Aris Moukopoulos: ‘I Lost What Was Most Precious to Me, I Thought It Was a Firecracker’

The first statements from the hospital after his critical incident were made by Aris Moukopoulos. “I faced my biggest fear,” he mentioned about the explosion caused by a shopkeeper’s firework. According to his account, he believed it was a firecracker, grabbed it with his hand, and it detonated. The renowned clarinetist stated in a video posted on social media that things could have been much worse, “if I couldn’t see my children again or hold them in my arms.” Analytically, what Aris Moukopoulos said is as follows: “My dear friends, I truly have no words for your words… You truly move me… You are my strength, I have faith in God. Things could have been much worse, if I couldn’t see my children and hold them in my arms. I faced my greatest fear. I didn’t even go to Easter because I feared fireworks for my family and myself. And then, something given by a shopkeeper ended up in my hand, which I thought was a firecracker. If you look, there are various videos of festivals with firecrackers. Having this in mind, I held it like a panicking person. I lost what was most precious to me at that moment, except for my eyes, which would have prevented me from seeing my children… I have faith in God. I have faith in you. All these years, what I’ve gained is your love, and you show it to me… And I love you all! I will return stronger.” His wife spoke about his health journey on the “Super Katerina” show, confirming successful surgery.