NEW YORK - Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed the Greek Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. George Alogoskoufis to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America yesterday. The two men discussed several topics of concern to the Greek American community (Omogeneia) and its ties with Greece. Additionally, they discussed current issues including assistance by the Archdiocese to the victims of the recent wildfires in Greece. They also emphasized the need to support the work of the Archdiocese in strengthening the bonds of the young generations to Greece, particularly through opportunities such as Ionian Village, the summer camping program of the Archdiocese located in Vartholomio, Greece. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister stated among other things, “We had the great joy to meet and discuss the bonds between Greece and the Omogeneia and the important role of the Church in the preservation of these close bonds … We need to explore how the Greek State can help the younger generations of the Omogeneia to not lose touch and preserve their ties with Greece and how we can support the Camp of the Holy Archdiocese in Vartholomio to meet this challenge.” 

In his response Archbishop Demetrios of America said, “We had a substantial exchange that was based on the prospect of cooperation and the implementation of effective measures in an effort to strengthen the ties between the Omogeneia and the Metropolis of Greece. As a Church and Omogeneia we are entrusted with an immense duty and are grateful to the Minister for his extensive knowledge and willingness to offer effective help and support on behalf of the Greek State with issues that deal with the Omogeneia.” 

Minister Alogoskoufis was escorted by Mr. Ioannis Papathanasiou, Deputy Minister, Mrs. Ekaterini Boura, Consul General of Greece to New York, and Mr. Haralambos Demetriou, Legal Counsel. The meeting attended also Mr. Michael Jaharis, Vice-Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council.