Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently on a two-day visit to Mount Athos, which began on Friday, July 4. His arrival in the monastic state was marked by formal ceremonies, as he was welcomed in Karyes—the administrative center of Mount Athos—by the members of the Holy Community’s governing council, known as the Double Synaxis, comprising the abbots and representatives of the twenty monasteries.
The prime minister arrived by helicopter, accompanied by senior government officials. Notably, his son Konstantinos also joined him on the visit.
Upon landing, Mitsotakis was received in the main square of Karyes by the Protos, Elder Avraam, and the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis. The two led him to the entrance of the Protaton, the principal church of the Athonite capital, where he greeted the abbots and monastic representatives and venerated the revered icon of the Virgin Mary “Axion Esti.”
A doxology was held in the Protaton in honor of the prime minister’s visit, followed by ceremonial addresses. The Protos delivered a welcome speech, and Mitsotakis responded before proceeding to the headquarters of the Holy Community.
In his formal address inside the Synod Hall, in the presence of representatives from all twenty monasteries, the prime minister announced the disbursement of 100 million euros from EU structural funds.
The funds are earmarked for infrastructure projects, restoration works, and the safeguarding of Mount Athos’ cultural and religious heritage, according to reports from Vima Orthodoxias.
Mitsotakis expressed gratitude to the monastic authorities for their warm reception and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the spiritual mission of Mount Athos. He underscored the peninsula’s symbolic role as a bastion of Orthodox tradition and national identity.
Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the monastic community, the prime minister noted that he had visited Mount Athos in the past as a private citizen, a party leader, and now as head of government.
He emphasized the state’s responsibility to stand by the monastic republic and the broader Christian communities in the surrounding regions, including the Middle East. He framed this support as not only a duty rooted in history and tradition but also as a personal obligation in recognition of the spiritual value Mount Athos offers.
