Despite his tight schedule, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis asked his team to make every effort to find time to visit ‘Greek’ Astoria, where a large part of the Greek-American community of New York still resides.

“Let’s organize a gathering in Manhattan,” some of his team suggested. “Let’s do it at the consulate, like in the old days,” others said.
“You’ll be meeting with Erdoğan before, maybe you won’t have time,” they pointed out.

He was unwavering.

His second meeting with representatives of the Hellenic diaspora in Astoria during his premiership – his first took place in September 2019 at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria and was the largest in decades – was held at a spacious and well-known restaurant in Astoria – Anassa.
Even though it was midday, the turnout was significant.

Many members of the Greek community from the New York metropolitan area left work to meet him, to listen to him, and to shake his hand.
This is the story. The warmth and trust that the Diaspora expressed towards him, with him fully responding in return.
In fact, I had the impression from the way he spoke to them that he knew almost everyone from previous visits, both as Prime Minister and long before he became Prime Minister. Such was the familiarity.

As if we were his next-door neighbors…

Representatives of our Church were also present, including the Archbishop, who recited the Lord’s Prayer, and Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, the former priest of the St. Demetrios community in Astoria.

Continuing what he started in Washington, the Prime Minister awarded medals of the Hellenic Republic, a high honor, to three distinguished members of the diaspora – two others were unable to attend.

This is a rightful, fair, and nationally important decision by Greece, recognizing and honoring the contribution of the Diaspora to the nation, and in this way, strengthening even more the ties between Greece and the Diaspora, inspiring them to continue their efforts and increase their contributions.

Lastly, but not least, from the Prime Minister’s speech – whose full text you can find in our Greek Edition, along with many photographs – I take note of the emphasis he placed on improving consular services, inviting to the stage the new Consul General of New York, Ifigenia Kanara, about whom he spoke with words of highest esteem.