Η ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΗ ΜΑΣ . . . OUR TRADITION
“Dancing is the most immediate expression of human feelings and emotions, the most alive…expressing the urge of the subconscious, overcrowded with so many different feelings.”
Dora Stratou, 1966
Our Vision: To serve as a unifying platform across the Direct Archdiocesan District that empowers youth and families to anchor their Hellenic identity in Orthodox Christian values, lifelong fellowship, and the active preservation of regional Greek folk dance and vocal traditions.
Our Mission Statement: With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, The Archdiocesan District presents The Parathosi Greek Folk Dance Competition bringing together parishes and communities from across the region to celebrate, preserve, and pass down our Hellenic heritage. Grounded in our Orthodox faith and community fellowship, the competition provides a supportive environment where generations construct a strong, unified future, built together through authentic regional music, costumes, traditional dance, and our faith.
Our History
For more than a decade, PARATHOSI — A Celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance has brought generations together through faith, fellowship, music, and the rich traditions of Hellenic dance.
Established in 2012 as a ministry of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, PARATHOSI was created to provide young people with an opportunity to celebrate and preserve their Hellenic heritage while strengthening the bonds of Orthodox Christian fellowship. The inaugural festival brought together young dancers from communities throughout New York and Connecticut for a weekend of traditional dance, music, workshops, and fellowship.
Since those early years, PARATHOSI has grown into a cherished tradition of the Direct Archdiocesan District. Hundreds of dancers have taken the stage representing Greek Orthodox parishes, cultural associations, and dance organizations, presenting the dances, music, songs, and traditional costumes of regions throughout Greece and the broader Hellenic world. The festival has welcomed dancers ranging from young children experiencing Greek dance for the first time to accomplished young adults continuing traditions handed down through generations.
Throughout its history, PARATHOSI has been about far more than competition. At its heart is the Greek word παράδοση — tradition: something not simply remembered, but actively received, lived, and passed on. Through months of preparation and a shared celebration on the dance floor, participants deepen their knowledge of Hellenic culture, form lasting friendships, and strengthen their connection to the life of the Church.
After a pause during the pandemic, PARATHOSI returned in 2024 with extraordinary enthusiasm, welcoming more than 250 dancers from 18 groups — the largest number of dancers in the festival's history at that time.
Today, PARATHOSI continues that mission: bringing our communities together so that the faith, culture, music, dance, and traditions entrusted to one generation may be joyfully passed to the next.
PARATHOSI is a ministry of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Direct Archdiocesan District. It gives our youth the ability to come together in Orthodox fellowship and display our Hellenic heritage and pride. We are very excited that parishes along with our cultural organization will have the ability to participate in this event. They will have the ability to showcase their knowledge of traditional dances, songs and costumes from various regions.