With everything going on, Kimberly Guilfoyle is set to visit Greece soon. In Athens, certain circles had attempted to portray her as an apolitical figure—someone with loose White House ties but no real diplomatic interest or influence. However, her recent testimony before U.S. senators proved just the opposite.
She came across as capable, respectful of Greek national issues, and impressively well-versed in the region’s geopolitical dynamics—much to the discomfort of those who had tried to downplay her role.
And it showed. Their unease was obvious. Why? Because it spoils their game if someone else comes along with “connections” to the White House. Having “access to the White House” and being a “gateway to Trump” has become a full-time… business for many over the years.
Well coached
When it comes to Church affairs—an area of particular interest to this column—the new U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, appears to be particularly well-informed, thanks to two reliable sources.
On the one hand, there’s her personal friend, John Catsimatidis, a prominent figure in the Greek-American community. On the other, the Marafatsos brothers: Christos Marafatsos, a key Republican supporter who played an active role in Donald Trump’s election campaign from the U.S. and has long capitalized on his ties to the party, and his brother, a businessman active in Greece.
The Marafatsos brothers are said to be closely advising Guilfoyle, briefing her regularly on developments involving Greek business leaders, politicians, and Church affairs. According to sources, they were instrumental in introducing her to Archbishop Ieronymos. In fact, it is reported that Guilfoyle and the Archbishop had their first phone call even before she officially assumed her duties in Athens.
Therefore, the new ambassador arrives well-informed about the existing balances, the diplomatic implications involving the Church (particularly in Alexandroupoli and Thrace), and the clergy’s social influence on a wide range of issues.
Melchizedek
*Published in the newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia”
