Philadelphia, PA — The Greek-American community of Philadelphia gathered in a remarkable spirit of patriotism, unity, and cultural pride during this year’s Greek Independence Day celebrations, which took place from April 24–26, 2026, and included the Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall, the Eleftheria Gala at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the annual Greek Independence Day Parade.

Organized by the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia, the multi-day celebrations brought together clergy, dignitaries, community leaders, organizations, Hellenes, and Philhellenes to honor 205 years of Greek independence and the enduring values of freedom, faith, and heritage.

The celebrations officially began on April 24 with the Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall. The event was attended by local officials, community leaders, and members of the Greek-American community and was made especially moving by the presence of Greece’s elite Presidential Guard of Greece (Evzones), whose participation once again inspired pride and emotion throughout the city.

The annual Eleftheria Gala followed on April 25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, bringing together hundreds for an evening dedicated to honoring Hellenic heritage, leadership, and service to the community. Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mike Emanuel, Chief Washington Correspondent for Fox News and former White House Correspondents’ Association journalist, whose presence added distinction to the evening’s program.

A major highlight of the gala was the honoring of Steve Kontos, President and CEO of Kontos Foods, who received the prestigious Eleftheria Award in recognition of his longstanding leadership, generosity, and contributions to the Greek-American community.

Widely respected throughout the Hellenic community, Kontos has played an important role in supporting cultural, philanthropic, educational, and community initiatives while continuing to elevate Greek-American entrepreneurship and business leadership across the United States through the continued success of Kontos Foods.

The celebrations continued on April 26 with the annual Greek Independence Day Parade following the Divine Liturgy and Doxology at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, officiated by Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey.

This year’s Grand Marshals included the Past Presidents of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia, recognized collectively for their years of dedication and leadership in preserving and promoting Hellenic heritage in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Among them was Paul (Pavlos) J. Kotrotsios, Founder and President of Hermes Expo International and Founder of Hellenic News of America, who reflected on the significance of the celebrations and Philadelphia’s longstanding tradition of hosting the Evzones.

“I take special pride in serving alongside fellow past presidents and in having helped bring the Evzones to Philadelphia years ago during my time as Vice President and Parade Chairman under the leadership of Dr. Nick Tsirakoglou,” said Kotrotsios. “Since then, Philadelphia has had the privilege of welcoming them year after year.”

Kotrotsios also encouraged continued participation in preserving and strengthening Greek heritage for future generations.

“Ζήτω η Ελλάδα — 205 years of Freedom. Ζήτω η Αμερική — 250 years of Freedom,” he stated. “It is our responsibility to honor our heroes, our faith, our culture, and the sacrifices that made freedom possible.”

The annual Greek Independence Day celebrations in Philadelphia continue to serve as an important reminder of the enduring bonds between Greece and America, bringing generations together through faith, history, culture, and shared democratic ideals.

Kotrotsios also extended best wishes to the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York for their continued success during the historic Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Thousands gathered throughout the weekend’s events and parade festivities, once again demonstrating the strength, pride, and enduring spirit of the Greek-American community.