Many of Washington, DC’s most influential, from both political parties and over decades, joined Greek-American leaders from across the country in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Manatos & Manatos.
US policymakers from the White House, State Department, Defense Department, US Congress, and US Courts, as well as thought leaders from the media, universities, and think tanks gathered at the spectacular new Limani restaurant on December 13.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in making remarks about the service of the Manatos family to their community, church, and country with power and purpose. This celebration also marked the over 85 years that a member of the Manatos family has worked in or with the federal government.
Mike N. Manatos arrived in Washington, DC in 1936 from Rock Springs, Wyoming. He worked on Capitol Hill for 25 years and then became the first Greek-American to work in the White House as President John Kennedy’s liaison for the US Senate. His son, Andy Manatos, worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years and then served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce in President Jimmy Carter’s Administration. Mike and Andy started Manatos & Manatos in 1983. Andy’s son Mike A. Manatos joined the firm in 1990. Andy’s other son, Tom Manatos, worked for Nancy Pelosi for 10 years and is now Block’s Head of Federal Affairs.
Archbishop Elpidophoros noted:
“For forty years as an organization, and for more than forty more as a force for good in Washington, DC, this family has served our country and most certainly the interests of our Diaspora. The founders of Manatos and Manatos, Andy and his father Mike N. Manatos, who was a legendary figure in service to our nation here in the Capital City, brought about a uniquely Greek presence within the American halls of power. The namesake, Mike A. Manatos, is now the third generation to carry on the family tradition of excellence in the age-old and truly Hellenic art of the πόλις.
All of us have benefited from our association with this remarkable family. Their passionate advocacy for Hellenism – for Cyprus, for Greece, for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and our Sacred Archdiocese of America – is well known throughout the land. Their forty-year sojourn is filled with historic wins and stories of their championing our every cause.
As Archbishop, I feel delighted to express on behalf of the entirety of the Omogeneia, our highest esteem and gratitude for the service they have brought to the community. May their success and accomplishments be even greater in the next forty years, and in the generations to come.”
Speaker Emerita Pelosi added:
“On so many occasions I have said that the Manatos family is the all-American family. When it comes to patriotism, when it comes to values, when it comes to family, they are so remarkable.”
Photos: Kaz Sasahara