A meeting between the Speaker of the Greek Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America took place in New York in an atmosphere of deep emotion and national uplift, within the framework of the commemorative events for Greek Independence Day and the established parade on Fifth Avenue.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of wishes and gifts, with Kaklamanis inviting the Archbishop to Athens for an official reception at the Hellenic Parliament.
Earlier, the Speaker visited the Greek school of St. Demetrios in Astoria (elementary, middle, and high school), which has 378 students. He was given a tour of the facilities by the director, Vasilis Skordas, and held discussions with students in a particularly emotional setting.
The Speaker also attended the Doxology held at the Church of St. Nicholas at Ground Zero.
He then attended the Greek flag-raising ceremony at the historic Bowling Green in the Wall Street area. The event, which was attended by a large number of members of the Greek diaspora, holds particular significance as it takes place in the presence of a detachment of the Presidential Guard (Evzones), symbolizing the strong presence and economic influence of Hellenism at the world’s financial center, and serves as a prelude to the major parade on Fifth Avenue.
Also present at the events were Member of Parliament Thanasis Papathanasis and Giorgos Gavrilos.
Photos: Press Office of the Hellenic Parliament / EUROKINISSI
