Pan Cretan Association of America honours Patriarch of Alexandria

The Pan Cretan Association of America honored Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa at a dinner in New York Sunday evening.

Patriarch Theodore, who was born in Crete, was enthusiastically welcomed by the Association’s leadership, who shared that the purpose of their organization was to encourage and promote the continuation of Cretan culture and traditions.

Speakers included the Association’s President Iakovos Boutzoukas and Past President Ioannis Manos. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Consul General at the Consulate of Panama Georgia Athanasopulou also each offered welcome remarks.

Afterwards, Archbishop Elpidophoros and Patriarch Theodore addressed the gathering. Archbishop Elpidophoros remarked that many of the great hierarchs of the Church hail from Crete including Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis, who also established the Archdiocese of America.

Patriarch Theodore expressed his thanks to all those who came to see him, a fellow Cretan. He remembered, with fondness, his childhood years on the island.

Following the presentation of remarks, a men’s singing group performed traditional Cretan songs, while two children’s dance troupes performed Cretan dances in traditional dress attire.

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

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