Deptford, NJ – Burlotos and Ahtaridis, two long-standing figures of the Greek community, stood together for a photo on Saturday evening, sharing a moment that reflected decades of service.
Both were part of what many remember as a period of growth and strength for Hellenism in Philadelphia, from the 1950s through the 1980s. Now, half a century later, they were honored together for their role in helping shape the Greek-American community in the region.
Although George Burlotos was born in the United States (1923), he spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Greece, while his counterpart, George Ahtaridis, was born and raised in Greece.
Over the years, both were active in numerous organizations, including the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, which hosted the evening in their honor. Burlotos, a World War II veteran, is also a member of AHEPA, Kali Parea, and VFW Post 6633, and is best known for his television program The Greek Spirit.
Dr. George Ahtaridis served as president of the Pan-Macedonian Association and the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia, and was a founding member and president of the Hellenic Medical Society of Philadelphia.
The two spent many years helping build and support the community through their work in organizations and media. Both have recently retired. Dr. Ahtaridis stopped practicing medicine in 2016 and now divides his time between suburban Philadelphia and Florida, while George Burlotos’ program The Greek Spirit went off the air when its host station, WYBE, ceased operations. He retired in November 2017.
On Saturday night, members of the Greek-American community gathered to celebrate two individuals who gave so much over the years. Dr. George Ahtaridis was honored as Grand Marshal for the upcoming Greek Independence Day Parade, while George Burlotos, recipient of the Eleftheria Medal for his lifetime contribution to the preservation of Hellenism, was set to walk alongside him.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm on March 25, 2018. For more information, visit the website of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley.