On Friday, September 26, 2025, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America held several important meetings at the Archdiocese headquarters in New York City.
First, the Archbishop welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Theoharis of Greece, who was in the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly’s annual meetings. Their discussion, among other matters, touched on the 11-day visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States, which concluded Thursday, September 25. The Archbishop conveyed his best wishes for the successful conclusion of the minister’s visit.
Then, Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed Stavros Papastavrou, Greece’s Minister for the Environment and Energy. In their discussion, the minister expressed optimism about a new era in Greek–American relations as U.S. investment in energy comes into focus. His Eminence offered his warmest wishes for success in carrying out such a critical portfolio.
Next, the Archbishop warmly welcomed Dimitris Avramopoulos, member of the Hellenic Parliament and former European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship.
The Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit, during which the Ecumenical Patriarch met with President Trump, senior political and business leaders, and members of the Greek American community. Avramopoulos expressed his appreciation for the important role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and of the Archdiocese, calling it a vital eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne.
