TheLeader VOLUME XXV ISSUE2 Spring2024 - Flipbook - Page 22
Greek Independence Day
Celebrated at the White House
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."
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America greets
President Joe Biden at the White House.
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.
20
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
