The inauguration of Annapolis, Maryland Mayor-Elect Mike Pantelides on Dec. 2 is drawing a prestigious crowd, including Greece’s Ambassador to the United States, Christos P. Panagopoulous, as well as Congressman John P. Sarbanes, a Democrat who represents the Annapolis area, and who also has Greek heritage and also will speak at the ceremony.
Pantelides released a preview of the inaugural program via social media that showed a list of other local politicians and ministers who will be present for the administration of the oath of office.
Besides speeches from Panagopoulos and Sarbanes, Cyprus’ Counsel Neophytos J. Constantinou, will attend to honor the swearing-in of Pantelides, whose grandparents immigrated from Greece and Cyprus in the 1940s.
The event will also feature an invocation from a Greek Orthodox priest and a color guard from the Boy Scouts. Pantelides is an Eagle Scout.
Pantelides is Republican, so there will be many Republicans represented, including Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman and State Sen. Ed Reilly of Crofton, who will be the master of ceremonies and even one of the state’s most powerful Democrats – House of Delegates Speaker Michael E. Busch – also will offer remarks, the Baltimore Sun said.