His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
Remarks at the White House Celebration of Greek Independence
April 4, 2024
The White House

Mr. President,

Once again, you honor the Greek-American People of America in this most extraordinary way, with the Annual Greek Independence Day celebration here at the White House. As ever, we are humbled by the prestige of this celebration, and on behalf of all, I thank you for continuing this wonderful tradition that recognizes the Hellenic roots of Democracy.

In addition to these democratic ideals, which are sadly being diminished around the globe, we are here to acclaim and remember those whose commitment to the cause of liberty and democracy cost them the dearest price of all – their lives: The Immortal Heroes of 1821, who like those of 1776 and those of every generation who have been willing to lay “so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.” We say “Eternal Memory” to all our brave warriors for peace and justice.

Mr. President, you have long been a close and trusted friend of the Greek-American family, and we consider you to be one of our very own, even from those very early days in Wilmington. But you are so much more than our beloved friend.

As President of our Great Country, you have led the world in championing freedom and the sovereignty of Nations. You continue to be the leading advocate for the cause of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, who are still fighting two years later for their very lives against the unjust and inhuman invasion of their land. You continue to stand with Ukraine and for your unbreakable and unshakeable support, we are very grateful indeed.

Also, as sons and daughters of the Mother Church of Constantinople, whose longest serving leader in history, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, counts you, Mr. President, as a beloved friend – we thank you for your unwavering support of the purely spiritual mission of our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Mr. President, we thank you for your commitment to Greece and to Cyprus, and for a just and peaceful solution to this Island Nation, that has been scarred by a violent invasion and forced division for half a century, a solution that will abide by the international law and a rules-based international order. We are on your side, Mr. President, just as you are on the side of democracy and liberty.

May God bless you, Mr. President, together with the First Lady, your family, and our Nation’s armed forces, with health, long life, His abiding grace, and His invincible strength.

Long live America! Long live the Greek People!
Ζήτω ἠ Ἀμερική! Ζήτω τὸ Ἑλληνικὸ Ἔθνος!

Now, it is my incredible honor and privilege to present to all of you, the President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden!

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos