In a joyous and deeply emotional wedding ceremony, Michael Bilirakis, the eldest son of prominent Greek-American Congressman Gus Bilirakis, exchanged vows with his beloved Sofia Poulos at the historic Church of St. Anastasios in Nafplio, Greece.
The picturesque coastal city provided a stunning backdrop for the wedding, which brought together family, friends, and dignitaries from both sides of the Atlantic.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis, a steadfast advocate for Hellenism in the US Congress and a conservative legislator with close ties to Donald Trump, beamed with pride as he accompanied his son. The traditional ceremony was infused with a profound sense of cultural heritage, reflecting the deep roots of the Bilirakis family, which traces its origins to the Greek island of Kalymnos.
The sacred rite was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, with the presence of Father Epiphanios from Tarpon Springs, Florida—a vibrant center of Greek Orthodoxy in the United States and home to a significant portion of the Bilirakis family.
Guests included relatives and friends who traveled from Kalymnos, Athens, and the USA, resulting in a truly global celebration of their shared heritage.
Following the heartfelt vows, a beautiful wedding reception was held in the heart of Nafplio, with the azure sea providing a breathtaking setting. “Congratulations to my oldest son, Michael, and his new bride, Sophia! We are blessed to welcome such a wonderful daughter into our family. I wish you a life full of love and unforgettable moments,” shared Gus Bilirakis.
Michael is one of four children of Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Michael Bilirakis is one of four children of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and his wife Eva Lialios, who married in 1991; his siblings are Teddy, Emmanuel, and Nicholas. He is also the grandson of the revered legislator Michael Bilirakis, who left an indelible mark on both the Greek Diaspora and US Congress.
Congressman Bilirakis himself is a devout Orthodox Christian, regularly attending divine services in both Florida and Washington. Last year, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis honored Bilirakis with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix Award.
The Order of the Phoenix, first established in 1926, is awarded to Greeks who have distinguished themselves in the fields of public administration, science, commerce, industry, shipping, and the arts & letters. It is also conferred on foreigners who have contributed to enhancing Greece’s stature abroad in the aforementioned fields.
The wedding also drew notable political figures from Greece, including former Minister Panos Kammenos and his wife, Julia, former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, and current Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, further underscoring the significance of this union and the enduring ties between Greek-American and Greek political landscapes.
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