TRENTON, N.J. – Commemorating the 194th year of Greek independence, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Fr. George Nikas, representing Metropolitan Evangelos, welcomed members of the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission and several Greek Orthodox laypersons to the State House on March 26th. Fr. Nikas expressed the Metropoli- tan’s gratitude to the state of New Jersey and to all “who honor the Hellenic American Community.”

NJ Hellenic American Heritage Commission and Order of AHEPA members (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) were in attendance as Lt. Gov. Guadagno signed a proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day.

Established in 2009, the NJ Hellenic American Heritage Commission promotes Hellenic heritage, culture and history throughout the state while expanding cultural exchanges and economic ties between New Jersey residents and the nations of Greece and Cyprus.

Those attending included AHEPA Lt. Gov. Asteris Fanikos, Daughters of Penelope Lt. Gov. Karen Knicos, AHEPA Supreme Gov. Phil Vogis, Hellenic Heritage Commission Chair and AHEPA District Marshall Zenon Christodoulou, former Assemblyman and Hellenic Heritage Commission Chairman Steve Corodemus, former Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis, AHEPA Past District Gov. Savvas Tsivicos, and Stavros Antonakakis.