Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 1999

Release #107-99

Contact: Colleen Roche/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI SALUTES THE GREEK COMMUNITY ON THE 178TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

Hosts Annual Greek Independence Day Reception At Gracie Mansion

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Dimitris Avramopoulos, the Mayor of Athens, along with hundreds of members of the Greek community at a reception celebrating the 178th anniversary of the Greek declaration of emancipation from the Ottoman Empire.

"Greek Independence Day is an important holiday not only for those of Greek descent, but for all who cherish the development of modern democracy," the Mayor said. "Ancient Greece is the birthplace of democratic ideals and the emancipation of Greece from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821 - after 400 years of tyrannical rule -- was a reassertion of the fundamental values of liberty upon which Greek civilization was founded."

"Ever since their early days of settlement in New York, Greek Americans have left their imprint on our City through their contributions to the arts and their inspirational devotion to hard work and civic responsibility. They are a quintessential example of how the immigrant experience has enriched and renewed New York City with each successive generation. New York is proud to be the home of the largest Greek community in the United States," the Mayor added.

The Mayor was also joined by the Very Reverend Gabriel Karambis, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; George Georgopoulos, President of the Federation of the Hellenic Societies of Greater New York; Ernie Anastos, Co-Anchor, UPN 9 News, WWOR-TV; and distinguished members of the Greek Community.

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