It was with particular pleasure that I met today with the head of Orthodoxy in the U.S. We had a very heartfelt discussion of issues that have to do with Diaspora Hellenism and the difficult state of affairs our homeland is facing at this time.
I was very moved by the words of support and the initiatives the Archbishop is undertaking, mobilizing the Greek American community to support and stand at the side of an embattled Greece and its people, who really have undergone great sacrifices so that our country might meet its obligations and, mainly, regain its status, its footing and orientation, and move with confidence and certainty within the great European family.
We are moved by his encouraging words and support, as I have already said. At the same time we had the opportunity to look at the whole range of issues that concern both the Greek American community and the course of our homeland. I briefed His Eminence on everything that is happening right now, on the efforts the government is making, the sacrifices the Greek people are making, and the need for this national effort to be supported by everyone. History teaches us that we must all be unified in solidarity in these difficult times if we are to maintain the necessary social cohesion and our national unity, which has always been a prerequisite for our managing major victories in the face of difficult situations like the one Greece is facing right now.
So the message from the Archdiocese is an optimistic one, and I see that it represents and expresses our compatriots here as a whole. And from us, accept the assurance that we will always stand by your work, Your Eminence, on this great mission that ensures the necessary unity of our people. Both at home – in Greece – and abroad. Thank you very much.
September 27, 2012