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March 31, 2019

Pope in Morocco Contradict Jesus as He warns Catholics off converting others

Pope in Morocco warns Catholics off converting others

Pope Francis on Sunday warned Catholics in Morocco against trying to convert others to boost their small numbers, during a rare visit by a pontiff to the North African country.

Speaking in Rabat's cathedral on his second day in the Moroccan capital, Francis insisted trying to convert people to one's own belief "always leads to an impasse".

"Please, no proselytism!" he told an audience of around 400, who greeted the pope's arrival by ululating and applauding, while hundreds more gathered outside the cathedral.

Wild Thing's comment.........

Un-fricking-believable

The false pope blasphemes again. Christ Commanded us to spread the faith.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:19-20

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
—Mark 16:15

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.
—Psalm 96:3

So, the pope thinks he can over rule Jesus and nullify the great commission.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pope Francis says homosexual tendencies are ‘not a sin’

Pope Francis smiles during a meeting with Catholic priests and other Christian representatives in the cathedral of the capital, Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, March 31, 2019.

Pope Francis says homosexual tendencies are ‘not a sin’

Pope Francis has said that homosexual tendencies “are not a sin,” while encouraging parents who begin “seeing rare things” in their children to “please, consult, and go to a professional,” because “it could be that he [or she] is not homosexual.”

Asked about his famous soundbite “Who am I to judge?”, the pope said, “Tendencies are not sin. If you have a tendency to anger, it’s not a sin. Now, if you are angry and hurt people, the sin is there.”

“Sin is acting, of thought, word and deed, with freedom,” Francis said.

Asked by Spanish journalist Jordi Evole if he thinks it’s a “rarity” for parents to have a homosexual child, the pope answered that “in theory, no.”

“But I’m talking about a person who is developing, and parents start to see strange things … Please consult, and go to a professional, and there you will see what it is and may not be homosexual, that is due to something else,” he said.

Francis also said that in his opinion, it’s usually challenging for a family to have a homosexual child, as they can be “scandalized by something they don’t understand, something out of the ordinary … I’m not making a judgement of value, I’m doing a phenomenological analysis,” he said.

The pope’s words came in response to a question about comments he made last summer, when he said parents who detect their children have homosexual behaviors should take them to a psychiatrist.

Wild Thing's comment.........

Forget that this idiot is a Pope a so called leader of his church head of his church, I know of no Christian that would say this about sin. God speaks very clearly about sin in the Bible Those that continue to stay in the Catholic church should t last pray for their Pope to get closer to God and read the Bible.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 30, 2019

Pro-LGBT Abp. Wilton Gregory may be new archbishop of Washington, Vatican hints

Pope Francis is expected to appoint Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta to serve as the next Archbishop of Washington, multiple sources have independently reported to CNA. Gregory would become the seventh Archbishop of Washington, succeeding Cardinal Donald Wuerl.

Pro-LGBT Abp. Wilton Gregory may be new archbishop of Washington, Vatican hints

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 29, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) — The Holy See has indicated that pro-LGBT Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta may be appointed as the next head of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., sparking controversy among some Catholic conservatives.

An official announcement could come as early as next week, although Vatican sources have hedged their bets, suggesting to the Catholic News Agency (CNA) that his appointment is “subject to change.”

Gregory will succeed Cardinal Donald Wuerl, who stepped down in the aftermath of last year’s Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report on clergy sexual abuse when it appeared he was continuing a pattern of obfuscation and cover-up.

One Catholic lay group expressed grave “reservations” about about the appointment of Archbishop Gregory as archbishop of Washington.

“We urge the Holy See to seek out a worthy candidate who is without ties to Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Mr. Theodore McCarrick, or Donald Cardinal Wuerl,” Catholic Laity for Orthodox Bishops and Reform stated in a press release.

“Archbishop Gregory was a protégé of Cardinal Bernardin in Chicago, where he first became an auxiliary bishop. Cardinal Bernardin left a legacy of dilution of Catholic teaching and subversion of the fight to protect unborn babies and their mothers,” the group added.

The group said the Archdiocese of Washington has already suffered enough “through nearly 20 years of failed leadership.”

“First, under a Cardinal Archbishop who has finally been expelled from the clerical state for his predation on minors and adults under his jurisdiction, then under a Cardinal Archbishop who last October had to plead with Pope Francis to accept his resignation because of his failure to protect minors from priests who were sexual predators and his prevarications and evasions regarding his predecessor in Washington,” the group stated.

“The Archdiocese of Washington needs a worthy shepherd with a proven record of teaching and practicing the fullness of the Catholic Faith. We need a robust leader for Catholicism, with the Heart of Christ, focused on the Gospel message, not liberal politics,” they concluded.

Pope Francis has taken his time naming a successor to Wuerl, presumably because of the strategic importance of the national capital archdiocese, which entails interaction with powerful high-profile politicians, pundits, lobbyists, and others.

Gregory is no stranger to Washington, having served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from 2001 to 2004.

It was during his tenure as USCCB head that clerical sexual abuse first rocked the Catholic Church in the U.S., resulting in the Dallas Charter, which, while providing guidelines for dealing with abusive priests, left abusive prelates unchecked.

Along with now defrocked former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Gregory misrepresented the contents of a letter from Cardinal Ratzinger, then the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which counseled American prelates to deny Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion during the 2004 presidential campaign season. They instead paraphrased the letter, telling their brother bishops that they should exercise their own judgment regarding pro-abortion politicos. The U.S. bishops ended up voting 183-6 to leave the decision up to each diocese.

More recently, as head of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Gregory has displayed an uncritical willingness to accept LGBT ideology in defiance of the Church’s Magisterium.

Last year, Gregory personally invited pro-gay Vatican adviser Fr. James Martin to give a speech titled “Showing Welcome and Respect in Our Parishes to LGBT Catholics” at both St. Thomas More Parish and at Atlanta’s Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

“During a 2017 visit to Washington, Archbishop Wilton Gregory, the reported next Archbishop of Washington, mentioned his support for James Martin, SJ’s Building a Bridge,” noted one Twitter user. “He called Fr. Martin a wonderful Jesuit and called the book a wonderful book.”

Gregory has permitted the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to act as a center for LGBT events, including LGBT potluck socials and participating in the city’s Pride Parade. Since 2014, he has also allowed the pro-homosexual and pro-transgenderism “Catholic” group, Fortunate and Faithful Families, to hold retreats in his Atlanta Chancery, while personally saying Mass for the group.

The shrine’s pastor, who has shown himself to be at home operating within Atlanta’s gay subculture, was chosen by Archbishop Gregory to serve as a spiritual director for victims of sex abuse for the archdiocese.

In 2017, Archbishop Gregory gave the keynote address at the Association of United States Catholic Priests (AUSCP) conference. The group backs the ordination of women to the diaconate and is open to the idea of the Church approving the use of contraception.

Archbishop Gregory has proven to be an avid supporter of Amoris Laetitia, signaling a willingness to allow divorced and “remarried” Catholics to receive communion.

As news of Archbishop Gregory’s pending appointment to head the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. seeped into the public square, some took to Twitter to criticise the pope’s choice.

“The reported appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory to Washington will be widely welcomed (especially in the media),” said Damian Thompson, editor-in-chief of the Catholic Herald. “Let's hope he’s an outstanding success. But it’s worth noting that Rome is sending a clear message to conservative US Catholics. Read their tweets.”

“Unshocking pick,” declared Catholic commentator and author Patrick Coffin. “According to the late Dr. Richard Sipe (who rejected Catholic teaching on homosexuality, mind) the proposed Wuerl replacement is strongly presumed to be homosexual. Who am I to judge?”

Wild Thing's comment.............

What totally sick church nd it seems no attempt is being mde to follow the Bible on what God has said about all of this.

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March 29, 2019

Pope Francis set to give ‘historic speech’ involving ‘persons of same sex’, leaked letter claims

March 29, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – Pope Francis will meet on April 5 with several LGBT advocates about the matter of the decriminalization of homosexuality where he will then give a “historic speech … relevant to the subject matter,” according to several sources who have a leaked letter about the event to back up their claim.

French sociologist and book author Dr. Frédéric Martel, who is an open homosexual, reported about the event on his website, referencing a letter of invitation to the event that was addressed to an LGBT activist. LifeSiteNews obtained a copy of the letter.

The letter – dated March 4 and signed by Professor Raúl Zaffaroni and Dr. Leonardo Raznovich – is an invitation in the name of a Coordinating Committee of a research project regarding "criminalisation of sexual relations between persons of same sex in the Caribbean."

It asks the individual addressee (a pro-LGBT activist at the U.N.) to join a “private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis to be held on 5 April 2019 at the Vatican City at 12.00 noon.”

During that audience, the letter states, “the Chair of the Coordinating Committee, Professor Raúl Zaffaroni, Justice of the Inter American Court of Human Rights, will present to His Holiness the Pope the preliminary results of the research.”

Then the letter says that “Professor Zaffaroni's words will be followed by a historical speech by His Holiness relevant to the subject matter.”

LifeSiteNews reached out to the two signers of the letter of invitation, asking them for further information, but has not yet heard back from either of them. LifeSiteNews also reached out to the Vatican Press Office, asking for a confirmation of this private papal audience, but did not yet hear back.

Martel – a defender of the LGBT agenda – has several sources who confirmed to him the upcoming meeting.

This Committee of a research project regarding the criminalization of sexual relations between persons of same sex in the Caribbean region is a project of the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights, the International Bar Association – a bar association of international legal practitioners, as well as of ILANDU, the United Nations' Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders. All three organizations appear on the letterhead of the leaked letter.

One of the two signatories of the letter, Dr. Raznovich has more information on this project – and its aim of decriminalizing homosexual relationships – in his own personal biography as posted on the website of the Canterbury Christ Church University:

In January 2016, Dr. Raznovich was appointed as Education Officer of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Law Committee of the International Bar Association for the biennium 2016-2017. He is currently an Honorary Visiting Senior Research Fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK and, in such capacity, is undertaking a research project in the Caribbean, the objective of which is to force the remaining ten countries in the Caribbean Region to decriminalise sodomy.

Raznovich's strategy is to perform a comprehensive critical analysis of the on-going criminalisation of homosexuality in the 10 jurisdictions in the Caribbean and to assess the social impact of these mechanisms on the health of LGTBI persons and society at large. The Inter American Institute of Human Rights is the main host of the research in the region. The cost of conducting the fieldwork, analysing the data and preparing the report is to be met by funds that Dr. Raznovich secured from the International Bar Association and the ILANUD. The project has formally started in May 2017 and its completion it is envisage for April 2019."

According to Dr. Martel, Michael Kirby, a former Australian Supreme Court Justice who is living in a civil union with another man, will also be present among the several high-ranking participants of that papal audience. However, another invitee, Edwin Cameron, who is “close to Mandela and a member of the South African High Court, has declined to accept the invitation,” because he fears there will be a lack of concrete steps coming out of this audience.

Zaffaroni is a former judge of Argentina's Supreme Court and a retired law professor at the University of Buenos Aires, and he thus knows Pope Francis from his time in Argentina. Martel calls Zaffaroni “a friend of Pope Francis.” Zaffaroni is a long-standing supporter of the decriminalization of homosexual relationships and he also opposes the criminalization of abortion. Pope Francis, when still the archbishop of Buenos Aires, once invited Zaffaroni, in 2010, to participate as a speaker at a diocesan event on children and youth, something that caused indignation among Catholics at the time.

According to Martel, the April 5 meeting will provide the “pretext” for Pope Francis to speak on the question of the decriminalization of homosexuality. Several sources have told Martel that while Pope Francis cannot “express public support for civil [same-sex] unions” he might, nevertheless, speak up “in favor of a decriminalization of homosexuality.”

This information as given here, says Martel, has been “confirmed to me by several LBGT world leaders who also have been invited to this reunion in a letter (of which I have a copy), from different countries of Africa, North America, and South America.”

However, several sources in Rome have told the French author that they “remain skeptical about a possible evolution of Francis in this matter [of homosexuality].” One source, a Jesuit from Rome, cautioned Martel that this meeting on April 5 is “not officially a conference of the Vatican” and that “there are serious doubts that the Pope will make a major announcement on that occasion.”

Dr. Martel adds that Pope Francis will already make some comments on the matter of homosexuality in a new Spanish interview that will be aired this coming Sunday.

Thus, it will be seen whether or not Pope Francis will deliver a “historic speech.”

Pope Francis recently met with a pro-homosexual Catholic group, posing with them for photos. The group, “LGBT+ Catholics Westminster”, as been appointed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, to provide pastoral care for homosexuals and to promote the normalization of homosexuality within the Catholic Church and seeks to “rid Church and society of systemic, institutional homophobia.”

Giving some background history on the Vatican's position concerning the decriminalization of homosexuality, Martel said that “the Vatican has led, for more than forty years, a worldwide battle against the decriminalization of homosexuality, with the help of all its networks and nunciatures.” In December of 2008 during Pope Benedict XVI's rule, said the French book author, “the Vatican had militated in favor of the upholding of the criminalization of homosexual relations.” Martel says that, at that time, the Vatican developed a “sophisticated” argument according to which “nobody is in favor of the penalization of homosexuality or of its criminalization,” but that those existing texts on human rights are already “sufficient.”

A Reuters report of December 2008 confirms that Vatican's stand at the time, saying that “Gay rights groups and newspaper editorials on Tuesday condemned the Vatican for its decision to oppose a proposed U.N. resolution calling on governments worldwide to de-criminalize homosexuality.” The Catholic Church was, together with the U.S., among those countries rejecting this non-binding declaration seeking to decriminalize homosexuality at the U.N.

According to Martel, the Vatican diplomats “fought against the expressions 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity', which, according to their own view, have no juridical standing in international law. Moreover, to recognize these expressions could lead to a legitimization of polygamy or of sexual abuse, according to those diplomatic cables that Dr. Martel has been able to read.

Furthermore, the French author names three nuncios who are dominant among those who fought this battle against the decriminalization of homosexuality at the U.N.: Archbishop Silvano Tomasi in Geneva, Cardinal Renato Martino and then Archbishop Celestino Migliore before the United Nations in New York. “Pope Benedict XVI, his Secretary of State Cardinal [Tarcisio] Bertone, and then the future Cardinal [Dominique] Mamberti, have been very active concerning this topic.”

“To the general surprise,” said Martel, when it came to the final vote, “the Vatican voted 'no' to the U.N. Declaration on the decriminalization of homosexuality.” Even though it could have abstained from voting (with China or Turkey),” the author added, “the Vatican supported a violently homophobic counter-declaration carried out by Syria, Iran, and even Saudi Arabia.”

In conclusion – and in light of the Vatican's history of dealing with this topic – Dr. Martel said that “Should Pope Francis defend the decriminalization of homosexuality in the Vatican on April 5, it would mark thus a change of a major line of policy concerning the gay question, profoundly breaking with the pontificates of Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedic XVI.”

Dr. Martel has just recently published his book, In the Closet of the Vatican, in which he claims that there is a vast presence of homosexual men among the Catholic priesthood, especially in the Vatican. In one chapter, he presented, as true, the moral corruption that is taking place in the Diocese of Havana, Cuba; and likewise in another chapter, he describes a plan of Pope Francis and his collaborators slowly to change the Church's moral teaching. He also essentially confirmed the report of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò that Pope Francis knew of then-Cardinal McCarrick's own homosexual relationships.

While he clearly has a bias against the more conservative prelates who try to defend the Church's traditional moral teaching – which can be seen in his recurrent innuendoes against them – Dr. Martel nonetheless provides much information since, through his own pro-LGBT stance, he has received many candid reports and open doors in the Vatican over the course of the past four years.

Wild Thing's comment........

Does the Pope read the Bible?

Pedophilia among priests is wrong but all other "homosexual events" have his blessing?? That's nuts. How can Catholics tolerate a man like this? ! his man who calls himself pope is walking away from Christ .

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 23, 2019

Fox & Friends Fox News 3/23/19

God bless President Trump. Another bright new dawn for America! Truth justice freedom prevails. President Trump has given more transparency in this administration then any other administration.

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March 22, 2019

Hannity: The left's favorite conspiracy theory is dead

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No American citizen has been charged with collusion

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President Trump Delivers Remarks at Lima Army Tank Plant

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SUNSHINE STATE: President Trump Spending Weekend at Mar-a-Lago

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President Trump and The First Lady Participate in a Working Visit with Caribbean Leaders

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March 21, 2019

FOX News CAVES To Terrorist Backing Group -Islamic terrorist group demands Fox fire Jeanine Pirro

Fox News appears to be giving in to pressure from Islamic extremists, who are calling on the outlet to fire Judge Jeanine Pirro. One America's Pearson Sharp explains how Fox's decision to pull Jeanine's show is striking at the heart of our democracy.

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March 20, 2019

Trump comments on Kellyanne Conway's 'whack job' husband

Trump comments on Kellyanne Conway's 'whack job' husband

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March 18, 2019

President Trump Attends the Greek Independence Day Celebration

President Trump Attends the Greek Independence Day Celebration

Such a wonderful POTUS, God has blessed us with!

THE PRESIDENT: Wow. That’s a nice crowd of people. So we were just given this great hat. You know what that says? Huh? “Make Greece Great Again.” Right? (Applause.) Right?

Okay. Thank you all very much. A great honor to be here. And so many of my friends celebrate Greek Independence Day.

We’re deeply privileged to have with us His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, who’s been a friend of mine for a long time. (Applause.) It’s a great honor. To all the members of the Greek Orthodox community, welcome to a very, very special place called the White House. You’ve been hearing about it for a long time. You’ll be hearing about it for a long time. But it is a very, very special kind of a home. It becomes home, and there’s nothing like it.

We’re also grateful to be joined by Greece’s Ambassador to the United States, Haris Lalacos. Where’s Haris? Thank you very much. (Applause.) Great job. As well as the Ambassador from Cyprus, Marios Lysiotis. Lysiotis. (Applause.) Hi. How are you? Thanks, Marios. And the appointed Ambassador from the European Union, Stavros Lambrinidis. (Applause.) Thank you very much.

I want to thank the members of my Cabinet for being here also this evening. Thank you to Secretary Alex Azar. Where’s Alex? What a job he’s doing. (Applause.) First time in 51 years, prescription drug prices have come down. First time that’s happened. (Applause.) That’s Alex Azar. Thank you, Alex. Great job.

Secretary Elaine Chao. Where’s Elaine? (Applause.) Great job Elaine is doing. Where is Elaine? Thank you, Elaine.
Secretary Betsy DeVos, who has done fantastically. (Applause.) Thank you. Education. Education. Very important. Right, Betsy?

Acting Secretary David Bernhardt, who’s going to be a permanent secretary very soon. David? Where are you, David? Where is David? He’s here someplace. Thank you, David. (Applause.) Along with Representative Chris Pappas. We really appreciate it very much. (Applause.)

Today, we commemorate the Greeks’ long struggle to regain their independence from a foreign empire. (Applause.) On March 25th, 1821 — it’s true. (Applause.) Yeah, we have an honorary Greek in the room: Mr. Howard Lorber. I call him an honorary Greek. (Applause.) And Harry LeFrak is here someplace, who’s my guy. Hi, Harry. We have a lot of great honorary — they all want to be Greek, you know? (Laughter.) They all want to be Greek.

On March 25th, 1821, Greek patriots rose up and fought to liberate their country, restore their sovereignty, and reclaim their destiny. Right?

This evening, we also celebrate the countless ways Greek Americans strengthen and uplift and inspire our nation. You live by the values that are the foundation of America’s greatness. You really do. You honor hard work. You love your families. You enrich your culture. And you embrace the American Dream and you keep faith in the blessings of Almighty God. And that’s great. (Applause.)

The United States — and all of Western civilization — has been profoundly shaped by the extraordinary achievements of the Greek people, stretching all the way back to ancient times. Long time. It’s a great culture.

Greek poets and philosophers like Homer and Aristotle have helped humanity pursue truth, and virtue, and justice. Ancient Greece achieved extraordinary feats of architecture, geometry, map-making, and so much else that has inspired all wonders of the world. And Greece is the birthplace of democracy. Have you heard that? (Applause.) Have you heard that?

As a famous Greek historian wrote, “Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.” And you are courageous.

In every generation, Greek Americans have summoned the courage to defend our freedom. Today, we are honored to be in the presence of Greek Americans who have served in the American Armed Forces — many, many great Greek Americans — (applause) — including Senior Airman Gregory Manuel, who is currently a reservist with the 42nd Intelligence Squadron. I love that word. Where is Gregory? Where are you, Greg? Look at him. Handsome guy. (Applause.) Handsome guy. Good. Thank you very much for being here, Gregory. And Major Carl Hollister, who served in the Army for more than 20 years. And we’re very proud of Carl. Where’s Carl? (Applause.) Carl? Thank you. Thank you, Carl.

To Gregory and Carl, and everyone who has defended America and its uniform: We applaud your patriotism and we salute your noble service to our nation. We very much appreciate it. Thank you very much. Great job. (Applause.)

Americans of Greek descent have made lasting contributions to every arena of American life — in business, science, education, music, religion, and sports. You know, they didn’t say “sports.” I added sports. (Laughter.) I know a lot of great athletes. It’s true. I added that one. They didn’t have that on. That’s not good. (Laughter.) Going to have to fire that writer. Get out of here. You’re fired. (Laughter.) They’ve done a great job in sports. Great athletes.

Here with us today is George Marafatsos. George was born in the mountains of Sparta, Greece. (Applause.) When he was 10, his family immigrated to the United States. He earned money — a lot of money — helping out his grandfather’s barbershop.

Today, George has built a successful construction business and has served for more than 30 years as a parish councilmember at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Applause.) Where’s George? George? Where are you, George? Good job. Have you made a lot of money in construction, George? Was that better than the barbershop, or did you like the barbershop better? (Laughter.) See, he covers all fields, from barbershops to all sorts of things. Good. That’s great. We love the construction business, too. (Laughter.)

And there’s the great Elaine Chao. Good. Hi, Elaine. Elaine came. I was very upset when I didn’t see you here, Elaine. Secretary of Transportation. She’s fantastic. (Applause.) Maybe George can build you a couple of roads, right? (Laughter.) Under budget and ahead of schedule. Okay?

Also here with us is Aphrodite Skeadas. (Applause.) For more than 40 years, Aphrodite has served the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. (Laughter and applause). I worked on that one. I had to get it right. I don’t know if I did or not, but I tried. (Laughter.) She’s helped lead efforts with more than 20,000 women across the country to feed the homeless, provide scholarships to students, and to help families in times of need.

To Aphrodite and every woman who serves with The Society, thank you for bringing hope to American families. And that’s what you’ve done. Where’s Aphrodite? (Applause.) Where is she? That’s what I thought. Thank you very much. Great job.

Today, we’re also grateful to be joined by Father Kosmas Karavellas. Father Kosmas was born in Greece to parents who had fled communist Albania. When he was five years old, his family arrived in the United States on the Fourth of July. Good day to arrive. When he was a young man, sitting in church, a little girl came up to him and said, “I really love the Christ in you.” Soon after, he decided to become a priest. Where are you, by the way? Right? Right? Where are you? Yes! (Applause.) I knew I liked you when I met you backstage.

Now, for more than 33 years, Father Kosmas has served the Greek Orthodox community in Annapolis, Maryland. Is he doing a good job? Doing good? (Applause.) He said, “Yes!” You’re okay. He said “outstanding,” actually. That’s very good. Can’t do better than that, right? Thank you very much. He helped build a new church, and he’s ministered to countless souls.

Father, today we express our immense gratitude for your lifetime of service. You’re an incredible man. I’ve heard it from many people in this room. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you very much.

Each of these remarkable individuals represent the stories of so many Greek Americans in the room. Many of them are in this room with us right now. And are you having a good time? Is everybody having a good time? (Applause.)
You have devoted your lives to your families, your communities, and to our country. Through your grit and your drive, and your will to succeed — you are very, very competitive people, I can tell you that. (Applause.) They don’t ever quit. You don’t ever give up. That’s what we want.

You’ve brought jobs and promise to cities and towns across America. And you’ve deepened the bonds of affection and renewed the pride of patriotism that unites us as one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. (Applause.)

I want to thank you. God bless you. And again, I want to wish all of you a joyous Greek Independence Day. (Applause.) Thank you.
Thank you for being at the White House. Thank you all for being at the White House.

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you. You know, we — if I might say, we have an economy that’s as good as it’s ever been in our history. (Applause.) We have unemployment numbers — (applause) — we have unemployment numbers that are setting records and doing phenomenally. We have a country that’s the envy of the world, from an economic standpoint and from many other standpoints. We’re doing better than we’ve ever done. Is that right, Howard? I think you can speak to it. And, Harry, you can speak to it.

We know there’s never been — rarely, certainly — there’s rarely been a time like this, economically. The world is talking. When presidents and prime ministers and other come to see me, they all say, “Congratulations on this great economy that you’ve built.” And they try and do the same thing. And it doesn’t work out so well, but that’s okay. But they’re trying.

But we have — (applause) — we have an economy that’s as good as it’s ever been. We have car companies moving in. Many, many car companies. I was with Prime Minster Abe of Japan.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Four more years. (Laughs.) I was with Prime Minister Abe. They’re sending many companies. Toyota just announced a $13.5 billion investment in the United States. They’re opening up more plants and expanding. (Applause.) And many other companies. So, we’re very proud of it.

But now, before I sign the Greek Independence Day proclamation, which I look forward to doing — I’ve now done it already twice; this is my third time. You know what that means? Time flies. Look how this happened. And I wouldn’t miss it. I wouldn’t miss it. I was supposed to be at another event today. I said, “You mean…” — the people came over — I said to them, “You mean I won’t be able to be there for my Greek friends?” They said, “No, sir. Not this time. But next year.” I said, “No, no, no. I’m doing it this time.” So — (applause.)

So I’d like to invite a friend of mine, Archbishop Demetrios, to say a few words. And then we’re going to sign this great proclamation. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)

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