Today, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the United Nations were welcomed to Archdiocese Headquarters by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.  

"This Program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to rights of women all over the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs," His Eminence said to the Girl Delegates, "I want to extend my warm heartfelt congratulations to you all—our Girl Delegates and to the parents that have raised them, and to convey my special and paternal blessing for this wonderful adventure, in which you are forging substantive relationships and impactful undertakings."

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Girl Delegates to the United Nations program was started by Niki Devaris two years ago as an initiative of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, with the support and guidance of Department Director Rev. Nicolas Kazarian and with six self-funded participants from the Archdiocesan District, during the 66th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission on the Status of Women is a yearly meeting for countries that are a part of the United Nations to discuss and set goals relating to the rights of women and girls. The official topic for this year is “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

The Girl Delegates had the opportunity to ask Archbishop Elpidophoros questions and discuss their time thus far in New York City. "This is an amazing opportunity for us as young women," Markella from Erie, PA told His Eminence, "Being able to use all of our gifts God has given us and extending them to others who may not have the same opportunities is a blessing. We thank you so much for this opportunity."

The Archdiocese program has expanded this year, thanks to generous funding from a Leadership 100 Grant, to become a national program with twenty-four delegates from all over the United States, including California, Texas, Utah, Michigan, Florida, and Colorado, to name a few. The Greek Orthodox community is the only faith group represented at the United Nations in this way. This Program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to rights of women all over the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs, through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at the United Nations. 

On their first day here, the girls visited the Permanent Mission of Cyprus, the Permanent Mission of the Holy See, and attended various events in the United Nations headquarters. More information on the Girl Delegates time in New York City to come.

Read His Eminence's Remarks here.

Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos