CHERRY HILL, NJ – GNUSA
The Delaware Valley communities gathered at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in the evening of March 25 for a special and unique Greek Independence Day celebration. AHEPA Camden Chapter 69 hosted the event at the Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center.
In honor of the 250th year Anniversary of the United States of America this year, the Order of AHEPA will host its Supreme Convention from July 26 through August 1 in the City of Brotherly Love, where the United States of America was formed.
Following a traditional bakaliaros and skordalia dinner, prepared and donated by restauranteur Haralambos Pantelous and the Club Diner, AHEPA Past Supreme President George G. Horiates presented on “Philadelphia’s Role in Supporting the Greek Revolution”.
His presentation focused on the Greek committees of the young American nation, led by the Philadelphia Greek committee. These committees raised significant funds to support the Greek cause. Horiates pointed out the many Philadelphia locations where significant fundraising occurred, as well as other important city sites and their significance. These included churches where collections were made, places where plays were held and a portion of the receipts turned over, and even a Masonic Hall fundraiser.
He also noted that the first United States Marines raised money by donating the cost of an alcoholic beverage before going out into the city. Two humanitarian shipments departed from Penn’s Landing on the city’s waterfront aboard the brigs Tontine and Levant, carrying aid to Greece.
The region’s efforts during the Greek War of Independence were further highlighted through exhibits marking this particular year, serving as a reminder of the unique and special relationship between these two countries as standard-bearers for Western civilization and just, principled states.
The speaker
George Horiates serves on the St. Thomas Parish Council and is a past Parish Council President. He is also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a Past Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA. For years, he has advocated worldwide for religious freedom and against cultural intolerance, with notable engagements at the United Nations, Washington, DC, the Hellenic Parliament in Athens, the Berlaymont in Brussels, and in Jerusalem. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the pin of the Order of the Phoenix, as well as the silver, bronze, and iron crosses of the Greek War of Independence by the Hellenic Republic.
