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Greek Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis met Friday with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in New York, as part of celebrations marking Greek Independence Day and the annual parade on Fifth Avenue. Kaklamanis\u2019 visit is the first by a Greek Parliament speaker to the United States in 18 years.<\/p>\n
Officials said the meeting underscored the unity between the Greek state, the church and the diaspora community.<\/p>\n
During their talks, Kaklamanis conveyed the Greek Parliament\u2019s gratitude to the diaspora, calling it \u201cthe strongest and most sincere ambassador of Greece abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also placed particular emphasis on the Cyprus issue, urging the international community to show the same sensitivity toward Cyprus\u2019 ongoing occupation and division as it does toward other contemporary crises, including Ukraine.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreece and the diaspora remain on the right side of history, standing for justice and freedom,\u201d Kaklamanis said. \u201cIt is not right that the civilized Western world, for 50 years, has acted as if it does not see and does not hear that an occupying army keeps a European Union country divided in two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Elpidophoros praised the role of the diaspora as a force committed to the ideals of democracy and freedom, highlighting the pride shown by younger generations of Greek Americans who, despite distance and time, maintain strong ties to their heritage.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Kaklamanis visited the Saint Demetrios Greek American School in Astoria, which has 378 students, where he toured the facilities and spoke with students.<\/p>\n
He also attended a doxology service at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero, followed by a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan attended by members of the diaspora and a ceremonial unit of the Presidential Guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a few days ago I turned 80 years old,\u201d Kaklamanis said. \u201cI did not expect that today would be the most emotional moment of my 80 years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n