NEW YORK, NY – [Photos by GreeceInWashington / FB]
The Honorary Consulate of Greece in New Orleans [with jurisdiction over Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi] was inaugurated on September 14 in the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexandra Papadopoulou, marking the restoration of a Greek consular presence in a city of particular historical significance for the Greek community in the United States.
The ceremony was also attended by Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis, Honorary Consul John Dennis Georges, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and representatives of the Greek-American community.
In a video message, Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis highlighted New Orleans’ unique place in the history of the Greek Diaspora in the United States.
Nearly 200 years ago, New Orleans was among the first points of entry and settlement for Greeks in America. In 1864, the city became home to the first Greek Consulate in the United States, led by Nikolaos Benakis, following a decree issued by President Abraham Lincoln. That same year marked the opening of Holy Trinity Church in New Orleans, the first Greek Orthodox church in the United States—an important milestone in the history of the Greek-American community.
Today, Louisiana remains the home of a vibrant, dynamic Greek community, fully and successfully integrated into American society, driven at the same time by an unwavering desire to maintain and strengthen their ties with Greece.
