Parliament speaker meets Archbishop Elpidophoros in NY

Greek Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis met Friday with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America astatine the office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese successful New York, arsenic portion of celebrations marking Greek Independence Day and the yearly parade connected Fifth Avenue. Kaklamanis’ visit is the archetypal by a Greek Parliament speaker to the United States successful 18 years.

Officials said the gathering underscored the unity betwixt the Greek state, the religion and the diaspora community.

During their talks, Kaklamanis conveyed the Greek Parliament’s gratitude to the diaspora, calling it “the strongest and astir sincere ambassador of Greece abroad.”

He besides placed peculiar accent connected the Cyprus issue, urging the planetary assemblage to amusement the aforesaid sensitivity toward Cyprus’ ongoing concern and part arsenic it does toward different modern crises, including Ukraine.

“Greece and the diaspora stay connected the close broadside of history, standing for justness and freedom,” Kaklamanis said. “It is not close that the civilized Western world, for 50 years, has acted arsenic if it does not spot and does not perceive that an occupying service keeps a European Union state divided successful two.”

Elpidophoros praised the relation of the diaspora arsenic a unit committed to the ideals of ideology and freedom, highlighting the pridefulness shown by younger generations of Greek Americans who, contempt region and time, support strong ties to their heritage.

Earlier, Kaklamanis visited the Saint Demetrios Greek American School successful Astoria, which has 378 students, where helium toured the facilities and spoke with students.

He besides attended a doxology work astatine St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church astatine Ground Zero, followed by a flag-raising ceremonial astatine Bowling Green successful Lower Manhattan attended by members of the diaspora and a ceremonial unit of the Presidential Guard.

“Just a fewer days agone I turned 80 years old,” Kaklamanis said. “I did not expect that today would beryllium the astir affectional infinitesimal of my 80 years.”