Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley

Greek Independence Celebrations in Philadelphia

In the year 1821, on March 25th, the Greek Revolutionary Forces made a significant declaration that Greece would finally be free from the oppressive rule of the Ottoman Empire. For over 400 years, the Greek people had suffered immensely under the brutal conquerors, enduring pain and agony. However, the gallant patriots of 1821 raised their flag with the cross and took inspiration from the classical Hellenic standards of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis, proving to the world that courage was indeed a Greek invention. Their motto was “VICTORY or DEATH,” and they lived it to the fullest.

Greece’s significance as the mother country of freedom, knowledge, and Western culture, and democracy cannot be overstated. Every person in the Western world is her child, regardless of their national origin. The Greek War of Independence was a defining moment in history, as it restored freedom and eventual democracy to the place that gave birth to these concepts. The occasion was momentous and inspired many Americans to contribute their actions and voices to the Greek cause.

The Greek-Americans will never forget the names of those who so gallantly championed the cause of Greek freedom in the halls of Congress. Among them were President James Monroe, President John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and Edward Everett, who played a significant role in supporting the Greek War of Independence. These individuals, along with countless others, recognized the importance of the Greek struggle for freedom and democracy and lent their voices to the cause.

Battle scene from the Greek War of Independence by Georg Perlberg
Battle scene from the Greek War of Independence by Georg Perlberg

Support the Greek Independence Day Parade

The Greek Independence Day Parade is an annual celebration that commemorates the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Greek community in various cities to unite and revel in their rich history, culture, and traditions while sharing them with others.

Your support for the Greek Independence Day Parade significantly impacts the promotion of cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation while fostering a sense of community among the Greeks in your area.

Find Out How

Read also:
President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Proclaims March 25, 2024, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy

Program of Events

THURSDAY, April 4, 2024

6:00 PM – Presentation by the Presidential Guards of the Hellenic Republic (Open to Public), Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA

7:00 PM – Reception & Dance Group performance by St. Demetrios Greek School, Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA

FRIDAY, April 5, 2024

12:30 PM – Philadelphia City Hall, North Broad St. and JFK Blvd. (City Hall North Apron) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1:00 PM – Greek Flag Raising Ceremony (Open to Public)

6:30 PM – Salutations (Open to Public), Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA

SATURDAY, April 6, 2024

5:00 PM – Greek Independence Eleftheria Banquet (Open to Public by Tickets), Adelphia Restaurant and Events, 1750 Clements Bridge Road Deptford, New Jersey 08096

SUNDAY, April 7, 2024

10:00 AM – The Official Great Doxology (Open to Public), Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA

12:00 PM – Dignitaries Luncheon (Hosted by St. George), Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA

1:00 PM – Formation Time of the Greek Independence Day Parade (Open to Public)

2:00 PM – Step-off Time of the Greek Independence Day Parade (Open to Public), Starting Point: 22nd St and Ben Franklin Parkway, Parade Route: Heading East on Ben Franklin Parkway, Reviewing Stand: 18th St. And Ben Franklin Parkway (Inclement Weather Number: 609-741-7275 and FHAS social media)

4:00 PM – Dance Performances (Open to Public – Free Admission), 18th & the Parkway, In front of the Grand Stands, following the official Parade

Parade Instructions

FORMATION

  1. Formation begins at 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway heading east on Ben Franklin Parkway.
  2. First groups will form at 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway and all other groups will continue forming behind on the Parkway.
  3. Group/marchers will begin forming at 1:00 PM
  4. Parade step-off shall begin at 2:00 PM sharp. Parade will head EAST on Ben Franklin Parkway.
  5. Any group arriving late MUST form at the end of the line. The City of Philadelphia’s Parade Permit is for a limited time, and the parade must commence on time.

BUSES (If arriving by bus)

  1. Instruct bus driver to drop off at 22nd & Ben Franklin Parkway. (SEE MAP BELOW)
  2. Bus drivers must drive NORTH on 22nd Street. Once they get to intersection of 22nd & Parkway
    they will turn RIGHT onto the CENTER lanes of the Parkway and immediately drop off passengers.
  3. Once passengers are dropped off, buses will drive to the CENTER lanes of the Ben Franklin
    Parkway between 17th & 18th streets to park. This is the designated bus parking zone until the end of the post-parade reception.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

  • In case of inclement weather, a decision whether to march will be made by 9:00 A.M. on the day of
    the parade. You may call 609-741-7275 or go on FHAS social media to hear the decision.

PLEASE OBEY ALL PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS AND FEDERATION PARADE COORDINATORS

Parade Formation

All churches are grouped together. All societies and organizations are grouped together. Each year they move up one position within the group. Formation of the parade begins at 1:00 pm, and the parade shall commence at 2:00 pm. Any church or society that arrives late shall be placed at the parade’s end.

GENERAL

  1. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eleftheria Post #6633
  2. Icon of Annunciation (Annunciation of Elkins Park)
  3. Icon of Annunciation (Evangelismos of Theotokos)
  4. Banner of Agia Lavra/Palaion Patron Germanos (Peloponnesian Society)
  5. Color Guard, Upper Darby Police
  6. Federation Banner
  7. Dignitaries (Marching as one group)
  8. Hellenic Republic Presidential Guard (Evzones)
  9. Odyssey Charter School of Wilmington, DE

NATIONAL ANTHEMS/INVOCATION

  1. American National Anthem
  2. Hellenic National Anthem
  3. His Eminence Apostolos, Metropolitan of New Jersey

CHURCHES

  1. Metropolis of New Jersey Banner
  2. St. Demetrios, Wildwood, NJ
  3. St. Nicholas, Atlantic City, NJ
  4. St. Thomas, Cherry Hill, NJ – FLOAT
  5. Holy Trinity, Egg Harbor, NJ
  6. Evangelismos of Theotokos, Philadelphia, PA
  7. St. George, Media, PA – FLOAT
  8. Academy of Aristoteli School
  9. St. Anthony, Vineland, NJ
  10. St. Lukes, Broomall, PA – FLOAT
  11. Annunciation/Evangelismos, Elkins Park, PA – FLOAT
  12. Holy Trinity, Wilmington, DE – FLOAT
  13. St. Barabra, Toms River, NJ
  14. Annunciation, Easton, PA
  15. St. George, Trenton, NJ
  16. St. Anna, Flemington, NJ
  17. Holy Cross, Stroudsburg, PA
  18. Sts. Constantine and Helen, Reading, PA
  19. Annunciation, Lancaster, PA
  20. St. Mathew, Blandon, PA
  21. St. George Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA – FLOAT
  22. St. Sophia, Norristown (Valley Forge), PA
  23. Holy Cross, Stroudsburg, PA
  24. St. Demetrios, Upper Darby, PA – FLOAT

miscellaneous

  1. Hellenic American Police Association
  2. Philadelphia Fire Department
  3. The Warriors of Greece
  4. Mummers – Woodland String Band (Will stop for performance)
  5. Benjamin Franklin

ORGANIZATIONS/SOCIETIES

  1. Cyprus Brotherhood of Philadelphia – FLOAT
  2. Peloponnesian Society
  3. Pieria Society
  4. Ladies Pieria Society
  5. Cretans of Delaware Valley Knossos Chapter
  6. Society of Epirotes of Philadelphia, Omonia – FLOAT
  7. Brotherhood of Demati Society
  8. United Chios Society, Chapter 16 O Korais – FLOAT
  9. Corthion Andros Society of New Jersey
  10. Velvendinon Society
  11. Hellenic University Club
  12. Hellenic Medical Society
  13. Pan Macedonian Society
    • Pavlos Melas Chapter
    • Amalia Chapter
    • Youth of Alexander Chapter
  14. National Hellenic Student Association
  15. Federation of Hellenic Student Societies of Philadelphia – FLOAT
  16. Temple Hellenic Student Society
  17. Villanova University Hellenic Society
  18. Drexel University Student Organization
  19. University of Pennsylvania Students Organization
  20. Saint Joseph’s University Hellenic Student Union
  21. University of Delaware OPAH Hellenic Students
  22. West Chester University Students Organization
  23. Penn State Hellenic Student Association
  24. Intercollegiate Hellenic Society Global
  25. Pan Icarian Brotherhood of America Atheras Chapter
  26. Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey
  27. Pontian Society Akritai
  28. Nafpaktian & Perihora Society – FLOAT
  29. American Hellenic Institute – FLOAT
  30. AHEPA Family – FLOAT
    • Daughters of Penelope, Upper Darby Chapter
    • Maids of Athena Ariadni Chapter #243
    • Maids of Athena Demetra Chapter #33
    • AHEPA, Thermopylae Chapter #449
    • AHEPA, Camden Chapter #69
    • AHEPA, Hercules Spartan Chapter #26
    • AHEPA Chester ÐDelco Chapter
    • Sons of Pericles, Hippocrates Chapter
  31. Dance Group Performances – The Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia