NYC: New York City Mayor Eric Adams welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and hundreds of Greek Orthodox New Yorkers to a reception at Gracie Mansion, celebrating the Greek Heritage and the contributions of Greek Americans to the New York City. This year Mayor Adams honored three distinguished individuals from the Greek-American community for their service to NYC, Ms. Margo Catsimatidis, Mr. Demetrius Kalamaras and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia.
Christian Pappas
At the event that took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the Mayor for this thoughtful tradition saying, “On behalf of the Greek Orthodox People of New York City, and indeed, the National Archdiocese of America, whose headquarters is not too far from Gracie Mansion, allow me to express to you our gratitude and appreciation for the City’s recognition of Greek Independence Day, March 25, 1821. On Sunday, March 30th, we shall once again march up Fifth Avenue with pride and joy, waving the National Banners of Greece and Cyprus, and we look forward to you joining us and the mighty Evzones. The Hellenes of Twenty Five Hundred Years ago brought forth the concept of Democracy to the world, and ever since, women and men of good courage and integrity have endeavored to perfect the democratic model of Athens. Today, we join hands with you to make of our City a better place for all its citizens, and we thank you for honoring three exceptional individuals.”
From his part Mayor Eric Adams said: “It is amazing when we come here year after year and celebrate the real presence and vibrancy that the Greek community has brought to this great city and your eminence. I thank you for being here.
We've walked side by side many times, not only at the parade but on other crucial issues and I thank all of you. This community has been extremely supportive throughout the years. From my days as Brooklyn borough president, state senator, and now here as the mayor of the City of New York, the Athens of America, New York City.
Largest Greek population in this country is right here in our city and your presence here, you grace us in Gracie Mansion each year celebrating those from your communities who have contributed so much to this city. I want to welcome all of our foreign dignitaries who are joining us tonight as we do this important celebration.
Your presence and the Greek presence in this city is so significant across our whole city, from Bay Ridge to Brooklyn to Astoria and Manhattan. We've got someone from Brooklyn. From the architect to the taverns to the literature in our schools or even our coffee cups is representative of your history here.
Greek Americans and Greek New Yorkers have been shaping our city since 1844 and nothing personifies that more to me than the presence of our Greek law enforcement officers. Some of them are here tonight. They bring about the public safety in our city and at the end of the month, the colorful display of culture and spirit and energy, we will walk together down Fifth Avenue to celebrate Greek Independence Day.
Over two centuries ago, the spirit of the Greek people inspired the Western world when you rose up against the Ottoman Empire and continue to show you are resilient and you will never, never succumb to any form of tyranny. You gave us democracy and freedom. You gave us the spirit and energies we've read from your scholars and we learn from your beats in medicine and we will continue to be inspired from today for the great things that the Greek people have done to the city and this country.
We are the greatest city on the globe because we have the greatest people on the globe. And this has been the spirit and energy of this administration to bring about productivity, affordability and make sure this is a place where we can raise healthy children and families.
And so I thank you today as we celebrate Greek Independence Day and lift up our honorees who will be supporting in this evening. Thank you so much.”
Honored persons were the Bishop of Diocleia, Mr. Nektarios
Ms. Margo Catsimatidis, the wife of the Greek-American billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis, who described the Greek-American community as one big family.
And the former president of the Federation of Greek Associations of Greater New York and vice president of the Board of Directors under the Municipality of Siokis, Mr. Dimitrios Kalamaras.
