GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215 Web: http://www.goarch.org Email: communications@goarch.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2007
Contact: Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos Tel.: 212.774.0244
HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OF AMERICA VISITS WITH DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF GREECE THEODORE KASSIMIS
ATHENS, Greece - Mr. Theodore Kassimis, Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, yesterday met with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, with whom he shares a close working relationship. Apart from discussing many issues that generally pertain to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and to the Greek American Omogenia, they also spoke about specific areas of collaboration concerning the strengthening of the Greek culture and language.
After their private meeting, Mr. Kassimis welcomed the Archbishop by saying, "I am joyful to receive His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios in my office and to discuss issues that concern Greek Americans and the strengthening of Greek education, culture, and language. I am especially thankful to Archbishop Demetrios for describing to me the tremendous work of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. I believe that our close collaboration will provide wonderful results!"
"On behalf of the entire Greek Government," added the Foreign Minister, "I would like to express appreciation for the wonderful work of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. We pledge to do our part in assisting him in strengthening the appreciation of the universal Greek culture and spirit in America."
In response, Archbishop Demetrios expressed his thankfulness to his distinguished friend, Mr. Kassimis, for taking the time to meet with him once again. "We not only discussed issues pertaining to all Greeks abroad but, most specifically, to those living in America. I am particularly grateful for the foreign ministerâ??s realism and for his faithful dedication to the successful accomplishment of whatever he promises to undertake!
He is concerned with our Hellenic College and Theological School of Holy Cross and generally with all issues that pertain to Greek culture and education. To reiterate what Mr. Kassimis has already stated," added Archbishop Demetrios, "we have the basis to proceed forward, to the best of our abilities, with works of quality as well as quantity, because we need both in view of our great educational needs and perspectives."
Accompanying the Archbishop are Father Nicholas Triantafilou, President of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; Father Frank Marangos, Executive Director of Communications for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; Mrs. Aliki Keurian, Director of the Office of the Archbishop; Mr. Stavros Papagermanos, Editor of the "Orthodox Observer"; and Deacon Nathanael Symeonides. Dr. Lily Macrakis, Dean of Hellenic College, also attended the meeting with Mr. Kassimis.