As “a child of our Diaspora who respects and appreciates the role of our Church,” deemed Stephanos Kasselakis Archbishop Elpidophoros of America during their meeting in the United States.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with Stephanos Kasselakis, a prominent figure within the Greek American community and the leader of the opposition party SYRIZA Progressive Alliance, during his visit to the United States.
The meeting took place in the headquarters of the Archdiocese of America in New York, where Kasselakis participated in the March 25 anniversary celebrations and parade.
Expressing admiration for Kasselakis’s commitment to Greek Diaspora values, Archbishop Elpidophoros highlighted his respect for the role of the Church in their conversation. Kasselakis, in turn, shared his experiences of participating in the festivities, emphasizing the importance of unity within the global Greek community. He expressed his honor at being part of such events and reiterated his dedication to promoting Hellenism through his political endeavors.
For his part, Kasselakis referred to the meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros as “an enlightened man who is a model of the inclusive, progressive, solidarity role that the institution of the Church can play – I recall the zeal with which he pioneered the Black Lives Matter movement.
I have made it clear from the beginning that I believe.
But my faith is one thing, and the necessary regulation of the relationship between the state and the church so that they have distinct roles is another, as I have also said from the outset and as we will do if I am elected.
With wise steps, with love, with understanding, Greece will become a modern European country where the two institutions will function in parallel and independently”.
During his stay in New York, Kasselakis also engaged in various activities, including attending a luncheon with representatives from investment and financial institutions, as well as holding meetings with the leadership of the political party DSA New York. Additionally, he traveled to Washington, where he met with Congressman Chris Pappas of the Democratic Party, further strengthening ties between the Greek American community and political leaders.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas / Ioanna Georgakopoulou
