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Orthodox Observer - April 5, 1997 President Welcomes Archbishop Spyridon to White House
PRESIDENT BILL Clinton welcomed Archbishop Spy- ridon to the White House on March 26 to present him with a Proclamation cele- brating Greek and Ameri- can Democracy on the oc- casion of Greek Indepen- dence Day observances. (Official White House photo) NEW YORK — A warm and cordial atmosphere prevailed as President William Clinton welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon to the Oval Office in the White House on Wednesday, March 26 for the presentation of a proclamation commemorating: Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. The Archbishop then presented President Clinton with a beautiful book showing the iconography and buildings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Obviously moved the President commented as he leafed through the book, "you know we love icons, thank you very much". They discussed the visit of Mrs. Clinton and Chelsea to the Patriarchate two years ago and the upcoming Patriarchal visit to the United States by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in October. The President said that he was looking forward to welcoming him to the White House. Accompanying the Archbishop were: Ambassador of Greece to the United States Loucas Tsilas, member of the Greek Parliament and former Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Niotis; Andrew Athens, president of World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); Dr. Spiro Macris, president of the Order of AHEPA; and Andrew Manatos, president of the National Coordinated Effort. Invited to join the ceremonies by President Clinton were White House staff members: Sylvia Mathews, Deputy Chief of Staff; Victoria Radd, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Staff and Richard Socarides of the Public Liaison Office. His Eminence remarked on how proud the community was of all the Greek American appointments by the President and said: "As the patriots of the American and Greek revolutions offered their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for their belief in freedom and democracy, the Greek American community today stands always ready to serve in every possible way the needs of our blessed country. May the spirits of 1776 and 1821 mingle together to inspire all of us to ever serve our nation with self sacrifice and dignity."
His Eminence's Remarks Mr. President, I take this opportunity, on the occasion of the feast of the of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and the 176th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence for the Greek nation, to thank you for opening the doors of the White House to the Greek American community. It is with a feeling of joy and thanksgiving that we meet with you, Mr. President, to assure you of the constant prayers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for you and your family. As the patriots of the American and Greek revolutions offered their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for their belief in freedom and democracy, the Greek American community today stands always ready to serve in every possible way the needs of our blessed country. May the spirits of 1776 and 1821 mingle together to inspire all of us to ever serve our nation with self-sacrifice and dignity. Again, I thank you Mr. President, and wish to you and the First Family a blessed Easter filled with the grace and peace of the resurrected Lord Jesus.
[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1126 - April 5, 1997 - p. 1 ]
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