The Minister of Νational Defence Nikos Dendias attended on Tuesday, 12 December 2023, the celebration of the Patron Saint and Protector of Corfu, Saint Spyridon, as a representative of the Prime Minister and the Government.
Mr. Dendias attended the Archieratic Divine Liturgy in the Holy Church of St. Spyridon, officiated by his Eminence, the Metropolitan of Corfu, Paxoi and the Diapontian Islands, Nektarios.
The Minister of National Defense subsequently visited the building of the Old Philharmonic Band, where he attended a concert in honour of St. Spyridon.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Minister of National Defence stated:
“It is with the utmost respect and reverence that we celebrate the memory of St. Spyridon, here, in Corfu, where his relic rests.
I extend my warmest and cordial wishes to all the inhabitants of this island, the Diapontian Islands and Paxoi, and especially to all of them who celebrate their name-day.
All of us in Corfu are related to a Spyridoula or Spyros whose name day we celebrate.
Ladies and gentlemen, the security challenges nowadays are evolving; yet our country, Greece, has a distinctive and dynamic presence in the international scene and especially in our wider region, and has come to the forefront as a pillar of stability and safety. This is what our duty demands after all, with regard to International Law, the Charter of the United Nations, and our national interest.
I would also like to make a special mention of our Diapontian Islands, one of which has a military outpost that I visited a few days ago due to their geopolitical significance. Their great geopolitical importance was showcased via the agreement for the expansion of the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone, between our country and Italy, which I had the honour to sign.
In conclusion, on this very day of the celebration of St. Spyridon, I want to say that we Greeks need to unite under a common cause, national unity and concord. It is vital that we cooperate for a common, safe future; a future of development and prosperity. Let us be inspired by the virtues of St. Spyridon, whose memory we are celebrating today, expressed during his earthly life.
My warmest wishes to you all”.
His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Corfu, Paxoi, and Diapontian islands,Nektarios, subsequently awarded the highest Award of the Metropolis to Mr. Dendias, for his contribution to the church and the local society of Corfu.
The celebration of St. Spyridon was also attended by the President of the Political Party Niki. Dimitrios Natsios, the MPs Stefanos Gkikas, Alexandros – Christos Avlonitis, Dimitris Biaghis and Andreas Boryllas, the Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa – Tsagkaropoulou, the newly elected Regional Governor Giannis Trepeklis, the deputy Regional Governor for the Regional Unit of Corfu Kostas Zorbas, the Mayor Meropi Ydreou, and the newly elected Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos.
On the part of the Armed Forces, in attendance were the Commanding General of the 8th Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Georgios Pappas, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Station of Corfu, Lieutenant Commander Papachristos Giorgos, and other officers.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of South Corfu Kostas Lessis, the Mayor of North Corfu Giorgos Machimaris, the General Regional Director of the Ionian Islands for the Hellenic Police, Major General Georgios Vasiliou, the Head of the Port Authority of Corfu, Commander (Coastguard) Schinas Anastasios, the Commanding Officer of the Fire Services of Corfu Prefecture, Fire Colonel Nektarios Theodorakos, regional and town councilors and representatives of local authorities.
