SCRANTON, PA – Alexandros Molfetas, owner of Center City Print, 119 Penn Avenue in Scranton, spoke with The National Herald about the raising of the Greek flag at the Lackawanna County Courthouse in honor of the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence. He also spoke about his run for City Council.

When asked about his background, Molfetas told TNH that he was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, adding that “my father Niko was born in Kefalonia, my mother Constantina was born in Athens in Paleo Faliro. Her parents were from Evia near Karistos. They met in Brooklyn and got married in the 70’s.”

“I attended A. Fantis Parochial School and graduated in 1999,” Molfetas said. “We went to church at Saints Constantine & Helen in Downtown Brooklyn.”

He continued, “I moved to Scranton in 2004 to attend Lackawanna College and fell in love with the city of Scranton. There has been a longstanding (but now small) Greek community in the area. Our parish is the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on N. Washington Avenue in Scranton.” 

“For the last several years, except for last year due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, I have coordinated with local officials in Lackawanna County to have the Greek flag raised at the Lackawanna County Courthouse,” he told TNH. 

“This year, on the feast day, I will have the Greek flag raised at Scranton's City Hall. Most local officials appreciate the Greek community in the area, especially for our roots in the restaurant, property development, and small business industries. Most local diners were founded by Greeks who emigrated to the area and some are still run by Greeks. I have great relations with the current administration in City Hall and they're excited to see this flag raising happen. Historically, they have raised the Irish, Italian, and Pan African Flags during their respective holidays,” he said. 

When asked if he always wanted to go into politics, Molfetas told TNH, “I haven't always wanted to be in the political scene but I feel as though as a small business owner in Scranton (Center City Print), there is a need for a small business voice on city council. I believe I would be the first Greek-American to serve on the city council. There is much to do in regards to improving quality of life and daily operations within the city and to make it more attractive to those out of the area.”

“My heritage has served as an important moral compass,” said Molfetas. “Bound by culture, language, and religion, I believe Greek-Americans have a unique perspective on life as we have struggled over the years to rebuild a nation and maintain our standing on the world stage. From our humble beginnings, the Hellenic Diaspora has helped bring great improvements to the world. i.e. the CEO of Pfizer, the head engineer at Tesla, as well as countless others that have influenced our daily lives. I look back on the strength, courage, and examples set forth by our forefathers and am proud to continue the journey. Faced with much uncertainty, my parents came to this country seeking a better life, and I appreciate all they have done to provide for our family and maintain and pass on the lessons and traditions of our culture and religion.”