New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence, attended by leaders from the Greek-American community, the Church, the diplomatic corps, and civil society.
In his address, Mayor Mamdani welcomed the guests to Gracie Mansion with a resounding “Zito i Ellada” (Long live Greece). He noted that New York City mayors have a long-standing tradition of honoring Greek Independence Day, whether by marching in the Fifth Avenue parade or hosting events at City Hall.
Mamdani emphasized that New York is home to more Greeks than any other city in the United States, praising the community’s lasting influence on daily life—from democratic ideals to the cultural vibrancy of neighborhoods like Astoria.
During the event, the Mayor extended a warm welcome to Archbishop Elpidophoros, Consul General of Greece Ifigenia Kanara, Consul General of Cyprus Constantinos Poyadjis, the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN Ambassador Angeliki Balta, and the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN Ambassador Maria Michael.
He spoke warmly of the community’s spirit, noting that during recent Greek independence celebrations, he was deeply moved by the bond of friendship connecting New York and Athens, which visibly fills Fifth Avenue during the annual parade.
The Mayor remarked that independence is “the work of the people,” linking the Greek struggle for freedom to his administration’s commitment to supporting working-class New Yorkers through policies like child care and small business protections.
Mamdani’s tribute to Greek-Americans
Speaking as a former State Assembly Member representing Astoria and Long Island City, he reminisced about local Greek-owned businesses and the personal ties he has built with the community.
Finally, Mayor Mamdani paid tribute to Greek-Americans who serve New York City, making special mention of NYPD Officer Anastasios Sakos, who lost his life in the line of duty and was recently honored with a street co-naming in Astoria.
🇺🇸🇬🇷 BREAKING —
Zohran Mamdani Praised Greek Culture.
“From the democracy that we cherish and work to uphold, to the aromas of lamb souvlaki…” pic.twitter.com/M3ob26HflY
— Pamphlets (@PamphletsY) May 6, 2026
Historic bonds between Greece and New York
The event opened with remarks by Zach Fritschinger, First Deputy Commissioner at the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement. He highlighted the city’s “wonderful relationship” with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and thanked them for their collaboration in organizing the reception.
The Consul General of Greece in New York, Ambassador Ifigenia Kanara, thanked the Mayor for his hospitality. She described the event as a “tribute to the enduring ideals of freedom and self-determination,” and a reminder of the “profound and challenging struggle” of the Greek Revolution. She noted that the revolution of 1821 was defined by “sacrifice,” “resilience,” and an “unwavering belief in human dignity”—ideals that continue to resonate strongly today.
Ambassador Kanara also emphasized the historic bonds between Greece and New York, paying tribute to the Greek-American community’s contributions to the city’s political, cultural, and economic life. From Astoria to Manhattan, she noted, generations of Greeks and Greek-Americans have helped shape New York’s “economic vitality, cultural richness, and social fabric.”
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