The Consulate General of Greece in New York and the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley have begun setting their joint agenda for the coming year, following a July 1 working meeting in New York between Consul General Iphigenia Kanara and the Federation’s newly elected leadership.
The Federation delegation was led by President John Vasiliou, who was elected during the organization’s June 10 meeting for the 2026–2027 term. The discussion centered on practical cooperation between the Consulate and the Philadelphia-area Greek American community, including consular access, civic participation, education, cultural programming, and the next Greek Independence Day Parade.
The Federation briefed Kanara on its financial and institutional work, including plans for a parade endowment fund. According to the organization, more than $700,000 has been raised for the fund, which is expected to be formally created before the Federation reconvenes in September. At its June meeting, the Federation also reported year-end assets of more than $725,000 and approved a parade-specific endowment plan.
A consular workshop planned for November 4 in Upper Darby was one of the most direct service items on the agenda. The event is expected to include an informational presentation on consular services, followed by individual sessions with staff. The Federation said those sessions would address common issues for families in the region, including Greek citizenship, passport renewals, and questions about military service.
The Philadelphia Marathon was another major focus. Greece and Philadelphia established a new connection to the race last year, when Kanara presented four handcrafted gold olive wreaths to Philadelphia Marathon organizers during a ceremony in the city on November 20, 2025, according to the Consulate General.
For 2026, the wreath ceremony has been set for November 19, ahead of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. The wreaths are expected to be displayed at the race’s Health & Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The 2026 race weekend includes the TIAA Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Kid’s Run on Sunday, November 22, the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopedics 8K on Saturday, November 21, and the free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21.
The Consulate and Federation also discussed launching an essay competition for American public school students focused on the Marathon’s history and present-day messages. Winners would be recognized during the official wreath presentation to Philadelphia Marathon organizers. Mary Vaxevanidou, head of the Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Office, pointed to the need for coordination with Greek and Greek-American media so the project reaches both local and national audiences.
Kanara briefed the Federation on Greece’s updated electoral framework for citizens abroad. Greek citizens living abroad can now vote by mail in parliamentary elections, while earlier restrictions tied to prior residency in Greece or recent tax filings no longer apply.
The Federation said it will help share information locally as Greece prepares a wider public awareness campaign. The meeting also covered in-person voting abroad, including at the Consulate General in New York, and the possibility of a polling station in Philadelphia if the wider Pennsylvania area meets the legally required minimum number of registered voters.
Youth and education were also part of the agenda. Kanara proposed connecting young leaders from Philadelphia and New York and holding informational sessions on English-language university programs in Greece. The two sides also discussed possible Philadelphia events connected to Greek cinema, theater, and music.
As part of the new term’s organizational update, Federation representatives also said the organization had completed its transition to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The new executive board includes Michael Economou as vice president, Maria Agatsiotis as recording secretary, Carissa Fafalios as corresponding secretary, and Peter Papadeas as treasurer. The board of directors includes Harry Karapalides as chairman, along with Georgia Chletcos, John Mylonas, Ted Kanellopoulos, Dan Pithis, Demetrios Rozanitis, Stefanos Evangelopoulos, Artemis Tsingiropoulos, and Theanna Proithis.
The Federation used the meeting to outline the schedule for next spring’s Greek Independence Day events in Philadelphia. The flag raising at City Hall is planned for April 2, followed by the Eleftheria Gala on April 3 and the Grand Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade on April 4.
The July 1 meeting leaves the Federation and the Consulate with a fall calendar already taking shape: a consular workshop in Upper Darby, Marathon-related events in Philadelphia, and early preparations for the 2027 parade.