Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Mount Athos today, in a trip that carries both religious and political significance for the Greek government. This pilgrimage marks an important moment in efforts to restore relations between the state and the Holy Community of Mount Athos, which had been strained due to several government policies, most notably the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Mitsotakis will first arrive at Karyes, the administrative center of Mount Athos, where he will be greeted with formal ecclesiastical honors. His arrival is scheduled for 11 AM, followed by a Pan-Hellenic Extraordinary Double Holy Synaxis — a ceremonial tradition reserved for heads of state, representing the highest form of honor offered by the Athonite community.
The visit symbolizes a broader reconciliation between the government and the monastic community. Several abbots had previously expressed reservations about Mitsotakis’ presence on the Holy Mountain, with at least seven monasteries reportedly planning to boycott the official reception. However, thanks to the mediation of Alkiviadis Stefanis, the political governor of Mount Athos, and other officials who maintain strong ties with the clergy, the atmosphere has improved significantly.
In a letter signed by representatives of all 20 monasteries, the Holy Community officially announced that it would welcome the prime minister “wholeheartedly” along with his delegation, offering him full honors typically reserved for leaders of Orthodox nations.
Upon arrival, Mitsotakis will be received by the Holy Protos Abraham and escorted to the Church of Axion Esti. There, he will be welcomed by the abbots and representatives of the 20 monasteries, followed by a doxology service, a speech by the Protos, and a response from the Prime Minister himself. Afterward, he will attend a meal at the Ierokoinonia Mansion, visit the local museum, and continue his two-day visit into Saturday.
On Saturday, Mitsotakis will tour the Monasteries of Iviron, Vatopedi, Simonopetra, and Xenophon. Of particular note is his meeting with Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi, a highly influential figure not only in northern Greece but also in Cyprus and Russia, where he maintains close ties with President Vladimir Putin.
This visit comes amid a backdrop of global uncertainty, with the Greek government emphasizing that Mount Athos stands as a timeless beacon of stability, faith, and spirituality. It also holds strategic importance ahead of upcoming elections, as the region’s conservative electorate continues to influence political outcomes.
Mitsotakis will be accompanied by his son Konstantinos Mitsotakis and Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Papathanasis, who oversees Greece’s management of European Union funds — a topic of great interest to the monasteries seeking financial support.