Philadelphia, PA – The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley hosted its 2022 parade on Sunday’s famed Ben Franklin Parkway. The annual parade is the first parade in the world, post-pandemic in North America outside Greece.
The theme for this year celebrated the one-hundred-year anniversaries of both the AHEPA and Archdiocese of America. Representatives from both organizations were in attendance and recognized as Grand Marshals, including His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. The Eleftheria Medal recipient was awarded to George G. Horiates, Esq., Past AHEPA Supreme President and long-time member of the Philadelphia Greek community.
The day launched with the Doxology from St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia, the home of the historic Greek community. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros conducted the service.
Following the parade, St. Demetrios, Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, hosted a series of speeches and dances by members of the Philadelphia community. Mayor of Upper Darby, Barbara Keifer, was In attendance and opened the evening with “Χρόνια πολλά”!
Awards, speeches, and songs about Greek Independence were also part of the evening, which closed with a plaque presentation to each of the Evzones that participated from Greece in the three-day celebration.