Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni with whom she has been friends for many years.
The minister congratulated the Archbishop and expressed her joy at his election as shepherd of the Archdiocese at a time when the Archdiocese faces many problems and in particular the rebuilding confidence in cooperation among the Diaspora Greeks. Towards this direction, the Church can play the leading role.
The two sides discussed the participation of the Archdiocese of America in the anniversary events, prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and its regulated entities on the bicentennial anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence.
The Archbishop informed the minister that he intended to set up a special committee to prepare proposals, which would be sent to the Ministry of Culture for further discussion. He spoke in great depth about the involvement and role of the clergy in the Greek Revolution of 1821, and the contribution of American philhellenes to the Struggle for Independence.
Lina Mendoni added that it was important to relate the spirit of the American Revolution to the principles and humanistic values of freedom and democracy promoted by the culture of Classic Greece. She also agreed that this aspect of the Greek Ear of Independence, that is the involvement of American philhellenes in the Struggle, should be highlighted, as it is very important for the Greek diaspora.