The Deputy Foreign Minister for Diaspora Greeks, Antonis Diamataris, held a meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Friday morning at the headquarters of the Archdiocese. The deputy minister said that the Greek government would always support the important and timeless work of Orthodoxy and Greek diaspora carried out by the Archdiocese of America.
Archbishop Elpidophoros warmly welcomed Antonis Diamataris, accompanied by the Greek Consul General in New York, Konstantinos Koutras, during their first private meeting since the Archbishop’s enthronement and Diamataris’ taking up his duties.
“I was a great pleasure to visit Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as spokesperson for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. As you know, all the issues related to Church outside Greece falls within the competence of Deputy Foreign Minister.
We discussed the serious problems he ‘inherited’ and expressed full support in his efforts,” said Antonis Diamataris, who sang the praises of the Archbishop of America.
On his part, Archbishop Elpidophoros referred to the enduring friendship with Antonis Diamataris, welcomed his appointment to the Greek government and stressed that this meeting would be only the beginning of a whole series of working-level contacts over the coming years.
“We had excellent cooperation with Diamataris – I wonder, how could it be otherwise – because our ideas, our visions, our plans for Greek community and Orthodoxy are completely identical not only to his views but also to those of the Greek government.
“I am excited that Diamataris comes from Constantinople, because Constantinople is not only my beloved homeland but also the place where my spiritual father, our Ecumenical Patriarch sacrifices himself, along with all the hierarchs in Constantinople, in order to protect the pillars of our Orthodox tradition in a country in difficult. However, the flexibility and creativity of our Patriarch and all of the hierarchy of Constantinople is eloquent proof that our Patriarchate continues to successfully lead the way in world forum,” concluded Archbishop Elpidophoros.
SOURCE: The National Herald
