Author Archives
the Cosmos Philly Staff
Learning Greek Together: St. Sophia Parish Opens School Year 2025–2026
St. Sophia Greek Language School in Valley Forge, PA, begins its 2025–2026 academic year with classes for children and adults starting September 15.
On This Day in History: The Sack of Thessaloniki – August 24, 1185
On August 24, 1185, Norman forces stormed Thessaloniki, killing thousands and devastating one of Byzantium’s most important cities. The disaster helped bring down Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos just weeks later.
Name Days This Week: August 24–30, 2025
From Fanouropita on August 27 to big gatherings for Alexandros and Alexandra on August 30, this week’s name days bring family, food, and tradition to Greek homes everywhere.
St. Demetrios Hosts Inaugural OPA Greek Fest in North Wildwood
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in North Wildwood invites the community to the first annual OPA Greek Fest, August 22–24.
Farewell Celebration for Fr. Avgoustinos at St. Thomas
St. Thomas will bid farewell to Fr. Avgoustinos with a celebration on Sunday, August 24, following the Divine Liturgy. The faithful are invited to honor his years of service.
Greek Heritage Night Is Off the Phillies Calendar — Let’s Bring It Back
For more than a decade, Greek Heritage Night at Citizens Bank Park brought music, dance, and Greek pride to Phillies baseball. This year, it’s missing from the calendar — and the community has a chance…
St. Thomas Greek School Registration for 2025–2026 Is Open
Registration is now open for the 2025–2026 school year at Saint Thomas Greek School in Cherry Hill, starting September 8. The program goes beyond language, helping children connect with their heritage.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Ambition and Belonging: Why More Greeks Abroad Are Moving Back Without Starting Over
More Greeks abroad are finding ways to return without starting over. Remote work, new visas, and programs like Rebrain Greece are making it possible to build a life in Greece while keeping global careers and…
Panagia Soumela: Divine Liturgy Granted Again for August 23
Turkish authorities have again granted permission for a Divine Liturgy at Panagia Soumela, set for August 23. The shift from August 15 highlights both the monastery’s deep spiritual meaning and the limits placed on worship…
Odyssey Charter School Opens New Immersion School Building
Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington will celebrate the Grand Opening of its new Immersion School Building on September 18. The event marks a milestone for Hellenic education in Delaware and the growing Greek language program.
Name Days This Week: August 17–23, 2025
From August 17 to 23, Greeks mark name days that carry both church tradition and family custom. These celebrations, whether shared at a table or with a simple phone call, keep community and heritage alive.
The Quest for a Real Gyro and Why It’s So Hard to Find Outside Greece
Once you’ve had a gyro in Greece, especially in Thessaloniki, nothing else compares. With thick pita, juicy pork, and toppings you will not find abroad, the real thing makes every other version feel like an…
