EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). For yet another year, Greek Independence Day was celebrated at the White House, at a moment when the strategic alliance between Greece and the United States appears stronger than ever.
The two nations—both global maritime powers, one dominant in military capability and the other in commercial shipping—are bound by an exceptional partnership. A striking example of this cooperation is the expansion of American LNG across global markets. Planning for this trade began more than two decades ago, when major U.S. energy companies and Greek shipowners first collaborated in Texas. Today, that long-term vision has materialized: the Greek-controlled fleet of highly specialized and capital-intensive LNG carriers now approaches 250 vessels.
The celebration itself was, in many respects, picture-perfect—as the accompanying video illustrates. However, it was difficult to overlook that President Donald Trump appeared visibly fatigued, likely reflecting the weight of current geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran.
At the same time, AB Elpidophoros once again relied on familiar rhetoric, presenting himself as an “Ethnarch,” a national leader of the Greek American community. This characterization is neither accurate nor broadly accepted. His primary role remains that of a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a “Turkish Religious Institution”, a country whose priorities rarely align with those of the Greek American community.
Particularly noteworthy was the reference to St. Nicholas at Ground Zero. The original church, which was destroyed on September 11, once prominently displayed both the American and Greek flags. Despite repeated calls from community leaders, the restoration has not included the reinstatement of these two flags—a decision that continues to raise concern and disappointment. To this day, double-faced Elpidophoros says one day he has no problem with the two flags, and the next day he refuses to go ahead and do it… Yet, he demands to be in charge of the “Evzones” (Greece’s Presidential Guard) every year… And parade them around St. Nicholas – the same church where the main national symbols, the flags, are not allowed… What a hypocrite!!
BELOW THE FULL VIDEO OF THE WHITE HOUSE CEREMONY… We will comment on the usual circus of the “invitees” later…
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It was an improvement on the “gift” that Elpidoforos offered to Trump this year. Which was just a prayer. After the shameful, sycophantic gift of a golden cross that he gave Trump last year, full of bling, as if it was going to be worn by a rapper, plus Elpidoforos’ wish that Trump “wins with the cross” as another Constantine the Great, which probably gave Trump the idea to threaten to invade and actually invade other nations, a gift of a prayer is certainly an improvement.
On St Patrick’s day, the Irish president visits the White house. No religious figures, even though the Bishop of Washington is Irish. Why can’t we have the president or prime minister of Greece visit, instead of religious figure? I would think that Karloutsos and the archdiocese would not even consider such a “downgrade”, of no longer acting as representatives of Greek Americans, who, in their great majority are not even members of the church
Happy Day for Greece. Sad day for many others around the world. Money talks.
Elpidoktonos is a TURK!
of course he doesn’t want the Greek (Christian) flag around.