New York - The Honorable Thomas J. Miller, newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Greece, paid a visit today to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, at Archdiocesan offices in Manhattan.
After a private meeting between Ambassador Miller and Archbishop Demetrios, a brief press conference was held. Afterward, His Eminence hosted a luncheon in Ambassador Millers honor, which was attended by members of the Greek and Cypriot diplomatic corps, representatives of the Archdiocesan Council and organizations, and Archdiocese staff.
His Eminence affirmed the continuous prayers and support of the Greek Orthodox Church in America for the people and the government of the United States, especially in this turbulent time following the tragic events of Sept. 11. This support has been a constant characteristic of our Greek Orthodox Church in America throughout her history in this blessed country, the Archbishop said.
In remarks to the press after their private meeting, Archbishop Demetrios said, Here is an ambassador to Greece with a deep love for Greece and with a full commitment to the principles and the values and the ideals for which America stands.
Our discussion today was indicative of a spirit for promoting the above ideals. We pray that God will be with him as he is trying to cultivate the best possible conditions for cooperation and development between two countries which always stand for what is noble and just and true in the history of humanity.
On Sept. 21, the day following His Eminences Oval Office visit with President George W. Bush and other religious leaders, Ambassador Miller and Archbishop Demetrios met in Washington. Mr. Miller accompanied His Eminence to the site of the terrorist attack at the Pentagon, where the Archbishop lead a memorial service for the victims. Later that day His Eminence joined Mr. Miller, his family, and guests as the Ambassador was sworn in by Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department.
Ambassador Miller was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 1, 2001. Prior to his appointment to Greece, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1999-2001. Previously, he served as Special Coordinator for Cyprus (with the rank of ambassador) from August 1997 until the Bosnia assignment, and he held the position of Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Athens from 1994 to 1997.