Today, March 26, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, along with members of the Greek American community in New York, were invited to the Capitol in Albany, New York to commemorate Greek Independence Day and to recognize March 2024 as Greek History Month by the New York State Legislature. During his visit, the Archbishop engaged in fruitful discussions with Governor Kathy Hochul, highlighting the significant contributions of the Greek American community to the state. He was accompanied by Supreme President of AHEPA Savas Tsivicos, and President of the Pancyprian Association of America Philip Christopher. Additionally, His Eminence also met separately with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins further emphasizing the community's role and importance.
Archbishop Elpidophoros was honored with the opportunity to offer invocations at the legislative sessions of both the New York State Assembly and the Senate.
Read His Eminence's full invocations here and here.
A celebratory luncheon, hosted by Greek and Cypriot American legislators including Senators Michael Gianaris, Andrew Gounardes, and James Skoufis, and Assemblymen Michael Tannousis and John Lemondes, was part of the day's festivities.
Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered remarks during the luncheon, paying tribute to the heroes of 1821 and emphasizing the shared responsibility to uphold democracy and advocate for justice. “The Heroes of 1821 chose liberty, and acted in part inspired by the American Revolution. We honor them today here in the magnificent Legislative House of the People of the Empire State. Our presence is a reminder that all of us – clergy and laity, women and men, public servants and private individuals – bear the responsibility to ensure that future generations will have the same privileges, rights, and opportunities that we have. Democracy may have been invented by the Greeks, but it has always been up to every generation to seek ways to form the ‘more perfect Union’ to which our Constitution aspires.”
His Eminence also addressed the half-century anniversary since the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus, urging for lasting peace and expressing gratitude for the support extended to the people of Cyprus. “We have come here to the Capitol of the Great State of New York to bear witness to this shameful injustice and to cry out for a righteous and lasting peace. As lawmakers and upholders of the Law, I express to each and every one of you the gratitude of the Omogeneia for your stalwart and unwavering support for the noble People of Cyprus and for pressing, as you are able, their just and lawful cause.” Read His Eminence's full text here.
Furthermore, His Eminence extended congratulations to Greek and Cypriot Americans honored by the state for their innovation and creativity, including Dr. Florentia Christodoulidou, Maria Pappas, Michael Labatos, The Reverend Presbyter Christopher Talleos, and Christina Tettonis.
A highlight of the event was the dance performance by children from St. Sophia Church in Albany, NY dressed in Greek in traditional costumes.
Resolutions of the New York State Legislature:
Senate: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/J2029
Assembly https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/J02029/2023
Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman
