The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley elected John Vasiliou as president for the 2026-2027 term during its June 10, 2026, meeting at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Community Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
The meeting also marked a major financial step for the Federation and its annual Greek Independence Day Parade. According to financials presented at the meeting, fundraising for the 2026 parade exceeded expenses by more than $300,000. The Federation’s final assets for the year were reported at more than $725,000.
Judge Harry Karapalides and attorney Tassos Efstratiades presented a proposal for an endowment fund restricted specifically to the parade. The General Assembly unanimously approved the Plan of Operation documents for the endowment, clearing the way for the first fund in the Federation’s history dedicated to the Greek Independence Day Parade.
The endowment is expected to be created and funded before the Federation reconvenes in September.
Vasiliou, a past parade chairman, described the vote as a defining moment for the organization and the broader Greek American community of Philadelphia.
“Today we formally secured the future of our Parade so that future generations do not have to carry the heavy burden of fundraising extraordinary amounts of money, but instead can put their energy into the tremendous planning and execution of the annual event,” Vasiliou said.
The newly elected officers for the 2026-2027 term are:
President: John Vasiliou
Vice President: Michael Economou
Treasurer: Peter Papadeas
Recording Secretary: Maria Agatsiotis
Corresponding Secretary: Carissa Falfalios
Judge Harry Karapalides, the outgoing president, will serve as chairman of the board.
The newly elected board members are:
Georgia Chletcos
Dimitrios Rozanitis
Artemis Tsingiropoulos
Ted Kanellopoulos
Stefanos Evangelopoulos
John Mylonas
Dan Pithis
Theanna Proithis
The transition followed two years under Karapalides’ leadership, during which the Federation advanced several parade-related and civic initiatives. Those included the Dimitris Mpasis concert supporting the parade, the growth of the Young Leaders Committee, the revamping of the parade and gala, the development of the parade endowment fund, and stronger relationships with the Consulate General of Greece in New York, officials in Greece, Philadelphia civic leaders, local representatives, and the Metropolis of New Jersey.
Before the election, Karapalides delivered his outgoing remarks as president. He reflected on his term and pointed to the Federation’s new partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon and the Consulate General of Greece in New York, including the presentation of ceremonial laurel wreaths to Philadelphia Marathon winners.
“I was honored to serve these past two years, once again as your president,” Karapalides said. “We made many positive steps forward. I know the next president will continue this wonderful new tradition.”
The Federation’s Greek Independence Day Parade in Philadelphia remains its largest annual event.
The next parade is scheduled for April 4, 2027.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the names of Federation officers and board members and to include additional details from the June 10 meeting, including the presentation of 2026 parade financials and the approval of a parade-specific endowment fund.