New York – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over commemorations of the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The event took place on March 25, 2021 and was live-streamed on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America social media channels and broadcast on television. In accordance with COVID measures, in place during this time in the USA, this celebration was a hybrid event, with both in-person participation and speeches, as well as speeches via video.

The event began with a Doxology, or a Service of Thanksgiving, presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros, and was followed by live musical presentations, speeches and videos. George Stephanopoulos, Chief Anchor for ABC News, served as Master of Ceremonies, and award-winning actor Dennis Boutsikaris provided narration to videos featuring historical and modern themes on the Revolution of 1821 and its relevance to our modern day.

Among the speakers were the President of the United States of America Joseph Biden, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Dina Titus and Congressman Gus Bilirakis. Also addressing the gathering were the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Leader of the Official Opposition Alexis Tsipras, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, and representing the Greek-American Omogenia was John Catsimatidis, Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council, and George Horiates, Supreme President of AHEPA – American Hellenic Education Progressive Association. 

Among the dignitaries representing the religious, diplomatic, public, civic and private sectors were His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Former of America, and His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America.

Musical presentations were offered by Karolina Pilou, Principal Artist at The Metropolitan Opera of New York, Stefanos Koroneos, International Baritone and Artistic Director of Teatro Grattacielo, The New York Notables Trio, and the Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir.

The program, in its entirety, can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/goarch/videos/vb.82109183847/374668033521000/?type=2&theater.

Additionally, a number of New York iconic buildings and bridges were lit up in blue and white on March 25^th, 2021 in celebration of 200 Years of Greek Independence: namely, One World Trade Center, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, and Niagara Falls.

Source: www.goarch.org