NEW YORK – (Photos: GNUSA/Tom Galanis)
On Thursday, September 20, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America warmly received the President of Cyprus, His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, at the headquarters of the archdiocese. This is the President’s first official visit to the United States in his capacity as elected leader of Cyprus.
Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed the President of Cyprus, congratulated him on his election and said that the hopes of Hellenism rested on him, wishing him the blessing of the Lord to bring good days to Cyprus. “The pain of Cyprus is the pain of all Hellenism.”
In his response, the President of Cyprus said: “I certainly could not be in New York without visiting you. Taking into account the timeless role that the archdiocese plays, particularly in the United States, which constitutes the connecting link for our diaspora. As you know very well, we are counting (on our diaspora to support us) in our efforts to end the Turkish occupation and (achieve the) reunification of Cyprus. Forty-nine years is way too many.
“At the same time, despite the difficulties and problems, we do not forget, and this effort will only end when the blessed hour of reunification comes. »
At the end of their meeting, His Eminence declared: “Receiving President Christodoulides was a profound honor. We discussed our continued collaboration with the Cypriot community in the United States, a community enriched by its distinguished members and faithful supporters of our Church. I expressed the unwavering commitment of our Church and the Hellenic American community to the President’s efforts for a just resolution for Cyprus, one that aligns with many United Nations Security Council resolutions and on international law, guaranteeing the preservation of fundamental freedoms and human rights for all.
Additionally, Archbishop Elpidophoros and President Christodoulides explored the archdiocese’s proposal to renovate the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Archdiocese of Astoria and name it “Cyprus House.” In partnership with Cypriot organizations, this venue aims to highlight the history and culture of Cyprus, introducing it to Greeks in America and the broader New York community.
Mr. Christodoulides was accompanied by Ms. Philippa Karsera – First Lady, Mr. Konstantinos Letympiotis, Government Spokesperson, Mr. Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Evangelos Savva – Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States America, Mr. Marios Lysiotis, Diaspora Commissioner, Mr. Doros Venezis – Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President and Mr. Michalis Firillas – Consul General of Cyprus in New York.
Source: (GOA)
