Deptford, NJ – It was a first for the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley. On Saturday evening at their pre-parade dinner banquet, they awarded the 1st ever Eleftheria Medal to Rev’d Demetrios Constantelos Ph.D.,D.D. for his life long work and dedicated to Hellenism and faith.
Some 250 guests, dignitaries and clergy members attended the dinner banquet that also honored the Greek school teachers from the Philadelphia metropolitan area Orthodox archdiocese. The teachers were awarded plaques and recognized for their dedication to Hellenism and their respective churches. On Sunday, they marched as Grand Marshals at the Greek Independence day parade.
Nikos Bribilis of Hellenic College of Holy Cross read a poem titled, “O Megalos Adelfos”. It was followed by honorary Grand Marshal sashes being presented to Philip Frangos, Supreme Vice-President of AHEPA, and Joanne Saltas, Grand President of Daughters of Penelope.