In his inaugural visit to Mount Athos, Anastasios Mitsialis, the newly appointed Civil Administrator, hailed the sacred peninsula as a “unique ark of spiritual treasures” and a guardian of “the Christian monastic worldview.”
Taking over from shipowner Thanasis Martinos, Mitsialis, a former ambassador and deputy governor of the National Intelligence Service of Greece, attended the official reception ceremony in Karyes, accompanied by Aristos Kasmiroglou, the deputy governor.
During the doxology at the Church of the Protaton, Mitsialis, following the address by Protopresbyterian Hieromonk Stefanos Hilandarinos, emphasized the millennial tradition of Mount Athos. He acknowledged the settlers of Mount Athos for their resilience, stability, and unwavering commitment to their sacred purpose in the face of difficulties.
“My presence here as a servant of your efforts and contribution is accompanied by the firm certainty and belief in the importance of the privileged self-governing tradition of more than 1,000 years,” Mitsialis stated. He expressed respect and devotion to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, under whose supervision the peninsula of Athos operates.
The customary luncheon followed, where Mitsialis assured the fathers of Mount Athos that his office’s door would always be open, emphasizing his commitment to being a helpful collaborator on all matters concerning the Athonite State.
Source and photos: voria.gr / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
