Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York is an organization consisting of 150 member organizations throughout New York. The main goal of the Federation is to maintain the Greek culture and Greek values in New York, as well as those of America. The Federation of Hellenic Societies accomplishes this in many ways. It is the prime organizer of the annual Greek Independence Day Parade, and has about 20 committees that work together to make the parade possible. Another important goal of the Federation is to support the “patriotic, philanthropic, and humane pursuits” of both Greeks and Americans. This can easily be seen through the many scholarships the Federation awards Hellenic-Americans, the Miss Greek Independence Pageant held each year, and even through the visit our class had to the Federation’s Stathakion Center, as well as one of the member societies.

This is the official seal of the Federation. ¹

History

The idea of creating the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York was born on November 22, 1937 when representatives from various Greek organizations decided that having a higher body would organize and bring together the many Greek communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. As the Federation was developed in 1938, so were its goals: to maintain the beliefs of both Greek immigrant’s home country (Greece) as well as the country they now live in (America). In addition, the Federation was designed to come to the aid of Hellenic-Americans, especially students, in need. Today, 76 years later, the Federation has made unbelievable strides in creating the perfect balance between Greek and American cultures.

What Events Does the Federation Host?

As Greek Independence Day approaches, so does the busy season for the Federation. It hosts the Miss Greek Independence Pageant, encouraging Greek-American young women who are active in their community to don high heels and stunning dresses to compete to win scholarship money as well as the chance to wave to countless onlookers (and cameras) while aboard the Miss Greek Independence float in the Greek Independence Day Parade.

This is the 2013 Miss Greek Independence Pageant poster, featuring Miss Greek Independence 2012. ²

In addition, the Federation hosts pre-parade galas in order to thank its parade sponsors and committee members. After months of preparation, the Federation finally hosts the Greek Independence Day Parade. Each year, the parade takes place on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The parade is an excellent representation of Greek culture to the outsider and a nice piece of home for the average Greek. Unlike other parades, onlookers are encouraged to show their Greek (and American) pride and march in the parade, waving flags of both their countries. Numerous floats of Greek businesses and products, filled with waving representatives and Greek families take part in the parade. Countless Greek Orthodox schools and churches march in the parade, with an exorbitant amount of Greek children in their school uniforms and traditional Greek dress. It is incredible to see the Greek-American pride in such young people, and truly demonstrates the importance of the youth (and their learning about their heritage) to the Greek culture. Greek dancers of all ages participate in the parade as well. There are also special performances by famous Greek singers and dancers that take place. Political leaders take place in the parade each year, showing the good relationship that has developed between the Greeks and the political community. Watch the videos below for a glimpse of what the parade is like.

The Federation also hosts events besides those relating to the parade. In February, the Federation hosts an Anniversary gala in remembrance of the Federation’s official founding in 1938. In October, it hosts an Oxi Day Celebration, which celebrates the first Allied victory against the Axis in World War II. In December, the Stathakion center hosts a Christmas party (also called “Giorti Agapis,” or “Feast of Love”), consisting of extraordinary Greek gymnastics and dancing and a visit from Santa Clause. ³

The Class Experience

During our class’ walking tour through Astoria, we reached the Stathakion Center, where we were greeted with smiling faces and invitations to take as many pictures of the organization as we pleased. We were even given pins with the Federation’s seal on them as a souvenir. The Federation truly accomplished its goal of sharing and upholding its Greek-American culture through sharing its story so candidly with us. We were given the chance to ask organizers of the Greek Independence Day Parade questions about the parade (which had then just occurred about a week ago), and received fascinating, behind-the-scenes answers. Going to the Federation’s Stathakion center added to the Greek Independence Day Parade experience as well as the Greek and Astoria experience. These are some of the pictures we took during our visit.

This is our class at the Stathakion Center. Photo taken from Devin Lee.

This is the outside of the Federation, which flies both the Greek flag and the American flag.

This is the outside of the Federation, which flies the Greek flag.

This is the inside of the Federation. This main room is decorated with portraits of famous Greeks.

This was a beautiful decoration in the Federation’s main room. It features both the Greek flag and the American flag as a symbol of the pride Greeks have to be Greek-American, and the Federation’s goal to upkeep the ideals of both cultures.

This is the pin of the seal of the Federation that members of the Federation so kindly gave our class.

This is the pin of the seal of the Federation that members of the Federation so kindly gave each member of our class.

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Stathakion Center is located at 21-52 29th Street in Astoria, NY (zip code 11105). Click here to access the Federation’s website.

Pictures taken by Michelle Coleman unless otherwise noted.