Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted a reception this evening at Gracie Mansion in honor of Greek Independence Day and Greek Heritage Month, and proclaimed the week of March 25th Greek Independence Week in commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the Greek declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Mayor presented this year's proclamations to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and William Stathakos, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.

"Greek Independence Day is an important day for New York City's Greek-American community," said Mayor Giuliani. "Greece was the birthplace of democratic ideals and its independence from the Ottoman Empire marked a triumph of these cherished ideals over tyranny and oppression. The many contributions of New York City's Greek communities have made New York City immeasurably stronger. I am pleased to declare March 25th Greek Independence Week in New York City, and I am looking forward to marching in the parade this Sunday."

Also joining the Mayor tonight were Consul General of Greece Demetrios Platis; Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Elias Gounaris; Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Fotios-Jean Xydas; and distinguished members of the Greek-American community.

This Sunday, March 25th, Mayor Giuliani will march in the Greek Independence Day Parade along Fifth Avenue. The Parade is organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, an organization comprised of more than 190 cultural, regional, labor, church, civic, professional and other organizations.