The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley presents the 199th Anniversary of Greek Independence with its Annual Greek Independence Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
The formation will start at 1:00 pm on 16th Street and Eakins Oval, and the official start of the parade will be 2:00 pm. It will end at the reviewing stand at Logan Circle.
The participation of this historic event will include local, national, and international organizations. Representatives from the Hellenic Republic, government and military, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, folk dance troupes, local Greek Orthodox churches, cultural and educational organizations, will all take part in this historic event.
An elite contingent of a military unit from Greece, the Presidential Guard, known also as the Evzones, who are trained to perform various ceremonial duties such as guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion, will be participating.
The Evzones are known for their distinctive uniform, which evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. Their unique marching cadence and uniforms will bring a colorful and visual display to the historic Parkway, and the grandeur of the Evzones commands a great sense of pride for Greeks and guests.
In addition to celebrating the 199th Anniversary of Greek Independence, this year’s parade theme holds special significance. The Federation will commemorate the 2500th Year Anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae. This decisive battle has been hailed as the very beginning of Western civilization itself as Greece won over the Persians.
The prestigious Eleftheria Medal (Freedom medal) recipient will be Mr. George Horiates Esq., Supreme President of the Order of Ahepa. The Order of Ahepa is the largest and longest-standing Hellenic nonprofit organization in the world.
We will have the Honorable Georgia Athanasopoulos, the Consul General of Panama in Philadelphia as our Grand Marshall of the 2020 parade.
Following the parade procession that will conclude near the Art Museum, a theatrical and musical dance will close the parade commemorating the historic day.
Program of Events
Saturday, March 21, 2020
6:00 pm – Eleftheria Awards Dinner
Honorees
- The Eleftheria Award: George G. Horiates, Esq, Order of AHEPA Supreme President
- 2020 Parade Grand Marshal: The Honorable Georgia Athanasopulos, Consul General of the Republic of Panama, Dean of Consular Corps of Philadelphia
The Adelphia, 1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, NJ
Tickets: $75/$35 Students
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Lecture: The Battle of Thermopylae and Salamis
Dr. Jeremy McInerney, Department of Classical Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Sponsored by the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia
Location: TBD
Open to public/Free
Friday, March 27, 2020
2:00 pm – Opening Ceremonies and Raising of the Greek Flag
Must present ID to enter
Philadelphia City Hall/Mayors Reception Room
Open to public/Free
7:00 pm – Salutations to the Theotokos
Presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey
St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ
Saturday, March 28, 2020
1:00 pm – Presidential Guard Educational Program
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Open to public/Free
Sunday, March 29, 2020
9:30 am – Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Official Great Doxology
Presided by His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
12:00 pm – Dignitaries Luncheon
Coffee Hour Reception
2:00 pm – Greek Independence Day Parade
Formation Time: 1:00 pm
Starting Time: 2:00 pm
Starting Point: 17th and Parkway
Reviewing Stand: On Parkway prior to Art Museum Drive
(Inclement Weather Number: 856-665-2085)
4:30 pm – After Parade Reception & Dance Performances
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Contact: Federation Vice President Georgia Chletcos (610-547-0072 or greekdiva1@hotmail.com)
Parade Meetings
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
6:30 pm – Refreshments
7:00 pm – Parade Meeting
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
7:00 pm – Parade and General Meeting
St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
7:00 – Parade Meeting
St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Parade Final and General Meeting
6:30 pm – Refreshments
7:00 pm – Meeting
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107