On Friday 8 November 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis attended the festivities for the formal celebration of the 158^th Anniversary of the Holocaust of Arkadi Holy Monastery in Rethymno, as representative of the President of the Hellenic Government. The festivities were also attended by her Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou.

In the morning, the annual parade for the 158^th anniversary of the self-sacrifice of Arkadi took place.

Following, Mr. Kefalogiannis visited the Holy Monastery of Arkadi for a Doxology officiated by his Eminence the Archbishop of Crete and Head of the Holy Synod of the Church of Crete, Mr. Evgenios and co-officiated by his Eminence the Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Mr. Prodromos. Afterwards, a Memorial Service in the Mausoleum of the Holy Monastery of Arkadi followed.

The festivities were also attended by the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Interior and Islands, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, MP for Rethymno, Manolis Hnaris, the Head of Region for Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Mayor of Rethymno, Giorgos Marinakis, the Deputy Head of Region Maria Lioni, representatives of Local Government, as well as cultural institutions.

After the celebrations, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following:

“It is with great sentiment and respect, that I represent the Prime Minister, in the celebrations for the 158^th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Holy Monastery. A deed of utmost heroism and self-sacrifice, which is deeply rooted in the collective memory and the historic heritage of Crete.

The willing self-sacrifice of Arkadi constituted a significant landmark for the struggle of Cretan people and remains an example of heroism and self-denial, not only for Cretans, but for all Greeks.

Despite our duty to remember this historic event, we ought to defend the values and ideals of our birthplace, freedom, democracy, and our Country’s rights.

May the heroes of Arkadi be remembered forever”.