Above all, it was a year of great pride for the Philadelphia Greek community. Greece’s honor guards, the Evzones walked along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the first time in 20 years, at the annual Independence Day Parade.
In GOYA basketball, we saw one of the smallest congregations, Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church in Philadelphia, claim both the boys and girls championships. The bold little parish made a statement, by making it their first time ever they claimed both in the same year.
And at adult men’s Philadelphia Greek Basketball League, a new champion claimed the thrown. The Wolfpack were arguably the best-rounded team to be put together in years and had climbed to the championship round the year before. But they had fallen to the champs Danny’s Boys the previous year. However, this year would be theirs as they held off the Kings who have made more championship appearances than any other team in league history.
In the arts, Zenos and Evangelos Frudakis were honored for their many sculptures that are exhibited around the world. The pair spoke and were honored at the Hellenic University Club Gala dinner in Philadelphia this past winter.
Of course, our traditions and customs live on with Greek Festivals and dances throughout the year. The events bring Hellenes and PhilHellenes together all over the Delaware Valley and help sponsor our Greek Orthodox churches projects.
Now that 2016 has closed out, we look forward to the new year and Cosmos Philly. As in the past, we will be there in the future to capture the stories of our community. Happy New Year and Xronia Polla.