Director George Zouvelos Premieres ‘Once a Week for Life’ in Oaks
Greek-American filmmaker George Zouvelos brings his debut crime thriller Once a Week for Life to Oaks Center Cinema, with screenings through April 13.
Opinion
Perspectives on issues that matter
Events
Upcoming gatherings and celebrations
Who celebrates today
Obituaries & Memorials
Remembering members of our community
John A. Koninis Sr.
John A. Koninis Sr., a Wilmington business owner known as the “Flooring Doctor” and an active member of AHEPA, passed away at 91.
George John Tsavalas
George John Tsavalas, born in Gerakas, Greece, and a longtime Delaware engineer, is remembered for his work, his family, and his deep ties to the Greek community.
Sofia (Galani) Economou
Sofia (Galani) Economou, a beloved mother, γιαγιά, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, one day before her 88th birthday.
Konstantinos Davidis
Konstantinos Davidis, a Greek-American restaurateur and longtime member of the Philadelphia community, passed away on February 28, 2026, at age 96.
Zoe Kousoulis
Zoe Kousoulis, longtime member of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church and pillar of the South Jersey Greek-American community, passed away at 85.
Eirini Sidiropoulos
Eirini Sidiropoulos, 63, originally from Veria, Greece and a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, passed away on February 12, 2026.