NYC Greek Parade Takes Over 5th Avenue

Despite the adverse weather conditions, hundreds of Greek Americans and guests gathered on NYC’s famous 5th Avenue to attend the annual Greek parade and celebrate Greek Independence on Sunday, April 30.

The continuous rain did not seem to be able to dampen the spirit of the Hellenes, and 5th Avenue still acquired a Greek beat, accented by the stomping of the Evzones and blue and white flags everywhere.

Since 1938, the Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City has commemorated the Anniversary of the start of the Greek War of Independence on March 25th, 1821.

The annual event, a celebration of Hellenic identity, culture, and achievements in the world, is organized and hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York – a non-profit organization committed to fostering an appreciation of Greek-American heritage and achievement.

George Logothetis was the Grand Marshal of the Greek parade in NYC

George M. Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, was the Grand Marshal of the parade and he walked along with Archibishop Elpidophoros, the Greek Ambassador to the US Alexandra Papadopoulou, and other dignitaries.

“As a proud Greek-American, it is an honor to be named a Grand Marshal for New York’s Greek Independence Day Parade”, said Logothetis.

“Today and every day, I am proud to celebrate my Hellenic roots and applaud the outstanding contributions to business, democracy, and culture that Greece and Greek-Americans continue to bring to the U.S. and beyond.”

On Friday, April 28, 2023, Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic to New York City during an official Doxology service for Greek Independence at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

The Greek Independence Day Parade always stirs emotions, but this year in New York City, being with countless community members, young and old, marching for hours, even in a relentless downpour, was profoundly touching. God Bless you, Omogeneia! 🇬🇷🇨🇾💙⛈️#RainOrShine #proud pic.twitter.com/fO2UwqVH6H

— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) April 30, 2023

The Doxology was a first for St. Nicholas Church and Shrine, which was constructed from the same marbles that comprise the Parthenon— a “profound symbol of our ties to the Motherland of Ellada,” His Eminence noted.

After the service, the National Guard joined the Archbishop and the Greek American community for the annual flag-raising ceremony in Bowling Green.

This year’s Greek Independence festivities also honored John Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group and Parade Chairman Emeritus; Ernie Anastos, renowned TV news anchor and host of Positively Ernie on WABC-AM News Radio as well as 2010 Parade Grand Marshal; the Honorable George Tsunis, U.S. Ambassador to Greece and 2014 Parade Grand Marshal; and George Dalaras, internationally renowned musician and singer, as well as Past Parade Grand Marshal.