Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the government’s practical support during his two-day visit to Mount Athos that began from the administrative center of the Athonite State, Karyes. “The government will stand by you as well as by all Christians who are being tested in the Middle East,” the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that the government will allocate 100 million euros by 2030 for conservation, protection and development projects at Mount Athos. This is the first time that Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits Mount Athos as Prime Minister. Government sources noted that the Prime Minister’s visit has high symbolic value as Mount Athos constitutes a beacon of Orthodoxy with global influence, a fact that the Greek State recognizes and honors throughout time.
How Mitsotakis’ visit to Mount Athos began
The Prime Minister arrived at Mount Athos shortly after 11 AM on Friday. The ceremonial reception was conducted according to the Athonite order, with the Prime Minister emphasizing that his visit demonstrates the government’s practical support for the valuable work of Mount Athos. Besides the timeless spiritual and social role of Mount Athos and its contribution to Orthodoxy and Hellenism, messages were also sent regarding the great ordeal that Christians in the Middle East are undergoing, as well as the necessity for immediate resolution of the issue concerning the status of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai.
The Prime Minister and his delegation arrived by helicopter while at the Karyes helipad they were welcomed by a delegation of the Holy Epistasia. Subsequently, according to the Athonite order, Mr. Mitsotakis was received at the Protaton temple by the Protos, Elder Abraham of Lavra and Abbots and representatives of the Holy Monasteries.
During the official reception, the Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, the Deputy Minister of Interior responsible for Macedonia and Thrace affairs, Konstantinos Gkioulekas and the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis. Also present at the official reception were the Secretary of the New Democracy parliamentary group, MP of Trikala, Konstantinos Skrekas and the New Democracy MP of Chalkidiki, Ioannis Giorgos and the Mayor of Aristotle, Stelios Vallianos. Mr. Mitsotakis is also accompanied on the visit by his son, Konstantinos Mitsotakis.
Messages about the timeless role of Mount Athos
At the Protaton temple, Mr. Mitsotakis lit a candle and venerated the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary “Axios Esti”. Immediately after the Doxology, the Protos of Mount Athos, Elder Abraham of Lavra, addressed the distinguished visitor, followed by the Prime Minister’s response.
In his address, the Protos, Elder Abraham, emphasized that the Prime Minister’s visit comes at a critical time in the world that is being tested, with the Fathers of the Athonite State praying, especially for the Christians who are being severely tested in the Middle East. At the same time, he particularly emphasized to the Prime Minister the issue of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, asking the Greek State to resolve it as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his presence in the Virgin Mary’s garden demonstrates the government’s practical support for Mount Athos. “The government will stand by you as well as by all Christians who are being tested in the Middle East,” he said characteristically.
Mr. Mitsotakis proceeded to the Community Building where he had a meeting with the Abbots and Representatives of the 20 Holy Monasteries and the Holy Epistasia of Mount Athos, and participated in the Festive Extraordinary Double Holy Synaxis. The Prime Minister subsequently attended a meal with them.
Immediately after the completion of the official reception, the Prime Minister will visit today in sequence the Holy Monasteries of Iviron, Vatopedi and Simonos Petras where he will spend the night with his delegation.
Mr. Mitsotakis’ visit will be completed on Saturday morning when he will visit the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos from where he will then depart for the port of Ouranoupolis and return to Athens.
Source: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
