President Biden hosted the Greek Independence Day Reception on Thursday at the White House stressing the strong bonds of friendship between Greece and the United States.
Biden, greeted his Greek-American guests with a speech during which he did not fail to remind everyone once again that his close ties with Greece gave him his “Greek” surname, “Bidenopoulos”.
He referred to the early years of his political career as Senator for Delaware and the contribution of the Greek American community in his rise to power.
“I don’t remember the exact number of votes, but I think all the Greek-Americans in Delaware voted for me. That’s why I got the Greek nickname I’m proud of, ‘Bidenopoulos,’” he said.
In the presence of prominent Greek-Americans and friends of Greece from the political, business and artistic worlds, Biden said the anniversary of Greek Independence is a special day for America, too.
“The fathers of the American nation studied the ancient Greek thinkers; our revolution of 1776 drew inspiration from them. 45 years later, Greek patriots fought for their own independence. That’s why the anniversary of Greek Independence is a special day for America, too. Our countries are connected. We share values, we share inspiration, we share the belief that anything is possible.”
“We believe that anything is possible if we, the people, join forces for the common good. The bonds between us are rooted in history,” the US President said.
“But they are even more alive today, in this very room. Today we keep those ties alive. People in Greece, people in the United States. It is not enough to inherit democracy. We must become its defenders. We must make every generation a champion. We have to be champions,” Biden added.
Elpidophoros thanks Biden on Greek Independence Day Reception
Addressing President Biden Archbishop Elpidophoros of America said “You have long been a close and trusted friend of the Greek-American family, and we consider you to be one of our very own, even from those very early days in Wilmington.”
The head of the Greek Orthodox Church in America hailed Biden’s efforts to defend democracy, championing freedom and the sovereignty of Nations.
“As sons and daughters of the Mother Church of Constantinople, whose longest-serving leader in history, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, counts you, Mr. President, as a beloved friend – we thank you for your unwavering support of the purely spiritual mission of our Ecumenical Patriarchate,” Elpidophoros said.
He also thanked him for his commitment to Greece and to Cyprus, and for a “just and peaceful solution to this Island Nation, that has been scarred by a violent invasion and forced division for half a century, a solution that will abide by the international law and a rules-based international order. We are on your side, Mr. President, just as you are on the side of democracy and liberty.”
Last week Biden issued a proclamation marking Greek Independence Day on March 25th as “A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.”
The proclamation, issued by the White House, commemorated the deep historical bonds between Greece and the US. It highlighted their shared efforts during World War II, when both nations fought against the forces of fascism. Additionally, it underscored their unity during the Cold War, as they worked together to overcome the threat of communism.
The US has the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece itself with a diaspora population of roughly three million.
Oh you know…. Just hanging out at the White House with His Eminence Archbishop @Elpidophoros and @frevagoras @MikeManatos celebrating the glory of Greece and her independence! Ζήτω Ελλάς! pic.twitter.com/pnxRW1oFSi
— Father Elias Villis (@FrEliasVillis) April 5, 2024
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