New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted a reception to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Greek independence at Gracie Mansion on Tuesday, welcoming representatives of the Greek American community, clergy, diplomats and prominent members of civil society.
The event began with remarks by Zach Fritsching, First Deputy Commissioner in the Office of Mass Participation, who referred to the city’s “wonderful relationship” with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and thanked it for its cooperation in organizing the reception.
The Consul General of Greece in New York, Ambassador Iphigenia Kanara, thanked the Mayor of New York for the invitation and hospitality, describing the occasion as both a “tribute to the enduring ideals of freedom and self-determination” and a remembrance of the “profound and difficult struggle” of the Greek Revolution. He stressed that the 1821 struggle was marked by “sacrifice”, “resilience” and an “unshakeable faith in human dignity”, noting that its ideals continue to resonate today.
Kanara also underlined the enduring bond between Greece and New York City, paying tribute to the contribution of the Greek American community to the civic, cultural and economic life of the city. From Astoria to Manhattan and beyond, he said, generations of Greeks and Greek-Americans have helped shape the “economic vitality, cultural richness and social fabric” of New York City.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, addressing the guests, expressed appreciation to the Mayor and the city for recognizing Greek Independence Day. He said the Greeks of New York City “deeply appreciate” the Mayor’s familiarity with the community and the way he has embraced its traditions, faith and presence in the city. He highlighted the role of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as a spiritual and cultural focus for the Greek American community, bringing together organizations from across the spectrum of civic, educational, professional and philanthropic life.
The Archbishop stressed that the Greek American community is rooted in faith while remaining broad in its contributions to New York, valuing “education, service, professional excellence” and commitment to the common good. He linked the celebration of Greek independence to the Feast of the Annunciation, saying the legacy of 1821 continues to affirm freedom, religious liberty and human dignity.
New York City Mayor Mamdani welcomed guests to Gracie Mansion, emphasizing “Long Live Greece” and noting that New York City mayors have long commemorated Greek Independence Day, from past participation in the Greek Independence Day Parade to receptions at City Hall. He said New York City is home to more Greeks than anywhere else in America and praised the community’s daily impact on the city, from its democratic ideals to the cultural life of neighborhoods like Astoria.
New York City is home to more Greeks than anywhere else in America and praised the community’s daily impact on the city, from its democratic ideals to the cultural life of neighborhoods like Astoria.
After greeting Archbishop Elpidophore, Consul General Ambassador Iph. Kanara, the Consul General of Cyprus K. Poyatzis, the Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Ambassador Ag. Balta and the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Ambassador Maria Michael, spoke warmly of the Greek community spirit, saying that during the recent Greek Independence celebrations he was impressed by the “friendship” that connects New York and Athens and fills Fifth Avenue during the annual parade.
He also said that independence is “the people’s work” and linked the theme of the Greek struggle for freedom to his administration’s commitment to supporting New Yorkers, including through child care and small business protection. Speaking also as a former State Assemblyman for Astoria and Long Island City, he recalled Greek-owned businesses and personal ties to the community, and paid tribute to Greek-American New Yorkers who serve the city, including NYPD officer Anastasios Sakos, who was killed in the line of duty and was recently honored with a street renaming in Astoria.
