Bethlehem Throws a Party for New Greek Sister, Corfu

Bethlehem completed the next step on its journey to the Mediterranean during a two-hour ceremony in Town Hall Friday night in which Mayor John Callahan signed a series of official documents, .

The signing ceremony, attended by Corfu Mayor Ioanis Trepeklis and a delegation from the island, also received an extensive showing of support from Greek-Americans from the Lehigh Valley, in particular, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Nicholas Academy (the church’s pre-school) and the St. Nicholas Greek language school.

The evening’s itinerary included much of what would be expected during any similar official government program -- presentations of colors and singing of national anthems, exchanges of gifts and speeches by dignitaries.

But the Lehigh Valley Greeks surely added a bit of traditional Hellenic flair and warmth to the celebration, including children’s songs performed in Greek and English by academy pre-schoolers, as well as guitar-accompanied singing by Greek school students.

And, once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed on the sistering paperwork, the night’s MC Vivian I. Zumas announced that like any true Greek celebration, it was time to dance -- paving the way for the St. Nicholas Greek Dance Troupe to take center stage.

No showing of Greek hospitality would be complete without the opportunity to share food and drink – attendees were treated to a variety of Greek appetizers known as "mezedes" and pastries, which of course, included baklava.

The final leg of Bethlehem’s journey to the Mediterranean -- and full sisterhood -- will happen in June, when Mayor John Callahan heads to Corfu to sign the sistering documents in Greek.