The inauguration ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Greece in New Orleans took place on September 14, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis, Honorary Consul John Dennis Georges, Mayor of New Orleans Helena Moreno, and representatives of the Greek-American community.

In a video message, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis referred to the historically distinctive place of New Orleans in the history of the Greek Diaspora in the United States of America, highlighting the city's contribution to the formation and development of the Greek-American presence.

The State of Louisiana continues to be home to an active, dynamic and thriving Greek community, which has become fully integrated into American society while maintaining strong and enduring ties with Greece.

The operation of the new Honorary Consulate constitutes another important step in strengthening the historic ties between Greece and the Greek diaspora in Louisiana, as well as in further deepening Greek-American relations.

As early as the first decades of the 19th century, New Orleans was one of the most important points of entry and settlement for Greeks in the United States. In 1864, the city became the seat of the first Greek Consulate in the United States, headed by Nikolaos Benakis, following a relevant decree issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

The reopening of a Greek consular presence in New Orleans, through the new Honorary Consulate, reflects Greece's commitment to further strengthen its presence and ties with the Greek diaspora, while also contributing to the further development of bilateral relations between Greece and the United States.

September 15, 2026