The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley kicked off the New Year with their annual Vasilopita meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. The yearly tradition has continued to be held and hosted by the Pan Icarian Brotherhood of America “Atheras” Chapter at their Club’s house in Pennsauken, NJ.
The meeting began with prayer, blessing, and cutting of the vasilopita. The fantastic food and warm hospitality of the Pan Icarian Brotherhood “Atheras Chapter were enjoyed and appreciated by the member organizations of the Federation.
The meeting continued with President Georgia Chletcos announcing the “2023 Eleftheria Medal Recipient” as Her Excellency Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greece’s Ambassador to the US. President Chletcos continued. “Ambassador Papadopoulou has had a long, honorable career in diplomatic service, and it is our honor to recognize her with the highest honor given by our Federation. The award and Dignitaries dinner will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 5:00 pm at the Adelphia, Deptford, NJ.
The meeting continued with Vice president and parade co-chair Harry Karapalides, Esq. outlining many details for the 2023 Greek independence celebration. The flag-raising ceremony will occur on March 31 at 1 o’clock at City Hall Philadelphia. Plans are underway to secure the Presidential Guard of Greece to participate in the celebrations of the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence in Philadelphia, PA. The weekend’s highlight will be Sunday, April 2, 2023, for the Greek Independence Parade. This year’s parade theme will highlight Asia Minor. The after-parade reception will be held immediately following the parade at the Liberty Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel, at 201 N. 17th St. Philadelphia Pa. The reception will highlight the community dance groups and unique presentations.
The parade committee is working very hard to present a celebration that will honor and commemorate Greek Independence while creating events in which the entire Greek community will have an opportunity to participate. The first parade meeting will be held at St. Demetrios Church on February 1, 2023, at 7:00.
The community is invited to come and learn about all the detail and volunteer for the many committees needed to produce this event. The following general assembly meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Media. All delegates, members of the churches, and organizations are invited to participate.