The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley elected its officers and board members for the 2026–2027 term at its June 10, 2026, General Assembly meeting at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Community Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
John Vasiliou was elected president, succeeding Judge Harry Karapalides, who served as president for the previous two years and will now serve as chairman of the board.
The General Assembly also approved plans to establish an endowment for the Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade.
Financial results presented at the meeting showed that fundraising for the 2026 parade exceeded expenses by more than $300,000. The Federation reported year-end assets of more than $725,000.
Judge Harry Karapalides and attorney Tassos Efstratiades presented the Plan of Operation for an endowment dedicated to the Greek Independence Day Parade. The General Assembly approved the plan unanimously, authorizing the Federation to establish its first fund devoted exclusively to the parade.
The endowment is expected to be established and funded before the Federation reconvenes in September.
“Today we formally secured the future of our Parade so that future generations do not have to carry the heavy burden of fundraising extraordinary amounts of money, but instead can put their energy into the tremendous planning and execution of the annual event,” Vasiliou said.
2026–2027 Officers
President: John Vasiliou
Vice President: Michael Economou
Treasurer: Peter Papadeas
Recording Secretary: Maria Agatsiotis
Corresponding Secretary: Carissa Falfalios
Chairman of the Board: Judge Harry Karapalides
Board Members
- Georgia Chletcos
- Dimitrios Rozanitis
- Artemis Tsingiropoulos
- Ted Kanellopoulos
- Stefanos Evangelopoulos
- John Mylonas
- Dan Pithis
- Theanna Proithis
Vasiliou previously served as chairman of the Greek Independence Day Parade and has played an active role in its planning and organization.
The election concluded Karapalides’ two-year term as president. His tenure included the Dimitris Mpasis concert in support of the parade, the growth of the Young Leaders Committee, changes to the Greek Independence Day Parade and Eleftheria Gala, and the work that led to the parade endowment approved at the June meeting.
The Federation also developed closer ties with the Consulate General of Greece in New York, officials in Greece, Philadelphia-area civic leaders and elected representatives, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.
It also began working with the Philadelphia Marathon and the Consulate General of Greece in New York on the presentation of ceremonial Greek laurel wreaths to Philadelphia Marathon winners.
In his outgoing remarks, Karapalides thanked the Federation’s member societies and spoke about his two years as president.
“I was honored to serve these past two years, once again as your president,” Karapalides said. “We made many positive steps forward. I know the next president will continue this wonderful new tradition.”
The Greek Independence Day Parade is the Federation’s largest annual event.
The next Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade is scheduled for April 4, 2027.