Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos addresses the official Enthronement Luncheon of the new Archbishop of America, His Eminence Elpidophoros (New York, 22 June 2019)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos represented the Greek government at the official Enthronement Luncheon of the new Archbishop of America, His Eminence Elpidophoros.

Addressing the new Archbishop during his brief remarks, Mr. Katrougalos stated that Hellenism, united, welcomes him with enthusiasm and hope, noting that it was not just the Evzones who came from the Presidential Guard to underscore this message, but, among others, the Cypriot Ambassador who had just concluded his address, sending this message to Hellenes throughout the world.

Mr. Katrougalos expressed his certainty that His Eminence’s election marks a new era of unity, cohesion, quality, ministry and, mainly, social and national contribution to Greeks abroad and all Hellenism. And this, Mr. Katrougalos stressed, is because of the pan-human nature of Orthodoxy, whose message is not limited to just one nation and one people, noting the fact that the history and culture of Hellenism share a common course with Orthodoxy.

Mr. Katrougalos underscored that in Greece we do not believe in the “clash of civilizations” but in dialogue, the common values of freedom, solidarity and love that capture the essence of Orthodoxy’s message. Mr. Katrougalos then referred to the initiatives Greece has taken for the interfaith dialogue – especially in the Middle East and for the protection of the Christian minorities there – as well as for the dialogue between ancient civilizations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stressed that the Archdiocese of America will enjoy the full support of the Greek state in cultivating spiritual life and Hellenic culture, with education and social and cultural activities spearheading this effort, through the Archdiocese’s network of parishes, schools and other foundations. He made special reference to the new Archbishop of America’s statement that ties are being forged with the American nation – bridges of friendship that link us with this great country – emphasising that the message of Orthodoxy, of Hellenism and of the Greek language is in no way incompatible with forging ties with the great American people.

Mr. Katrougalos underscored that Greece places great hopes in the new Archbishop, expressing certainty that his leading and coordinating role will rally and unite Hellenism, and will strengthen the support of overseas Hellenism for the homeland and for Cyprus in the current difficult state of affairs, which requires vigilance, composure, concerted action and, above all, the unity of all Hellenism.

Finally, Mr. Katrougalos assured the new Archbishop that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the whole of the Greek state will unwaveringly continue to provide every possible assistance to the Holy Archdiocese of America, wishing him an untroubled Primacy, strength from God, and good luck in his historic work.