Philadelphia, PA- On Sunday, March 22, 2015, Hellenes and Phil-Hellenes gathered to march in the Greek Independence Day Parade on the Ben Franklin Parkway. This year marks the 194th Anniversary of Greek Independence from Ottoman rule. Immense spirit and pride was felt throughout the masses of blue and white. Greek Independence Day is on March 25, and is a holiday of paramount importance to Hellenes because it serves as a dual celebration. On this day, the Greek Orthodox religion celebrates the Annunciation, the “Evangelismos of Theotokos,” the day the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and shared the news that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the son of God.
Congratulations to the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia for another successful parade.