Upper Darby, PA – St. Demetrios welcomed the parade attendee following their march down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Inside the church gymnasium, dance performances and and proclamation highlighted the evening.
The Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox school opened the ceremonial event with the singing of the National anthems of Greece and the United States. Introduced by Mela Akranis, they also sang “Pote Tha Kanei Ksasteria”.
Stathis Karadonis, Federation President along with Vice President George Horiatis greeted the crowd and introduced several dignitaries that spoke about Hellenism and the day’s significance. The Honorable Thomas N. Micozzie, Mayor of Upper Darby read off the proclamation, announcing, today, March 23, 2014, Greek Independence Day. Mayor Micozzie of Upper Darby also participated in the annual march.
Dances were then performed by Federation churches and societies from across the Delaware Valley. From right around the corner, the Akritai of Philadelphia Dance group, to as away as Valley Forge where the Asteria of St. Sophia attended, Greek dance troupes performed dances throughout the evening.