New York, NY - Today, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual leader of more than 1.5 million Orthodox Christians in America, cordially received Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

During their meeting, Archbishop Demetrios and Mr. Simitis discussed issues of mutual interest concerning the Greek Orthodox Church and Hellenism in America.

"The Church in America," said Mr. Simitis, "is a Church which significantly preserves the traditions of Hellenism, and gives the offspring of immigrants the education which bonds them to our ancestral homeland." The prime minister also conveyed his thankfulness to the Church in America, and to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for providing a basis for promoting the ideals of Hellenism.

Archbishop Demetrios, meanwhile, characterized the discussion as a substantial and heartfelt communication.

"I want to thank him [Prime minister Simitis] for his love, and concern for the Greek Community in America, and for the prime minister's reassurance and willingness to assist whenever necessary," said Archbishop Demetrios. "I would also like to extend my appreciation to him for expressing a sense of unity of Hellenism, which is not divided by the Atlantic Ocean. This unity is alive, and God-willing, will continue to be alive."

Greece's premier is in New York City participating in the United Nations Millennium Summit, the largest gathering of world leaders ever.