Despite the interruption of the Greek Parade for two years due to the pandemic and the decline of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, our Parade, aided by the presence of the Evzones and the amazing weather, was crowned with success. (Aside: why not always hold it during this time of the year, like we used to?)

But this should not reassure us. On the contrary, we must recognize the continuing danger and see clearly the problems that have arisen as an opportunity for a necessary new beginning for the Parade, but also for the Federation.

We are not saying something that is not obvious to the naked eye, that is, despite good intentions, despite the willingness make contributions for the good of the Community, there is a need for renewal, an upgrading of the leadership of the Federation – and it must now come from the entire Greek community, based on the best that our Community has to offer, and not only from our regional organizations.

Someone should be able to draw up a plan, after a period of study, and based on that – working with the representatives of our associations and societies – a mechanism should be created that will allow the election of a number officials who, in combination with the representatives of the associations, will constitute the new leadership of the Federation and, effectively, our Community in New York.

It must be noted that it is important that the Parade remains the responsibility of the Federation. The Archdiocese has tried several times in the past to control it, as it’s doing now, but in the end, it has not succeed because it is not up to running such celebrations.

So, in the new times we live in, a new beginning is required in the organized life of the Greek-American community. The time has come.