The annual Greek Independence Day reception was held at the White House on Wednesday. It is a special honour afforded by the US government to Hellenism, as the Greek and Irish communities are the only ethnic groups in the US that celebrate their national anniversary at the White House every year. This particular event, in addition to its strong communications aspect, offers a first-class opportunity to the Greek-American community to convey messages to the US political leadership.
US President Joe Biden met with his Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The two sides had a private meeting, in which the Archbishop reportedly asked for US support in protecting the religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. According to sources, the Archbishop described the change in the climate observed in Greek-Turkish relations as hopeful, expressing the belief that this thaw in relations can be the starting point for the removal of Turkish troops and an end of the illegal occupation in Cyprus.
The US President also referred to the common cultural ties that connect the two countries, as well as the ancient Greek ideals, which inspired the founding fathers of American democracy. Bearing this in mind, he explained that he considers it particularly fitting that the Second Summit for Democracy began in Washington on the same day that the anniversary of Greek independence was celebrated at the White House.
