CHERRY HILL, NJ — Greek Independence Day was marked Wednesday evening at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill with a program focused on the role Philadelphia played in supporting the Greek Revolution.
Hosted by AHEPA Camden Chapter 69 at the Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center, the event centered on history, community, and shared memory.
After a traditional Lenten meal of bakaliaros kai skordalia prepared by local restaurateur Haralambos Pantelous, the program turned to a presentation by AHEPA Past Supreme President George G. Horiates titled “Philadelphia’s Role in Supporting the Greek Revolution.”
Horiates focused on the early years of the Greek War of Independence, when the young American republic saw parallels between its own revolution and Greece’s struggle. In Philadelphia, committees formed to raise funds and organize aid, becoming some of the most active in the United States.
He pointed to efforts that ranged from public events in Masonic Halls to church collections organized in support of the Greek cause. Among the details highlighted were contributions from U.S. Marines, who donated the cost of a day’s rations to assist Greek fighters.
Philadelphia also served as a departure point for humanitarian aid, with two shipments leaving Penn’s Landing aboard the brigs Tontine and Levant, carrying supplies to Greece during the war.
Exhibits displayed during the event reflected these connections, linking Philadelphia’s early involvement in 1821 to the community gathered in Cherry Hill nearly two centuries later.
This year’s observance comes as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, with AHEPA set to hold its Supreme Convention in Philadelphia from July 26 through August 1.
For those in attendance, the evening offered a reminder that the ties between Philadelphia and the Greek struggle for independence were built through local action, organization, and support that crossed the Atlantic at a critical moment.
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