On Friday 10 May 2024, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, representing the President of the Hellenic Government Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended the official celebration ceremony of the Great Martyr Aghios Georgios, the Patron Saint of the Army, which took place at the headquarters of the Infantry School, in Chalkida.
The Minister of National Defence attended the Doxology at Aghios Georgios Church, officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan of Chalkida, Istiaia and Northern Sporades Chrysostomos and laid a wreath at the Fallen Men Memorial of the 3rd Infantry Regiment.
Next, Nikos Dendias observed a static demonstration of weapon systems, materials and assets.
The ceremony was also attended by the MP Symeon (Simos) Kedikoglou, representing the President of the Hellenic Parliament and the MPs Athanasios Zembilis, Konstantina Karambatsoli, Panagiou (Giota) Poulou, Ekaterini Kazani, the Regional Governor of Central Greece Fanis Spanos, the Vice Regional Governor of Euboea Giorgos Kelaiditis, the Deputy Mayor of Chalkida Municipality Dimitrios Serras and others.
On behalf of the military leadership the following attended: Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, representing Chief/HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Gregoriadis, the Commander of Chalkida Infantry School Major General Georgios Kapralos, as well as the honorary Chiefs/HNDGS Konstantinos Floros and HAGS Konstantinos Ghinis and Georgios Kambas, Senior and Junior Officers of the Armed and Police Forces, delegations of members of the three Branches of the Armed Forces and representatives of the local authorities.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the Minister of National Defence stated:
“We celebrate today the day of Aghios Georgios, the Patron Saint of the Hellenic Army. I would like to make clear that this day does not only concern the bright professional Members of the Hellenic Army, its backbone. The Hellenic Army has a broader sense. It concerns all those who wear, have worn and will wear the honourable uniform of the Greek Soldier and Officer.
So, this celebration is broader. It concerns the present, the past, the future and it is celebrated by all Parties of the Hellenic Parliament, the Greek society in its whole. Because the Army has a double duty: First, it is a powerful deterrent power, it safeguards territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of our Country. But it is also a power of solidarity towards the Greek society at its time of need. So, with this double meaning, the Hellenic Army has an important role to play.
Through the “Agenda 2030”, the Armed Forces and the Hellenic Army will meet a new era. They are ready to face the challenges of the 21st century, as required.
Happy Anniversary! Christ is risen! May God protect our Army, our Personnel, the Greek society, the Country, the Nation.
Thank you”.
