During his visit to Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland from June 12 to 18, 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yannis Loverdos conveyed a message of support from the Greek government to the Greek American community and of strengthening ties with Greeks Abroad. During the visit, he had a series of meetings with members of the Greek-American community who excel in their fields and informed them about the Greek government's initiatives for the Greeks Abroad.
On the first day of his visit to Chicago, Mr. Loverdos met with His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and reiterated the State's continued support for the Metropolis' multifaceted work. He also met with the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, Mr. Auxentios (Endy) Zemenidis. On Friday, June 13, he visited the National Hellenic Museum and the Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center. The following day, he visited the Center for Hellenic Studies at the University of Chicago and was briefed by the Director, Ms. Giannakidou. The Deputy Minister highlighted the initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen Greek Studies, which promote the Greek language and culture and enhance Greece's international influence.
Mr. Loverdos then participated in the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation's scholarship award ceremony. After congratulating the scholarship recipients, he noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' efforts to connect the new generation of expatriates with Greece through scholarships, hospitality programs, and student exchanges.
The visit of the Deputy Minister to Chicago concluded on Sunday, June 15, with his participation in the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago and in the Greek Festival of the Saint Demetrios community in Elmhurst. There, he had the opportunity to talk with members of the Greek community, emphasizing the contribution of the Greek community organizations to the preservation and dissemination of Greek cultural tradition and heritage to younger generations. He also visited the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre.
On the occasion of his visit to Chicago, the Deputy Minister met with the Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Mr. Koumparakis, and officials of the Consulate General and was briefed on the digital consular services aimed at upgrading services to citizens.
The visit continued with Mr. Loverdos traveling to Detroit and Cleveland. This is the first visit by a Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to the two cities. On Monday, June 16, the Deputy Minister visited Detroit, where he met with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and was informed of the spiritual, humanitarian, and educational work of the Metropolis. Later, he laid a wreath at the monument of Dimitrios Ypsilantis in the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan, a timeless symbol of philhellenism. During the open discussion that followed at the Parish of St. Nicholas, he presented the objectives and actions of the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, emphasizing the strengthening of Greek communities around the world and the development of a meaningful and reciprocal relationship with the Greeks Abroad. During his stay in Detroit, he also visited the Hellenic Museum of Michigan, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Detroit, and Greektown.
On Tuesday, June 17, the Deputy Minister traveled to Cleveland and participated in an event at the Greek Cultural Garden, attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh. He was given a tour of the Georgia Pappas Hellenic Cultural School and was briefed on the school’s activities and the work of local associations. In his address to members of the Greek-American community, the Deputy Minister praised the valuable contribution of Greeks Abroad to Greece's progress and to promoting its international image. Finally, he stressed that the Greek State has placed the Greek Diaspora at the center of government policy.
June 20, 2025