On Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5:00 pm, the City of San Jose held a Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall Plaza to commemorate the 204th anniversary of Greece’s independence. The event, hosted by San Jose Vice Mayor and District 9 Councilmember Pam Foley, brought together the Greek-American community and local leaders to honor this historic occasion.
Organized by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Daughters of Penelope (DOP), the event featured distinguished guests, including His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Dr. George Zioulas, AHEPA Supreme Governor, Region 8, Linda Belba, Daughters of Penelope Grand Governor Zone IV, Athena Hallock, DOP District 21 Governor, Mark Hallock, AHEPA District 21 Governor, The Honorable Grigorios Tassiopoulos, Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, and Nicolaos Theophanous, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cyprus.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos addressed attendees, stating, “Today, as the Greek flag rises, it carries with it a great legacy that speaks to all people who cherish freedom. It reminds us that democracy is strongest when it is rooted in moral and spiritual principles. It calls us to remember that faith and patriotism are not opposed, but together, they sustain the soul of a nation.”
To commemorate the occasion, Vice Mayor Pam Foley presented a proclamation from Mayor Matt Mahan and the San Jose City Council recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day.
“It was an honor to host the Greek Independence Day Flag Raising at City Hall and celebrate Greek Independence Day with our vibrant Greek community here in San José. The Greek American community has played a vital role in shaping our city’s cultural and economic landscape, and their contributions continue to enrich our diverse community.
This celebration is a reminder of the values of freedom and democracy that Greece has given to the world, and we proudly recognize the lasting impact of Greek heritage in San José.” said Vice Mayor Foley. As a further tribute, San Jose City Hall’s iconic glass rotunda and tower are being illuminated in the colors of the Greek flag for seven days. This symbolic gesture serves to celebrate and recognize the importance of Greek heritage within the community.
Dr. George Zioulas emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “Since its inception in 1922, AHEPA has consistently honored the spirit of the Greek Revolution of 1821, which embodies the pursuit of freedom, cultural preservation, and collective action. This revolution, a crucial moment in Greek history, reflects the values that AHEPA upholds: the importance of community, the celebration of heritage, and the commitment to civic responsibility.”
He also expressed his gratitude, adding, “On behalf of AHEPA, I want to extend my thanks to the City of San Jose and Vice Mayor Foley for their continued support and for helping us celebrate this important day in Greek history.”
Distinguished local Greek-Americans attending included Dr. Vassilis Zarifis, AHEPA Silicon Valley Chapter 251 President, Joanna Dunn, Daughters of Penelope Past Daphne 29 President as well as current chapter President Jacqui Argyres.
Linda Belba shared, “As Daughters of Penelope, we were honored to celebrate Greece’s independence and the lasting impact of Greek culture on our community. Our mission to preserve our heritage and uplift others through service has never been more important. As we gathered in San Jose to commemorate this day, we were grateful to Vice Mayor Pam Foley and the City for recognizing the significance of Greek history in shaping our shared future.”
The Greek Orthodox community was well represented by Reverend Fathers James Kumarelas and Nebojsa Pantic, along with a large group of parishioners from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose. The celebratory atmosphere was enhanced by a performance from the St. Nicholas dancers, who showcased traditional Greek folk dances.
Father James Kumarelas spoke on the event’s deeper significance, connecting it to both Greek history and faith, stating, “Our celebration of Greek Independence is a spiritual, cultural, and universal festival, joined together with our Greek Orthodox Church’s feast of the Annunciation.
It is fitting that we reflect on this “announcement” to the world, as it reminds us where our roots of Democracy are planted, of Hellenism, embodied in the ethos of the Greek people, and of the fight for freedom, of which we here in America can all understand.”
Photo credit: Panayiota Good
