We discussed a lot of things, from the significant progress being achieved by Turkey and its impact on Greece, to the state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the... Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, as well as top stories in the U.S. and worldwide.

I was impressed by his mind, the depth and breadth of his knowledge, his cultivation, and his ability to make his way deep into the upper echelons of society.

I felt proud of that our children have been able to make significant lives for themselves through their own merits and their passion for giving back to society.

I was happy that they haven't forgotten their parents (I was moved to tears twice as he spoke about his late parents) and their heritage, including their language.

But I was also saddened. Where are these children, I thought to myself. Why don't they come closer to the Greek American Community, our national issues, our events, dances, parades? We desperately need them.

The answer is that we apparently don't engage them psychologically, spiritually. They are in their world, and we in ours. The bridge that brings us together is the bridge of memories. But that is not enough.