“Lighthouse of spirituality, which illuminates the path of our faith and nation for more than a millennium” and “timeless constant value” in a changing world, with great spirituality and international radiation, the Prime Minister described Kyriakos Mitsotakis Mount Athos, in its speech to the double Sacred Synagogue of the Monastic State (abbot and representatives of the monasteries), in the presence of members of the Government and the Political Administration of Mount Athos, at the Hierarchical Palace, today at noon, in Karyes.
At the same time, Mr Mitsotakis announced more than ten actions, with the first to increase the annual financial support, from two to three million euros, the approval of the first nine million euros to repair losses from the recent major earthquake and a number of measures to enhance infrastructure and infrastructure.
The prime minister emphasized that the preservation of the universal and ecumenical character of Mount Athos constitutes a national duty and pointed out the “heavy responsibility” that derives for the Greek state, for the preservation of historical rights and the intellectual activities of the monastic state.
“Because it is true that here the voice of Greece acquires a new tone and a new tension that allow it to hear the soul of all Orthodox. It is thus converted into a multiplier of a mild power with an universal influence: the Balkans, the Middle East that is so tested, Europe, the new countries, the United States of America. We are not only talking about a property of our own tradition. We’re talking about a world -wide treasure. That is why maintaining its universal character is a national task. At the same time, however, it is also a heavy responsibility towards future generations, ”he said.
The prime minister, in personal tones, referred to the great spiritual influence that the monastic state has exerted on his youth, his family and his son accompanying him on his visit and added:
“Everyone, then, must realize that Athos, Mount Athos, is not offered as a field of influence with other expediency. But it is also clear within the border that its sacred radiation can not be dazzled by or at times that sometimes imprison the faith in cheap party clothes. “
The prime minister pointed out the powerful message that Mount Athos must broadcast in today’s era, which is becoming even more timely in an ever -changing world.
“In this unstable international environment, the message of this place must be a message of truth, dedication to tradition and open thinking, responding with sobriety to extreme timely challenges. And letting the organized state coordinate its home and confirm that religion has a great power, power to unite beyond secular doctrines, so that it can spiritually lift the citizens, “Mr Mitsotakis said and continued:
“For her part, let me become a little more specific and start by saying that the state and the government, of which I have the honor of head, always focus on the issues concerning the prosperity and the future of Mount Athos. Issues not only administratively and financially, but also intertwined with our spiritual heritage, honoring the monastic state before all, never intervening in it, but with the historical debt, but not neglecting it. “
The prime minister referred to planning for projects in the monastic state of 100 million euros, by 2030, from European mainly, but also by public resources if required, as well as in smaller projects, such as the renovation of the Athoniada School facilities, the digitization of the new 2, Millions of euros, which is launched with secured resources.
Mr. Mitsotakis made a special reference to the Christians of the Middle East, as well as in the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai.
“To have us confidence, there is no way that the character of this monastery will change and we are in consultation with the Egyptian side, so that it can be legally safely guaranteed in the depths of centuries,” the prime minister said, and continued:
“And of course, our obligation is to be close to all the Orthodox Christians of the Middle East, who are tested by conflict, by wars, by bloodshed. Greece today – and I’m glad you mentioned it – is a force of stability in the wider region. And this diplomatic power, which largely emerges from the fact that the country today is steadily and firmly on its feet, be sure that we will benefit it not only to the Greek people but also of all Orthodox Christians in the wider area of the Middle East. “