INVOCATION & REMARKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Gracie Mansion Greek Heritage Reception

New York, New York

June 2, 2022

 

Dear Mayor Adams,

Beloved 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 commend to Your providential care our Mayor, Eric Adams, and all those who serve the good people of New York.

Sustain their efforts,

Prosper our City,

Keep all of 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 Archdiocese of America, I would like to express to you – our most gracious host here at Gracie Mansion – our deepest thanks and abiding appreciation for your recognition of our Greek heritage. Especially in this centennial year of our Sacred Archdiocese, as the preeminent Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, this is particularly auspicious.

As you know, Greeks have been a part of the fabric of New York City for generations – from the earliest immigrants, who passed under the shadow of Lady Liberty through the gates of Ellis Island, to the amazing band of entrepreneurs, who have filled New York at every level of civil and social life.

Indeed, New York is a magnificent mosaic of cultures, customs, traditions, histories, religious beliefs and legacies from all around the world. And the contributions of Hellenes are evident around every corner as well – whether it is an Ionic column on the façade of a monumental edifice, or a humble diner. Or even the rebuilt Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, now gracing the rebuilt World Trade Center, which we will consecrate on the Fourth of July.

Truly, Greeks are an integral element and constituency of New York, and we thank you for this acknowledgment today. Your Honor, we stand with you for the good of our City and of all New Yorkers, and we welcome your Mayoral address to us with much eagerness, enthusiasm, gratitude and appreciation. Ζήτω τὸ Ἑλληνικὸ Ἔθνος!

Photos: GOA/D. Pasnagos