During his first official visit to Mount Athos as Civil Administrator, Alkiviadis Stefanis, the former Minister of National Defense and Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, expressed his deep commitment to the Holy Mountain’s spiritual and cultural mission.
“For me, this is a great honor. I come as a servant of your efforts and legitimate demands, and just as I have served the country for many years, I promise to serve the Athonite State,” Stefanis stated, underscoring his dedication to the region.
The official ceremony, covered by voria.gr, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Interior, responsible for the regions of Macedonia and Thrace, alongside other officials and dignitaries from both Greece and Mount Athos. At the entrance of the Church, Stefanis was warmly welcomed by Elder Symeon Dionysiatis, the Protepistatis (presiding member of the executive authority).
In his remarks, Stefanis highlighted the global significance of Mount Athos, calling it a “focus and strength of unity even in difficult times.” He pledged to fully respect the self-governing status of Mount Athos, an institution he acknowledged as a key contributor to its development and prosperity.
Stefanis also mentioned that before visiting Karyes, he had already engaged in discussions with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, and Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis. According to voria.gr, Chrysochoidis even promised to visit Mount Athos soon. The communication between Stefanis and Gerapetritis reportedly reassured the Athonite community, which had faced tensions with the Greek state following the resignation of Stefanis’ predecessor, Anastasios Mitsialis.
Stefanis’ visit and his commitment to supporting the Athonite State signal a positive step towards reinforcing the cooperation between Mount Athos and the Greek government.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
