Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Mount Athos as a “luminous center of spiritual offering that becomes a compass in a world often losing its direction,” during his official remarks at the historic Protaton Church in Karyes, at the heart of the monastic republic of Mount Athos.
The Prime Minister arrived in Karyes this morning for the beginning of a two-day official visit to the Holy Mountain. He was welcomed with formality and deep respect by the members of the Double Holy Assembly, composed of the abbots and representatives of the twenty monasteries of Mount Athos.
Addressing the gathering, Mitsotakis highlighted the government’s firm commitment to supporting Mount Athos in its enduring mission: “My presence here today expresses the government’s practical will to stand by this timeless journey,” he said, emphasizing that his words come both as a Prime Minister and as “a simple pilgrim.”
He described Mount Athos as a place of peace, reflection, and spiritual uplift for generations of Greeks: “For us Greeks, Athos has always been a place of personal serenity, contemplation, and elevation. At the same time, it has also been a source of collective hope.”
During his speech, Mitsotakis announced an ambitious development plan totaling €100 million in funding by 2030 to support infrastructure, safeguard precious relics, and protect the natural environment of the monastic state: “We will soon discuss our plan for significant financial support of the monasteries of Mount Athos with €100 million by 2030, to initiate essential projects across many areas,” he said.
This includes projects such as monastery restoration, post-earthquake structural reinforcement, protection of sacred relics, conservation of the unique Athonite environment, and enhancements to accommodate thousands of annual pilgrims.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of dialogue with the monastic community on issues related to regional security and broader contemporary challenges: “Above all, we will explore the ways in which the voice of truth and sobriety from the Athonite community can now be heard more powerfully in a global environment marked by confusion and uncertainty.”
Mitsotakis noted his long-standing relationship with Mount Athos, having visited many times as a citizen, party leader, and now Prime Minister: “I want you to know that the government will be by your side, as it will also be by the side of all Christians in the broader region and in the Middle East who are being tested. This is not just a duty of the state toward history and tradition but also a spiritual debt, a personal need.”
Earlier, Elder Abraham, the Protos (First Elder) of Mount Athos, offered his official greeting, invoking the blessing of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Mountain’s patroness, for the Prime Minister’s work: “May the Theotokos enlighten your efforts and your service for the common good of the people and the homeland, and may she guide the state along the paths of cooperation, justice, and spiritual renewal,” he said.
The formal visit concluded with refreshments at the headquarters of the Holy Community, where the Prime Minister and his delegation were hosted by the abbots and representatives of the twenty monasteries.
Photos: EUROKINISSI / Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
