The leaders of Greece celebrated the Assumption of Virgin Mary in regional Greece today. President Karolos Papoulias attended the divine liturgy at The Assumption of Virgin Mary Church on Lefkada. Prime Minister Papandreou attended a service which was officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos at The Ekatontapiliani Church. He sent his wishes to all Greeks and linked the big religious holiday with the country’s efforts to exit from the financial crisis, saying characteristically that the crisis should turn into an opportunity. New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras attended a liturgy at Eloni Holy Monastery in Leonidio, while LAOS President George Karatzaferis attended the Te Deum at the Panagia Sumela Monastery in Bermio. Events to honor the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the 70th anniversary since Elli ship was torpedoed were held on Tinos island . Deputy Premier Theodoros Pangalos represented the government in celebrations on Tinos.
Politicians Celebrate Assumption of Virgin Mary Day
Grand celebrations to mark the Assumption of Virgin Mary were held nationwide in a highly moving atmosphere while thousands of pilgrims travelled to Trabzon, Pontus to attend the first liturgy after 88 at Panagia Sumela monastery.
President Karolos Papoulias attended the divine liturgy at the Assumption of Virgin Mary Church on the island of Lefkada.
Prime Minister Papandreou attended a mass officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos at The Ekatontapiliani Church on the island of Paros. Also attending the mass were Interior Minister Yiannis Ragusis and Culture Minister Pavlos Gerulanos.
After the conclusion of the mass Papandreou stressed that we are celebrating one of the biggest religious holidays of Orthodox Christians symbolizing summer, Easter and hope. In his short speech referring to the economic crisis he said that collective efforts and sacrifices have led the country some steps ahead, conquering the first targets. He also underlined that not only would we overcome the crisis but turn it into hope and opportunity to reform the country.
He also referred to the divine liturgy at Panagia Sumela Monastery saying that this was a most significant historical event for both Pontian Hellenism and Greeks since it consolidated a spirit of cooperation and peace between our peoples.
Antonis Samaras in Leonidio
ND party leader Antonis Samaras attended liturgy at Eloni Holy Monastery in Leonidio. In his statements he wished the Virgin Mary, the mother of people and Christ, to inspire courage and hope to all Greek in these difficult times.
Deputy Premier Th. Pangalos in Tinos
Deputy Premier Theodoros Pangalos represented the government in celebrations on the island of Tinos. Mr. Pangalos stressed: “even at difficult circumstances, simple people hope and pray for Virgin Mary”.
Celebrations at Panagia Sumela in Imathia
A Te Deum was also held at Panagia Sumela, in Imathia followed by processions of the Virgin Mary icon. This year however the Divine Liturgy which was officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch in Trabzon, drew the biggest attention.
The government was represented by Undersecretary for Infrastructure Yiannis Magriotis who said that the liturgy in Trabzorn would release forces of cooperation between Greece and Turkey.
ND deputy Mihalis Halkidis attended service at Panagia Sumela, Imathia said politicians should listen to the voice of society.
LAOS president George Karatzaferis ,who also attended the Te Deum at the Panagia Sumela Monastery in Bermio referred to Turkey and referred to the road to EU goes through actions such as permission to hold liturgy at Panagia Sumela in Trabzon.
(source: ana-mpa, net)
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