Mitsotakis – We have a duty to support our remote islands

The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis flew to Agios Efstratios for the celebration of the Epiphany, where he attended the Divine Liturgy, officiated by the Metropolitan of Lemnos and Agios Efstratios, Hierotheos and then the ceremony of the Sanctification of the Waters and the diving for the Cross.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister said: “I wanted today, this very important day for Orthodoxy, to be in the remote Ai Stratis, a place with a heavy history. A landmark of division and trial which, however, becomes a landmark of unity and optimism.

“We have a duty – as I have said many times – to support our remote islands and our fellow citizens who are struggling to stay and prosper in their home. And this is exactly what we are doing here in Ai Stratis, an island that has pioneered the field of green development and has the ability to put into practice the visions and plans of the local community, to become a model island in terms of the circular economy.

“Today is a great day for Orthodoxy and the true meaning of the Epiphany is the truth, which saves. And this meaning, I believe, is more relevant today than ever, as our country is being tested by the new onslaught of the Omicron mutation and the protection of human life acquires its special significance at this juncture.

I wish from the far off Ai Stratis Best Wishes to all Greek women and men. Blessed enlightenment, especially to our fellow citizens who are not vaccinated and are still wondering if they should get the vaccine. I encourage them from here to make this choice, this choice of life, this choice of protection for their own lives but also for the safety and health of those they love “.

During his presence in Agios Efstratios, the Prime Minister met with the Mayor Maria Kakali with whom he discussed the ongoing projects and what needs to be done on the island, while he had the opportunity to talk to residents of Ai Stratis and to wish happy holidays and a happy new year.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Museum of Democracy, which is an important place of remembrance, and attended the tour by Vyronas Manikakis, who has dealt with the exhibits in the museum and the history of the island.

Before leaving the museum, Kyriakos Mitsotakis left his own message in the guest book: “I visit with emotion a place of memory of a difficult time for our country. Ai Stratis left the times of division behind , together with the whole country. But history is present, to remind us that the country suffered when it was divided and did great things when it was united. ”

Closing his visit to Agios Efstratios, Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Maraslio School. The next stop of the Prime Minister is Lemnos.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Second Vice President of the Parliament, Charalambos Athanassiou and the Head of GEETHA, General Konstantinos Floros.