PHILADELPHIA, PA – [Photos: Douglas John Photography]
The Greek flag was raised at Philadelphia’s City Hall in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey on Friday May 24, marking the start of the Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade Weekend.
Organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley, the event celebrated both the 205th anniversary of Greece’s Independence and the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s Independence. The significance of this convergence was highlighted by His Eminence in his remarks, “In the providence of God, these two nations, though distant in geography, are united in spirit, founded upon the sacred principles of liberty, justice, and the inherent dignity bestowed upon every human person”.
The program opened with the arrival of the Evzones at the North Apron of City Hall. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey offered the Invocation followed by the American and Greek National Anthems. The Evzones, Greece’s Presidential Guard, raised the Greek flag as the Greek National anthem was heard.
Remarks were offered by Demetrios Rozanitis, member of the Board of Directors of the Federation who also served as the event’s master of ceremonies; Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Malagari; Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Rainy (Ourania) Papademetriou; Consul at the Consulate General of Greece in New York Petros Dorizas; Federation President Harry Karapalides, Esq. and His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey.
The Flag Raising commenced with Deputy City Representative of Philadelphia Kyra Harris issuing a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Cherelle Parker and the city, designating Friday, April 24, 2026 for the commemoration of Greek Independence in Philadelphia.
Also in attendance were the youth of the Pontian Society “Akritai” of Philadelphia, dressed in traditional Pontian attire, along with national and regional representatives of the AHEPA family. Among them were Daughters of Penelope Grand President Antoinette Marousis Zachariades, AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, AHEPA Past Supreme President George Horiates, and district leaders from both AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope.
