The members of the Holy Community Assembly (abbots and representatives of the twenty monasteries) officially welcomed the Prime Minister this morning as he arrived in Karyes, the administrative center of the monastic state, beginning his two-day visit to Mount Athos. The Prime Minister arrived by helicopter and was greeted at the central square by Protos Abbot Abraham and Civil Governor of Mount Athos Alkiviadis Stefanis, who escorted him to the entrance of the Protaton Church. There, he greeted the abbots and representatives and venerated the icon of the Virgin Mary known as ‘Axion Esti.’
At this moment, the Doxology is being held at the Protaton in the presence of the Prime Minister. This will be followed by an address from the Holy First and a response from the Prime Minister, as well as a visit to the Holy Community Hall.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, Undersecretary for Internal Affairs (Macedonia-Thrace) Kostas Gioulekas, and New Democracy Political Committee Secretary Kostas Skrekas. Also present are Chalkidiki MP Yiannis Giorgos and Mayor of Aristotle Stelios Vallianos.
Later, the Prime Minister will meet with the abbots and representatives of the 20 Holy Monasteries and the Holy Epistasy of Mount Athos before joining them for lunch. In order of visits, Mr. Mitsotakis will also travel to the Holy Monasteries of Iviron, Vatopedi, Simonopetra, and Xenophon.