NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosts Greek Independence celebration

New York: Zohran Mamdani hosts event for 205 years since Greek Independence

Greek Consul General in New York, Ambassador Iphigenia Kanara thanked Zohran Mamdani for the invitation and hospitality, describing the occasion both as “tribute to the enduring ideals of freedom and self-determination” and as a reminder of the “profound and difficult struggle” of the Greek Revolution. She emphasized that the 1821 struggle was marked by “sacrifice,” “resilience” and an “unwavering faith in human dignity,” noting that its ideals continue to resonate today.

NYC Mayor Mamdani Hosts Greek Independence Reception at Gracie Mansion. 🇬🇷 🇺🇸

Celebrating Greece’s Independence, observed annually on March 25th. pic.twitter.com/D7lIdlEbnp

— eyeheartgreece (@eyeheartgreece) May 5, 2026

Special reference to the enduring bond between Greece and New York

Ms. Kanara also highlighted the enduring bond between Greece and New York, paying tribute to the Greek-American community’s contribution to the city’s civic, cultural and economic life. From Astoria to Manhattan and beyond, she noted, generations of Greeks and Greek-Americans have helped shape New York’s “economic vitality, cultural richness and social fabric.”

What Archbishop Elpidoforos of America said

Archbishop Elpidoforos of America, addressing the guests, expressed appreciation to Zohran Mamdani and the city for recognizing Greek Independence Day. As he noted, New York Greeks “deeply appreciate” the Mayor’s familiarity with the community and the way he has embraced its traditions, faith and presence in the city. He highlighted the role of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Greek-American community, bringing together organizations from across the spectrum of civic, educational, professional life and philanthropy.

The Archbishop emphasized that the Greek-American community is rooted in faith, while remaining broad in its contribution to New York, valuing “education, service, professional excellence” and commitment to the common good. He connected the celebration of Greek independence with the Feast of the Annunciation, saying that the legacy of 1821 continues to affirm freedom, religious liberty and human dignity.

Mamdani’s welcome

Zohran Mamdani welcomed guests to Gracie Mansion, emphasizing “Long live Greece” and noting that New York City mayors have long honored Greek Independence Day, from previous participation in the Greek Independence Parade to receptions at City Hall. He mentioned that New York hosts more Greeks than anywhere else in America and praised the community’s daily impact on the city, from its democratic ideals to the cultural life of neighborhoods like Astoria.

After greeting Archbishop Elpidoforos, Consul General Ambassador Iphigenia Kanara, Cyprus Consul General K. Pogiatzis, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Agathia Balta and Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Maria Michail, Mamdani spoke warmly of the Greek community spirit, saying that during recent Greek Independence celebrations he had been impressed by the “friendship” that connects New York with Athens and fills Fifth Avenue during the annual parade.

“Independence is the work of the people”

He also noted that independence is “the work of the people” and connected the theme of the Greek struggle for freedom with his administration’s commitment to supporting New Yorkers, including through childcare and protecting small businesses.

Speaking also as a former State Assembly member for Astoria and Long Island City, he recalled Greek-owned businesses and personal ties to the community, while paying tribute to Greek-American New Yorkers who serve the city, including NYPD officer Anastasios Sakos, who was killed in the line of duty and was recently honored with a street renaming in Astoria.

Mayor Mamdani Hosts Greek Independence Reception at Gracie Mansion https://t.co/vIKJ7hv9UG

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 5, 2026