UPPER DARBY, PA – More than 100 members of the Greek-American community attended a Consular working session in Upper Darby on November 4 with Consul General of Greece Iphigenia Kanara and her team. The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Consulate General of Greece in New York hosted the event at the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Community Center in Upper Darby.

Left to right: Fotoula Pappas Georgia Chletcos, Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara, Amelia Economou, and Maria Papatsiaras. Photo: Courtesy of the Philadelphia Federation

Consul General Kanara traveled with members of her team to meet community members in person. It was the first time the Consulate General held a workshop of this size, with one-on-one meetings, in the Philadelphia area. The workshop follows a July 1 meeting at the Consulate General, where Consul General Kanara and the Federation’s newly elected Board planned out several events in Philadelphia for the 2026-2027 year, including the upcoming Philadelphia Marathon wreath ceremony on November 19 and, of course, the Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade on April 4, 2027. The Consulate General serves New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, from the offices in New York City.

Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara met with community members during the event to answer their questions. Photo: Courtesy of the Philadelphia Federation

In Upper Darby from 3-7 PM, attendees met one-on-one with the Consul General and her team to discuss their individual questions. The team gave guidance on Greek citizenship, passports, military service obligations and deferments, voting from abroad, and the registration of births, marriages, and deaths. For those who need to follow up in person, the Consulate team offered to schedule appointments at the Consulate General office.

Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara and her team met with community members during the event to answer their questions. Photo: Courtesy of the Philadelphia Federation

Attendees welcomed the visit with great enthusiasm. Many expressed their gratitude that the Consulate came to them, so they could get answers in person, close to home.

“This workshop was a great success, and the turnout shows how much our community values a direct connection with Greece,” said John Vasiliou, President of the Federation. “We are grateful to Consul General Kanara and her team for coming to Upper Darby and giving each person individual attention. Our Federation and the Consulate have continued to partner together, and we hope to continue to do so and serve our community.”

The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Consulate General of Greece in New York hosted the event at the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Community Center in Upper Darby, PA. Photo: Courtesy of the Philadelphia Federation

The Federation thanks Consul General Iphigenia Kanara and her team, and Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church for opening its Community Center for the workshop.