This morning, Philadelphia’s Greek-American community gathers at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the Official Great Doxology, a liturgical service that opens the city’s Greek Independence Day celebrations.
Held at 10:30 AM at the cathedral on South 8th Street, the service brings together clergy, dignitaries, public officials, and community members. It is a time of prayer and solemn observance, grounding the day’s events in the traditions of the Orthodox faith.
His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey presides, joined by local clergy from across the Delaware Valley. Representatives of the Greek and Cypriot governments, along with the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, are in attendance to honor the occasion.
The Doxology commemorates Greece’s fight for independence and expresses gratitude for the freedom that followed. It also affirms the role of faith in preserving Hellenic identity and connecting generations within the diaspora.
Before the day continues with music, flags, and celebration, the service offers a quiet, unified moment—one that invites remembrance, gratitude, and the values that continue to shape Greek life in Philadelphia and beyond.