The president of the New Democracy Party Kyriakos Mitsotakis was saddened by the news of the passing of Emmanuel (Michael) Jaharis and expressed his sorrow and sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, their children and grandchildren, to Archbishop Demetrios of America and the Archdiocesan Council, and by extension to the Greek-American community.

The president of New Democracy, because of his studies in America and the close contacts he has maintained over the years with the community,  knows better than anyone in Greece of the significance of the multifaceted action and contributions made by Jaharis to the Church, and to the cultural and higher educational institutions of America .

Mitsotakis knows all about Jaharis’ philanthropic endeavors in America and in Lesvos, where he has roots, and in behalf of the Greek people who have been mercilessly hit by the economic crisis. He has rightly been called a “benefactor of the Greek people.”

The full text of the statement of Kyriakos Mitsotakis follows:

“With sadness I was informed about the death of Emmanuel (Michael) Jaharis, one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Greek-American community.

He fought passionately for the preservation of our principles, our faith, and our culture in the US.

And with his many substantial donations, especially during the years of crisis, he became a benefactor of the Greek people.

To his wife Mary, and their relatives I express my deep condolences. “