in the Community
Stories from the Greek-American community, its institutions, events, and people.
Johnny Otis Was Greek, Lived as Black, and Helped Create American R&B
Johnny Otis was Greek by birth, lived as Black by choice, and helped shape American rhythm and blues without taking the spotlight.
Name Days this Week: February 1 – 7, 2026
Greek name days celebrated from February 1 to 7, 2026, based on the Greek Orthodox calendar, with traditional names and observances.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester Visits Odyssey Charter School, Highlights Food Justice and Greek Language Program
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester visited Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington to highlight student-run food programs, bilingual education, and new higher education pathways in Greece.
Full Circle: HUC Celebrates 90 Years With Major Scholarship Announcement
The Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia marked its 90th anniversary with a sold-out gala and announced a new $20,000 annual scholarship for students.
Name Days This Week: January 25 – 31, 2026
The final week of January includes Greek name days for Grigoris, Margarita, Xenophon, and Evdoxia. See who’s celebrating January 25–31, 2026.
Philadelphia Federation Cuts Vasilopita at Pan Icarian Atheras Center
The Philadelphia Federation of Hellenic Societies cut its New Year vasilopita at the Pan Icarian Atheras Center in Pennsauken, NJ.
Epirotes of Philadelphia Mark New Year with Vasilopita at St. George Cathedral
The Society of Epirotes of Philadelphia “Omonia” held its annual Vasilopita cutting at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, honoring Agios Georgios of Ioannina.
Name Days This Week: January 18 – 24, 2026
Late January brings Greek name days for Athanasios, Efthimios, Maximos, and Dionisis. See who’s celebrating during the week of January 18–24, 2026.
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in New Jersey Burns Mortgage, Advances Toward Consecration
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Flemington, NJ, retired its mortgage on Dec. 8, clearing the way for church consecration in 2026.
The Night Giannis Antetokounmpo Came Home to Philly
On March 6, 2017, Greek Philadelphians turned Wells Fargo Center into a homecoming for Giannis Antetokounmpo during Greek Heritage Night.
Name Days This Week: January 11 – 17, 2026
Mid-January brings Greek name days for Theodosis, Tatiani, Nina, and Antonis. See who’s celebrating during the week of January 11–17, 2026.
Theophany on the Schuylkill River: St. Sophia Marks the Feast in Valley Forge
From basil blessings inside the church to the casting of the cross into the Schuylkill River, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church marked Theophany with prayer, tradition, and a renewed sense of community.
