New York, NY - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America today led a delegation of representatives from several Greek American organizations to the State Department for a meeting with Under Secretary for Political Affairs Marc Grossman. At the meeting, substantive discussions took place concerning the recognition by the United States of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) as "Republic of Macedonia". Immediately following, Archbishop Demetrios met privately with Secretary of State Colin Powell for the same issue.

In both meetings, U.S. officials expressed their clear position for the support of the existing United Nations' process in finding a name that will be commonly acceptable.

After his meeting with Secretary of State Powell, Archbishop Demetrios said, "We had very good meetings with Under Secretary Grossman and with Secretary of State Powell. Both listened to us carefully and they have full knowledge of the difficulties and the pain which have been caused to the Greek Orthodox Community in America and to the people of Greece. They promised that they will work towards the final solution and the overcoming of the problem which has been created. We believe in the power of God's intervention in difficulties, and while we pray fervently, we continue in every humanly possible way to offer as much as we can."

The Archbishop was accompanied by Andrew Athens, President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and National Chairman of the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC); Sotirios Proios, Supreme President of the Pan-Macedonian Association USA; Franklin Manios, Supreme President of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA); and Michael Jaharis, Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council.