Metropolitan Apostolos Delivers Invocation at New Jersey State Assembly for Greek Independence Day

Celebration includes proclamation, remarks, and cultural performance by Greek-American community

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:09am

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A cinematic painting of the New Jersey State House in warm, golden light, with deep shadows creating a sense of solemnity and history, conceptually representing the significance of the Greek Independence Day observance.The annual Greek Independence Day celebration at the New Jersey State House reflects the enduring cultural ties and shared democratic values between the Greek-American community and the state government.Trenton Today

On March 23, 2026, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey delivered the invocation before the New Jersey State Assembly in observance of the New Jersey Statewide Greek Independence Day Flag Raising, marking the 205th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The event, held at the New Jersey State House, was sponsored by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.

Why it matters

The annual Greek Independence Day observance in New Jersey celebrates the enduring contributions of the state's Greek-American community and the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States that were inspired by the Greek Revolution.

The details

The program commenced with opening remarks, an invocation by Metropolitan Apostolos, and remarks from Zenon Christodoulou of AHEPA. Assistant Secretary of State Adel Wilson presented an official proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day on behalf of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Consul General of Greece Iphigenia Kanara accepted the proclamation and highlighted the continued alliance between Greece and the US. Metropolitan Apostolos reflected on the spiritual significance of the celebration, and Assemblyman Calabrese presented a resolution honoring the 205th anniversary. The program concluded with a cultural performance by youth from St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

  • The event was held on March 23, 2026.
  • The Greek Revolution being commemorated occurred 205 years ago.

The players

Metropolitan Apostolos

The Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey who delivered the invocation at the event.

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese

The New Jersey state legislator who sponsored the Greek Independence Day observance.

Iphigenia Kanara

The Consul General of Greece in New York who participated in the event.

Zenon Christodoulou

The Supreme Vice President of AHEPA who offered remarks at the event.

Adel Wilson

The Assistant Secretary of State who presented an official proclamation on behalf of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

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What they’re saying

“It serves as a sacred reminder that freedom begins with faith and courage—the courage to say 'yes' to God, to truth, and to what is right.”

— Metropolitan Apostolos, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey

“The Greek Revolution drew inspiration from the American Revolution, affirming that power belongs in the hands of the people.”

— Iphigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York

What’s next

The New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission will continue to organize the annual Greek Independence Day observance at the State House, further strengthening ties between the Greek-American community and state government.

The takeaway

The Greek Independence Day celebration in New Jersey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring contributions of the state's Greek-American community and the shared democratic values that unite Greece and the United States, which were inspired by the Greek Revolution 205 years ago.