Bilirakis Accepts Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Washington, DC:  Earlier this week, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with the Honorable Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, to accept the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix Award.  The Order of the Phoenix, first established in 1926, is awarded to Greeks who have distinguished themselves in the fields of public administration, science, commerce, industry, shipping, and the arts & letters.  It is also conferred on foreigners who have contributed to enhancing Greece’s stature abroad in the aforementioned fields.  During his tenure in the United States Congress, Representative Bilirakis has served as an unwavering leader in nourishing the special bond between the US and some of its most steadfast allies in the Mediterranean with the goal of thwarting existential threats from bad actors in the region.  Bilirakis serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs and the founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance (CHIA).  In this capacity, he co-authored the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, which were both signed into law.  The laws strengthened the defense partnership between the United States and Greece, by supporting Greek military modernization and multilateral security efforts between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States. 

“As the grandson of Greek immigrants, I am proud to be one of nearly two million Americans who are fortunate enough to be able to claim Greek ancestry. As the birthplace of democracy, Greece’s long and rich heritage has greatly influenced Western philosophy and democratic political systems around the globe. For more than two centuries, the modern Greek state has promoted liberty, peace, and human rights and has played a critical role as an ally of the United States and a steadfast NATO partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.  As a proud Greek American, inspired by my heritage, I am honored to receive this award and will continue my work to ensure mutual peace and prosperity for both our nations,” said Congressman Bilirakis.