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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion tonight in honor of Greek Independence Day, and proclaimed March Greek Independence Month in commemoration of the 179th 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 George Georgopoulos, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.
"Greek Independence Day is an important day not only for New York City's Greek-American community, but for all who cherish the development of modern democracy," Mayor Giuliani said. "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 contributions of New York City's Greek communities, like all of our immigrant groups, have made New York immeasurably stronger. From the pulsating streets in Astoria to the many Greek-owned churches and businesses thorough the five boroughs, New York City is home to the largest Greek population in North America."
Also joining the Mayor tonight were Secretary of the National Archdiocesan Council Peter Pappas, Consul General of Greece Demetrios Platis, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Pantelakis Eliades, and distinguished members of the Greek-American community.
On Sunday, Mayor Giuliani will march in the Greek Independence 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.
www.ci.nyc.ny.us