The bitter cold on Saturday evening did little to keep the community away from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, where the Epirotes Society of Philadelphia “Omonia” drew a spirited crowd for its 18th Annual Tsipourovradia. Despite the low temperatures, attendees came ready to dance, celebrate, and support a beloved winter tradition that has become a staple of the local Greek-American calendar.
The evening unfolded in the church hall with tables filled and the dance floor busy throughout the night, as families and friends gathered over generous hospitality and the familiar warmth of Epirus culture. Free tsipouro flowed from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, accompanied by traditional meze and patsa, creating the festive atmosphere that has defined the event for nearly two decades.
Live music by George Rabos set the tone, with featured performers Giorgos Bezanis, Sofia Charalampidou, and Christos Natsis keeping the energy high and the dances continuous. Between songs, organizers expressed their appreciation to those who braved the cold, noting that the strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
Epirotes Society President Chris Angelis welcomed attendees and thanked everyone who helped make the evening possible, from volunteers and supporters to longtime members and guests. In his remarks, Angelis spoke proudly of the organization’s mission and its continued commitment to community service and education through charitable efforts, including the annual scholarship. He emphasized how meaningful it was to see so many familiar faces returning each year, underscoring the event’s role in uniting generations. “I’m very proud of this organization and the continued support it receives,” Angelis said, encouraging everyone to remain active participants in its future efforts.
Vice President Vasilios Keisoglou echoed that message, noting the Society’s pride in preserving Greek culture and identity across generations. He highlighted its active involvement in Hellenic affairs throughout the Delaware Valley, describing the Epirotes as a strong and enduring institution with a proud history in Philadelphia. Keisoglou added that the Society remains committed to honoring its past while looking confidently toward the future.
One of the evening’s highlights was the introduction of two dance groups, adding an extra layer of excitement to the program. The Asteria dance troupe from St. George Cathedral, under the direction of Agnes Zidros, showcased traditional Greek dances with precision and enthusiasm, drawing loud applause from the crowd. The St. Demetrios dance troupe Pegasus, representing the host parish, followed under the direction of Demetris Tsitsios, bringing local pride to the floor as they led guests through familiar regional dances and kept the kefi going late into the night.
A special moment of the evening was the awarding of a one-thousand-dollar scholarship to Dimitris Vafiadis, recognizing both his achievements and his commitment to the Greek-American community. Vafiadis, a Penn State University engineering student, has been actively involved in parish and cultural life and represents the next generation the Society hopes to encourage through education and continued engagement with its traditions.
Mike Economou, Vice President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, closed the formal remarks by thanking everyone for their presence, extending wishes for a blessed Ascension, and inviting all to support and attend the upcoming Greek Independence Day parade.
With doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and festivities lasting into the early morning hours, the 18th Annual Tsipourovradia once again proved that even on the coldest winter nights, the spirit of Epirus can easily fill a room.
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