SAN JOSE, CA – (GreekNewsOnline)

Photos: Victoria Smyrniotis/Persephone Studios

https://www.persephonestudios.com

On Friday, March 23, 2018 at 4:00pm, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) celebrated the 197th Anniversary of Greek Independence at a special Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at San Jose City Hall Plaza. Councilmember Johnny Khamis hosted the ceremony with special guests His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and the Honorable Antonios Sgouropoulos, Consul General of Greece in San Francisco.

Councilmember Khamis presented a proclamation signed by Mayor Sam Liccardo and full council honoring Greek Independence Day. Immediately after the ceremony, a celebratory reception sponsored by AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope followed on the San Jose City Hall 17th Floor featuring Greek food specialties.

Other local Greek-Americans attending included Foula Vasilogiorgis, Daughters of Penelope’s current District #21 Governor and AHEPA District #21 Governor George Zioulas.

“This event is a way for us to celebrate freedom and democracy as well as our rich Greek heritage with the San Jose community,” said Dr. Spiros Kalogeropulos, President of the AHEPA Silicon Valley Chapter.

“We would like to thank Councilmember Khamis for acknowledging the contributions of Greek Americans that have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life,” stated Linda Belba, President of the Daughters of Penelope Daphne Chapter #29.

Greek Orthodox Reverend Fathers Demosthenes Paraskevaides and Yanni Verginis as well as a large contingent of parishioners from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose attended the ceremony. In addition, a group of St. Nicholas dancers performed some traditional Greek folk dances.

AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) is the world’s largest Greek-American association with over 500 chapters across the globe. AHEPA is dedicated to creating awareness of the principles of Hellenism to society. These principles include a commitment to humanity, freedom and democracy. For more information about the AHEPA family, please visit www.ahepa.org.

The mission of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of

Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism. It is an affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Please visit www.daughtersofpenelope.org for more information about the DOP or any of its programs or projects.