Submitted article
On January 21, 2026, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley held its first event of the new year. They were hosted by the Pan Icarian Brotherhood’s local chapter at its Atheras Centre in Pennsauken, NJ. The vasilopita and dinner event, an annual tradition, also hosted His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey as well as a first visit by Her Excellency Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphegenia Kanara.
The Federation President, the Hon. Harry Karapalides, welcomed the special guests to a packed clubhouse. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos is a longtime supporter and shepherd of the Federation. Also, President Karapalides pointed to the approximately 150 attendees that the Consul General has been a tremendous resource to the Greek communities of the Delaware Valley, first with the Philadelphia Marathon presentations of the golden wreaths as well as planned future dedications in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
The kickoff included Pennsauken Township Mayor Marco DiBattista presenting a proclamation to both Metropolitan Apostolos and to Consul General Kanara, proclaiming the day as Metropolitan Apostolos and Consul General Kanara Day in their honor. Federation President Harry Karapalides, noting the Parade on the Parkway will be on Sunday, April 26, also thanked the Pan Icarian Brotherhood and presented a commemorative frame collage of the Parade with photos from Eleftheri Konstans to both of the honorees.
A presentation by the Pan Icarian Brotherhood was made by community leader George G. Horiates. Weaving stories of the American and Greek Revolutions with the added significance of this year’s 250-year celebration, Horiates noted that the major event of the 250th Anniversary will be the AHEPA Supreme Convention in July in Philadelphia. He noted the special role of Greece in the Bicentennial in 1976 where Prime Minister Karamanlis came to town and the Dora Stratou Dance Group performed, and looks forward to Greece’s further participation as a cornerstone of the upcoming celebrations. The Icarians presented The Spirit of Icaros Award both to His Eminence and to the Consul General.
Metropolitan Apostolos thanked the local society and the Federation officers. He noted the amount of youth in attendance and thanked the Mayor for his presence. His remarks centered on the special role of Philadelphia, and indeed the entire Metropolis of New Jersey, in the American Revolutionary War. He encouraged greater participation in all of this special year’s events and milestones, including the Metropolis of New Jersey’s MDF scheduled for February 13–16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
Consul General Kanara also thanked the large delegation at the Pan Icarian Atheras Center as well as for the well wishes. She spoke of Greece’s commitment to the Delaware Valley during this special year. Indeed, the birthplace of Democracy holds dear the special relationship of these two nations and with the City that gave Democracy to the New World, with its Greek-based name, the City of Brotherly Love.
The catered affair spilled out to a big taverna-style tent in the rear of Atheras Center. The tent was heated, of course, and decked out with two large chandeliers. There, many more convened, and youth danced in honor of the evening’s honorees. The Greek Band Sergianni, led by bouzouki player Zack Horiatis, played well into the morning hours.
The American Semiquincentennial marks a quarter of a millennium of a young nation enshrined with Hellenic thought and even name. The Greek American community, at the heart of the 250th anniversary, celebrated the kickoff in an epic evening.
Video from the Vasilopita gathering
Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley.