Mitsotakis’ Two-Day Visit to Mount Athos
Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived at 11 a.m. in Karyes, the administrative center of the monastic community, for a two-day visit to Mount Athos. Accompanying him were Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia-Thrace) Kostas Gioulekas, New Democracy Political Committee Secretary Kostas Skrekas, Halkidiki MP Giannis Giorgos, and Aristotle Mayor Stelios Valianos.
The Prime Minister arrived by helicopter in Karyes, where Protos (First Elder) Abraham and Civil Governor Alkiviadis Stefanis welcomed him. He greeted the abbots and representatives at the Protaton and venerated the icon of the Virgin Mary “Axion Esti.”
€100 Million Economic Support Plan Until 2030
A festive Extraordinary Double Holy Assembly was convened, attended by the abbots, representatives of the 20 Holy Monasteries, and the Holy Epistasia. A doxology was held in the Holy Church of the Protaton “Axion Esti,” officiated by Protos Abraham.
In his address, Mitsotakis expressed gratitude for the monasteries’ spiritual and historical contributions, describing Mount Athos as a “radiant center of ascetic contribution” and a source of personal and collective hope. He announced a €100 million support plan until 2030 for monastery maintenance, post-earthquake restoration, relic preservation, environmental protection, and pilgrim facilitation. He also highlighted discussions on regional security, electrical connectivity, and amplifying the Athonite voice in a world of uncertainty, pledging government support for Mount Athos and Middle Eastern Christians.
Protos Abraham welcomed the Prime Minister, emphasizing Mount Athos’ role as a spiritual haven amid global conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Syria. He expressed concerns about the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai and urged support for Orthodoxy’s presence in the region, reinforcing the Athonite community’s unique status and prayers for peace.
The Prime Minister visited the Holy Community Hall for a meeting with the abbots, representatives, and Holy Epistasia, and toured the museum there. A meal was hosted in his honor. Mitsotakis will also visit the Holy Monasteries of Iviron, Vatopedi, Simonos Petra, and Xenophontos.
Source: pagenews.gr