Cherry Hill, NJ – Independence Day celebrations began early at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday afternoon. Sunday school students, dressed in traditional folk costumes, recited historic poems of liberty as parishioners looked on. The program concluded with a series of folk dance performances representing different regions of Greece.
The annual celebration is held each year on the Saturday before the big parade. Father Pratsinakis of St. Thomas spoke about the significance of the day, noting, “It is a time to remember our ancestors and be grateful for their sacrifices.” This year marked the 194th anniversary of Greece’s liberation.