Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dedicated his message for the Feast of the Assumption to the people on the front lines of the battle against the wildfires, from the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Chania, where he attended the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized that for firefighters, volunteers, and members of the Armed Forces and local government, «there are no holidays; there are no celebrations.».
The prime minister, referring to the great feast of the Orthodox Church, noted that from the pilgrimage sites of Tinos, Paros, and Panagia Soumela to the most remote chapels, Greek men and women are celebrating the Feast of the Assumption today.
As he noted, the day is «an opportunity for reflection and for seeking the true strength that our faith gives us,» in order to overcome difficulties, whether they are personal or affect the country as a whole.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis placed particular emphasis on the battle being waged again this year «against wildfires and the consequences of the climate crisis.».
«Today, however, our thoughts should be with those who are fighting the summer wildfires every day,» he said, making special mention of firefighters, volunteers, and members of the Armed Forces and local government. «They remind us that for them there are no days off, no holidays; they are on duty every day,» he emphasized. The prime minister concluded his message by noting that the Feast of the Assumption «is not a day for many words,» but an opportunity to spend peaceful moments with the people we love, «to express our deep gratitude for what God has given us, and to draw strength to continue our own daily struggles.».
«Happy birthday to all Greek women and to all Greeks everywhere,» concluded Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Prime Minister's message, in full:
«Pilgrimages to Tinos, Paros, and Panagia Soumela, all the way to the most remote chapels, Greeks everywhere are celebrating the Feast of the Assumption today, this great feast of Orthodoxy. It is always an opportunity for reflection and for seeking the true strength that our faith gives us so that we may overcome all difficulties, whether they are personal or concern the country as a whole. Today, however, our thoughts should be with those who are fighting day in and day out against the summer wildfires—our firefighters, our volunteers, members of the armed forces and local government—who this year are waging this difficult battle against the climate crisis. And they remind us that for them, there are no days off, no holidays—they are on duty every single day. Today, however, is not a day for many words. It is an opportunity to spend a few peaceful moments with the people we love, to give a heartfelt »thank you” for all that God has given us, and to draw strength to continue our own daily struggles. Happy birthday to all Greek women and men, everywhere on Earth.”.
