His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Invocation & Remarks at the Gracie Mansion Greek Heritage Reception

April 27, 2023

New York, New York

Mayor Adams,

Dear Friends,

Invocation

May we bow our heads in prayer:

We give thanks to you, O God, for this day of celebration of Greece and Orthodoxy by the City of New York.

We express our gratitude to Mayor Adams, and to all who serve the good people of New York.

Sustain their efforts.

Prosper our City.

Keep all our Police, Fire, and Emergency Responders safe,

And grant unto us to live in peace, safety, and abundance, through Your loving grace. Amen.

Remarks

Mayor Adams,

On behalf of the Greek Orthodox People of America, and their Archdiocese which has its national headquarters right here in New York City, I want to express to you our thanks and appreciation for your recognition of our Greek Heritage, here at Gracie Mansion.

From Staten Island to Queens, Astoria to the Bronx, and through our Manhattan neighborhoods from Chelsea to the East Village, and Hell’s Kitchen to Turtle Bay, Greeks have been part of the fabric of New York City for generations. We identify deeply with this City – the most culturally, linguistically, and spiritually diverse city in the world.

The Greek Orthodox Community has put their own stamp on this wonderful City, at the heart of its most heart-breaking modern history, the World Trade Center. The rebuilt and resurrected Saint Nicholas National Shrine at Ground Zero, is a permanent memorial to the sacrifices of New York’s Bravest and Finest, whose representations grace the exquisite iconography of the Shrine. We pay them tribute at every service, and with the completion of the Shrine, we stand at Ground Zero for all New Yorkers, and indeed, all people who aspire to live in liberty.

Thus, Mister Mayor, honoring the Immortal Heroes of the Greek struggle for Independence, is a fitting occasion for the City that is preparing to behold us marching on Sunday with the full panoply of the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic.

We are by your side, Your Honor, with the same love of freedom of our ancestors.

Long live – Ζήτω – our beloved New York City!

Ζήτω τὸ Ἑλληνικὸ Ἔθνος!