An invitation has arrived at the Prime Minister’s office, signed by the Holy Assembly of Mount Athos, indicating that the 20 holy monasteries of the Athonite State consider the Prime Minister welcome in the “Garden of the Virgin Mary.”
Reaching this agreement followed marathon negotiations and many Byzantine-style deliberations aimed at overcoming the objections of seven Mount Athos monasteries. These had previously expressed their intention not to attend the Prime Minister’s welcome, citing government policies such as the legalization of same-sex marriage. Ultimately, the monasteries co-signed the joint communiqué, though it remains to be seen whether there will be any… defections. In any case, the official visit will certainly proceed as planned this coming Friday.
Source: kathimerini.gr
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
