Upper Darby, PA — The Pontian Society Akritai of Philadelphia brought generations of the community together on Saturday, November 29, 2025, for its 86th Annual Dinner Dance at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Families from across the Delaware Valley and visitors from Canada, Boston, New York, and Montreal filled the hall for an evening of music, dance, and Pontian pride.
This year’s music program featured a full lineup of musicians who traveled from Greece for the event. Giorgos Ioannidis and Babis Kemanetzidis led the night, joined by Kyriakos Papadopoulos on klarino, Giannis Froutis on keyboards, Giorgos Petridis on drums, Christos Tiktapanidis on lyra, and Haralambos Almazidis on daouli. For several of them, including Ioannidis, it was their first time performing in Philadelphia. “We’re grateful to be here and happy to share Pontian music with the community,” he said.
The junior dance group opened the evening as parents and grandparents crowded the floor for photos. When the Akritai Dance Troupe stepped out in full costume, the room erupted in applause. Their performance carried the same energy that has kept the society active since 1939. “We remain committed to keeping the tradition of Pontian dance alive,” said dance teacher Despina Evagelopoulou.
During the welcome remarks, Society President Stefanos Evangelopoulos thanked the community for its continued support. “The heart of Pontian Hellenism beats here every year,” he said, pointing to the families and supporters who make the event possible. The society also honored several former presidents for their service and contributions to the organization’s growth.
The night included a visit from Kyriakos Karagiannidis, known online as Kyriakos Karas for his comedy videos in the Pontian dialect. It was his first time in the United States. “I’m very happy to be here with the Akritai of Philadelphia. It will be a beautiful evening,” he said.
The Akritai also presented a donation to the Holy Institution Panagia Soumela in support of ongoing development projects at the spiritual center in West Milford, New Jersey.
Highlights from the evening are available in the video below.