PHILADELPHIA, PA – [Photos by Steve Lambrou]
The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley held its first event of the new year, on January 21. The gathering was hosted by the Pan Icarian Brotherhood’s local chapter at its Atheras Centre in Pennsauken, NJ. The vasilopita and dinner celebration, an annual tradition, also welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey and marked the first visit of Ifigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York.
Federation President, the Hon. Harry Karapalides, welcomed the distinguished guests to a packed clubhouse. He noted that Metropolitan Apostolos has long been a steadfast supporter and spiritual shepherd of the Federation. Addressing the roughly 150 attendees, President Karapalides also emphasized that the Consul General has been a tremendous resource to the Greek communities of the Delaware Valley—from the Philadelphia Marathon’s presentation of the golden wreaths to upcoming commemorative initiatives planned for the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
The kickoff featured Pennsauken Township Mayor Marco DiBattista presenting proclamations to both Metropolitan Apostolos and Consul General Kanara, officially designating the day in their honor. Federation President Harry Karapalides, who also reminded attendees that the Parade on the Parkway is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, expressed gratitude to the Pan Icarian Brotherhood for hosting. He then presented each honoree with a commemorative framed collage of Parade photographs by Eleftheri Konstans.
A presentation on behalf of the Pan Icarian Brotherhood was made by community leader George G Horiates. Weaving stories of the American and Greek Revolutions with the added significance of this year’s 250-year celebration, Horiates noted that the major event of the 250 Year Anniversary will be the AHEPA Supreme Convention taking place in July in Philadelphia. He also recalled the special role of Greece in the 1976 Bicentennial -when Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis came to town and the Dora Stratou Dance Group performed-, and said he is looking forward to Greece’s further participation as a cornerstone of the upcoming celebrations. The Icarians presented The Spirit Of Icaros award both to His Eminence and to the Consul General.
Metropolitan Apostolos thanked the local society and the Federation’s officers, noting the strong presence of youth and expressing appreciation for the Mayor’s attendance. His remarks centered on the special role of Philadelphia, and indeed the entire Metropolis of New Jersey, in the American Revolutionary War. He encouraged greater participation in all of this special year’s events and milestones, including the Metropolis of New Jersey’s MDF scheduled for February 13-16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
Consul General Kanara also thanked the large delegation gathered at the Pan Icarian Atheras Center and expressed appreciation for the warm wishes. She spoke of Greece’s commitment to the Delaware Valley during this milestone year. She stressed the enduring bond between the two nations—linking the birthplace of Democracy with the city that carried its ideals to the New World, Philadelphia, whose very name reflects its Greek roots as the City of Brotherly Love.
The catered affair spilled out into a large taverna‑style tent behind the Atheras Center. The heated tent, adorned with two grand chandeliers, quickly filled as more guests gathered and youth danced in honor of the evening’s honorees. The Greek band Sergianni, led by bouzouki player Zack Horiatis, kept the celebration going well into the early morning hours.
As the nation enters its Semiquincentennial—250 years shaped by ideals rooted in Hellenic thought and even in name—the Greek American community, central to this milestone, marked the kickoff with an unforgettable evening.
