Greek Independence Day Celebrated at the White House
Archbishop Elidophoros of America greets President Joe Biden at the White House.
Photo: GOARCH/D. Panagos
On April 4, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and members of the Greek American community were warmly welcomed to the White House by President Joe Biden for a celebration marking the 203rd Anniversary of Greek Independence. The distinct recognition by the White House has been an honored tradition since 1987.
Addressing the President in a room filled to capacity, His Eminence thanked President Biden for his continued love of Greece, Cyprus and Hellenism and his support of democracy and the ideals of the Greeks which have played an important and historical role in forming the democratic government we experience in America.
"Mr. President, we thank you for your commitment to Greece and to Cyprus, and for a just and peaceful solution to this Island Nation, that has been scarred by a violent invasion and forced division for half a century, a solution that will abide by the international law and a rules-based international order. We are on your side, Mr. President, just as you are on the side of democracy and liberty" remarked Archbishop Elpidophoros.
President Biden, in his remarks, reflected on the important contributions of Greece and Greek Americans to the United States and global community, especially the gift of democracy. "It is the precious gift Greece has given the world," he stated.
President Biden emphasized his love and respect for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. "I have found inspiration in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which has been a clarion voice for social justice for decades."
This year’s Proclamation, signed by President Biden which recognizes Greek Independence Day as a national day of celebration and Greek and American democracy states, “Today, the partnership, alliance, and friendship shared by Greece and the United States is stronger than ever before — due in large part to the culture, courage, and character of the Greek American community. From standing up for social justice and advancing civil rights to striving to make our Nation freer and fairer, Greek Americans have pushed our country forward, fanning the flame of liberty that first sparked in Athens thousands of years ago. Throughout my career, I have been lucky to see this heart, hope, and commitment up close, and I have drawn lifelong inspiration from Greek American friends, families, leaders, and political mentors.”
Among those attending this remarkable celebration included: United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic George Tsunis*; Ambassador of Greece to the US Ekaterini Nassika; Ambassador of Cyprus to the US Evangelos Savva; Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis*; members of the Archdiocesan Council, Leadership 100 Vice Chairman, Michael N. Bapis*, Order of St. Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; the First Vice President of the National Philoptochos Society Anita Kartalopoulos*; President of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Mary Christy; the Commander and Vice Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Dr. Anthony Limberakis* and The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, leadership of AHEPA including Supreme President Savas Tsivicos*, and Grand President of the Maids of Athena Allie Tsenekos; Andy* and Mike Manatos*, clergy and parish leaders.
*Member of Leadership 100
