Upper Darby, PA – The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley hosted its first meeting of the year on Tuesday evening at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. New staff and board were elected into office.
About 35 members representing organizations and churches from across the Delaware valley attended the meeting. Outgoing President Georgia Halakos welcomed the guests. “It’s our first meeting since the end of last year, and I want to say hello and ask each one of you to introduce yourselves,” said Halakos.
Attendees appeared to be happy to see each other after such a long time. Many spent the first few minutes catching up over a meal before the meeting launched. Following the budget review, the floor was open for announcements about upcoming events being sponsored by the organization and church representatives. Drive-thru festivals and zoom meetings for the coming fall season took the place of traditional affairs due to the current conditions surrounding Covid-19.
Perhaps the most important announcement was by St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral representative, Louie Panagoplos. In addition to it being the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, the Cathedral church will be celebrating 100 years as a Greek Orthodox church in Olde Greektown, where much of the Greek American history started.
Panagoplos spoke about the historic church that is an integral part of Philadelphia’s history and how the Greek community took the reins of this once Episcopalian church, which was built in the year of 1821, coincident the same year as the war of Greek Independence started. The Greek community that has its roots in Olde City purchased the church and converted it in 1921 into a Greek Orthodox church. Since then, it has been home to the historic Greek community. Panagoplos announced that on Saturday, October 15th, 2022, they would mark the anniversary with a celebration at the Ben Franklin Ballroom in Philadelphia.
Elections for the Federation new year were conducted, and a new staff emerged. Jimmy Rozanitis, a former President of the Federation and AHEPA district #5 was elected. A list of the other elected officers follows:
- Stefanos Evangelopoulos, Vice-President
- Maria Agatsiotis, Recording Secretary
- Carissa Fafalios, Corresponding Secretary
- Pete Papadeas, Treasurer
A new group of board members was also selected, which included Danny Pithis, Philip Nicolaidis, Dimosthenis Giamouridis, Eleni Poulis, Effie Economou, Stelios Lambrou, Vasilis Keisoglou, Kostas Kravaris, and Georgia Halakos.
Newly elected President Jimmy Rozanitis addressed the crowd following the elections. “I want first to thank everyone, especially the Past President Georgia Halakos and the staff, and I look forward to working with all of you this year.”
The evening concluded with outgoing Vice-President Georgia Chletcos presenting President Georgia Halakos with a bouquet and thanking her for her service.