PHILADELPHIA – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley announced its 2022 parade on the famed Ben Franklin Parkway will take place on March 20. “The City of Philadelphia has given its blessing for the parade, our first in three years since the pandemic hit our communities​,”​ stated Dimitrios Rozanitis, Federation President. “We are excited about marching this year as well as excited about all of the events that will be occurring during that time, including most significantly The Eleftheria and Dignitaries Banquet on March 19.”

The Parade will honor the Centennial of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as well as the Centennial of the Order of AHEPA. Also, an homage to the Centennial of Greece will also be held in light of last year’s cancellation. The Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade will be the first open to the public parade in the world honoring Greek Independence not only this year, but also the first parade in Philadelphia since the pandemic onset in 2020.

The parade will also be significant in that it will be the first appearance at a Greek Independence Parade for His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

At the Eleftheria and Dignitaries Banquet, Archbishop Elpidophoros will be honored along with a full and deserving slate of others including AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas and the Daughters of Penelope Grand President Kathy Bizoukas. Also being honored at the evening will be Grand Marshal Georgia Athanasopulos, Honorary Consul to Panama in Philadelphia, and the Federation’s long awaited presentation of its highest honor, the Eleftheria Award, to George Horiates.

More information is available online: https://hellenicfed.org/.