Author Archives
the Cosmos Philly Staff
The Many Faces of Panagia: Why Greeks Call Her By 2,000 Names
Across Greece and the diaspora, the Virgin Mary is known by thousands of names, each tied to a place, a miracle, or a memory. From village chapels to churches in America, she remains a constant…
Greek Cities Are Getting Smarter, And Here Is How
Across Greece, more than 110 towns are adopting City On, a smart city platform that lets residents report issues, track progress, and connect directly with their municipality. It is changing how communities solve everyday problems.
Greece’s Centaurus System Proved Itself in Combat in the Red Sea
In the Red Sea, a Greek navy frigate used the homegrown Centaurus system to stop incoming drones. It was Greece’s first combat test of its anti-drone technology and a sign of the country’s growing defense…
August Pilgrimage and Festival at Panagia Soumela in West Milford
The pilgrimage and paniyiri return to Panagia Soumela in West Milford on August 16–17. From the Divine Liturgy to Pontian music, food, and family gatherings, it is a weekend where faith and festival come together…
Zino Kazakis
Zino Kazakis, born in Velvento, Greece, in 1937, came to America in 1956 and built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. From painting bridges to starting Philadelphia’s first Greek soccer team, and…
Name Days This Week: August 10–16, 2025
From August 10 to 16 the calendar brings name days for Lavrentios, Michalis, Panagiotis, Maria, and many more, leading up to the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. Families mark the week with candles,…
Father Georgios Oikonomou Joins St. Thomas in Cherry Hill
St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill will welcome Father Georgios Oikonomou as its new Proistamenos on September 1. He succeeds Father Avgoustinos Psomas, who has been reassigned to the Dormition of the Theotokos…
Driving Your Car in Greece Without Paying Import Taxes: Who Can and Who Cannot
Thinking of bringing your car to Greece for the summer? The rules are strict. Temporary import is allowed for up to six months, but only if you meet residency and usage requirements. Breaking them can…
Rodolfos “Rudy” Tomazos
Rodolfo “Rudy” Tomazos passed away at 100. From serving in the King’s guard in Greece to running a barbershop and driving a taxi in New York, he is remembered as a devoted husband, loyal friend,…
As the Plane Trees Die, a Piece of Greece Fades With Them
A deadly fungus is wiping out Greece’s plane trees, leaving village squares, riversides, and cafés without their timeless shade. For many families, their loss is more than environmental—it is the fading of living memory.
This Day in History: August 4, 1936. The Day Greece Turned Inward
On August 4, 1936, Ioannis Metaxas suspended parliament and imposed an authoritarian regime that reshaped Greek political life through censorship, propaganda, youth indoctrination, and limited social reform.
Name Days This Week: August 3–9, 2025
August brings the heart of summer—a time when many Greek-American families are on vacation, at the shore, or gathered with friends. Still, name days fill calendars with familiar wishes and time-honored traditions. Here’s who’s being…
