TRENTON, NJ – [Photos: Douglas John Photography & Metropolis of NJ]
On March 23, 2026, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey delivered the Invocation for the New Jersey State Assembly session on the occasion of the statewide Greek Independence Day Flag Raising.
The event was sponsored by State Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. The Greek American community was represented at the State House by members of AHEPA, the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey, the Metropolis Council, and the Daughters of Penelope.
Prior to the Assembly session, His Eminence joined by Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara, clergy of the Metropolis, and representatives of the Greek‑American community gathered in the State House committee rooms, where they were warmly received by New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell.
James Kontolios, former Ridgefield Councilman, opened the session by introducing His Eminence, Consul General Kanara, and Assistant Secretary of State Adel Wilson. After the opening prayer led by His Eminence, Zenon Christodoulou, Supreme Vice President of AHEPA, offered remarks on the remembrance of the Greek Revolution before opening the floor to Assistant Secretary Wilson.
Wilson presented a proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day to His Eminence and Consul General Kanara on behalf of Governor Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Governor Caldwell. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude for their presence and noted that the Greek‑American community has played an integral role in the civic life of the State of New Jersey, greatly impacting the state through involvement in education, business endeavors and culture.
Consul General Kanara thanked Wilson for the proclamation, saying that the “Greek Revolution drew ideals from the American Revolution, that the power to rule should lie in the hands of the people,” and noting that “the two countries still stand together as strategic allies in this time of conflict”.
His Eminence then shared his remarks on Greek Independence Day, saying that the faith and courage of the Greek freedom fighters is still relevant today, and especially since the celebration “coincides with the great Feast of the Annunciation,” we are provided with “a sacred reminder that freedom begins with faith and courage, the courage to say “yes” to God, to truth, and to what is right”.
Following the proclamation, the delegation proceeded to the State Assembly Chambers, where Speaker Craig Coughlin introduced His Eminence. In offering the invocation before the session, His Eminence prayed that “as these elected leaders gather in deliberation, grant them clarity of mind, integrity of heart, and a spirit of unity, so that all their decisions may reflect what is right, just, and for the common good”.
Speaker Coughlin then invited Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese to present the Resolution honoring the 205th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution. Calabrese recognized the Greek‑American community and commended the Hellenic American Heritage Commission for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Greece and the United States.
Assemblyman Calabrese then invited Consul General Kanara to address the Assembly, where she spoke about the deep interconnectedness between the Greek and American Revolutions and the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Following the address, the youth of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ performed a traditional Greek dance and song for the Assembly.
