ALBANY, NY – GNUSA
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senator James Skoufis, along with Assemblymembers Michael Tannousis, and John Lemondes honored Greek Independence at the State Capitol in Albany, NY on March 19, welcoming once again His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, who offered invocations before both houses of the state legislature.
The anniversary of Greek Independence was also observed with the passage of a resolution (2025-K228) proclaiming March as Greek History Month in New York State.
His Eminence also met with President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heastie and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hunter.
“As New York State legislators of Greek American descent, it is with great pride that we welcome you to our Annual Greek Heritage Event in Albany, NY that celebrates the anniversary of Greece’s independence and highlights the special role that Hellenism plays in the fabric of our State’s communities”, the five Greek American legislators stress in a joint message, adding that “The relationship between our nations runs very deep. Many Greek Americans in New York are proud to call both countries their home”.
The festive event /reception was graced by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in New York, Ifigenia Kanara and Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Michael Fyrillas.
“The great State of New York has been blessed in many ways, including through the presence of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; it serves as a beacon of moral and ethical guidance throughout the hemisphere from its Manhattan headquarters”, states, inter alia, the resolution, adding that “the State of New York is further enhanced by its long-standing partnership with the Federation of Hellenic -American Societies, which continues its tradition of strong leadership within the Greek American community”.
Addressing the attendees, Archbishop Elpidophoros noted: “We are here to celebrate the commemoration of the Greek War of Independence, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Hellenic Republic, the successor to the Democracy of Athens, which flourished over two thousand five hundred years ago. But the Greek people never forget their own history, their roots. The Immortal Heroes of 1821 knew that they were the fruits of an ancient vine, one that was grafted on to Christian Orthodoxy, and thus became both a spiritual and political reality”.
Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R,C-Staten Island/Brooklyn) who introduced His Eminence to the Assembly chamber, presented an honorary proclamation to Greek American Maria Vasaka-Monioudis – a health care business leader who has dedicated over 28 years to Pfizer Inc- recognizing her contributions to the Greek-American community.
Senator Michael Gianaris presented a proclamation to Chef Spiros Sidorakis and Faye Lambrianides (on behalf of her mother, Maria), owners of the Agnanti Restaurant.
Dr. Anthony P. Danas also was honored with a proclamation by State Senator James Skoufis as well as Peter Manolakos, the parish council president of St. Sophia’s Church in Syracuse was honored with a proclamation by State Assemblyman John Lemondes.
A highlight of the event was the dance performance by children from St. Sophia Church in Albany, NY dressed in Greek in traditional costumes.
