John Catsimatidis, a notable figure in the Greek-American community and Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, has expressed strong disapproval towards Greece’s Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
During his recent two-day visit to the United States, Gerapetritis did not meet with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America or visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, an oversight that Catsimatidis argues demonstrates a lack of respect for the longstanding relationship and institutional integrity between the Greek government and the Church in America.
In a statement given to The National Herald, Catsimatidis voiced his concerns: “As a Greek American, I find it troubling that the current Foreign Minister did not prioritize a visit to the Archdiocese or a meeting with the Archbishop during his US trip. It is crucial to uphold and respect ‘institutional integrity’ and not let personal differences dictate our principles.”
He further emphasized the significance of the Archbishop of America’s role, whether it be Archbishop Elpidophoros or the late Archbishop Iakovos, noting that they are the leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church in the US and, by extension, the Greek American Community.
“Minister Gerapetritis should not allow personal issues to jeopardize and weaken the important historical relationship between the Church in America and the Greek Government. Governments should avoid making ‘dirty laundry’ part of their foreign or domestic policies, especially when dealing with the Hellenic Diaspora,” Catsimatidis concluded.