GLEN COVE, NY – GNUSA [Photos: Parish of the Holy Resurrection]
The City of Glen Cove marked Hellenic Heritage Day with a vibrant celebration at Village Square, in the afternoon of Saturday, March 28, bringing together residents, city officials, and Holy Resurrection parishioners to celebrate Greek Independence Day.
Organized in partnership with Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, NY, the celebration featured traditional music, a ceremonial flag raising, and performances by youth and adult dance groups, showcasing customs passed down through generations.
Addressing the crowd, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck reflected on the deep ties between Glen Cove and its Greek-American community.
Remarks were also offered by Councilman Michael Ktistakis, whose tireless efforts revived the celebration making the flag raising and festivities possible again, and Holy Resurrection Parish Council President Bobby Tsirakidis.
Students of the Greek Afternoon School spoke on the historical significance of the day through narrations commemorating the start of Greece’s War of Independence on March 25, 1821, when Greeks rose against four centuries of Ottoman rule.
The program concluded with a moving message from Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos, proistamenos of the Holy Resurrection, who spoke about the diachronic and universal nature of the Hellenic spirit.
Parishioner Zefy Christopoulos, who served as press secretary to former Mayor Mary Ann Holtzcamp, first initiated the city’s Greek Heritage Month celebration. Following a nearly 20-year hiatus, the observance returned in 2024 thanks to the efforts of Councilman Michael Ktistakis.
