On Wednesday 23 April 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attended the formal celebrations of the Patron Saint of the Hellenic Army, St. George the Great Martyr, at the Infantry School in Chalkis, as representative of the Hellenic Government.
The Deputy Minister attended the Doxology held in the Church of St. George, which was officiated by his Eminence the Metropolitan of Chalkis, Istiea, and North Sporades Mr. Chrisostomos, laid a wreath at the Memorial of the Fallen of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, and attended a Weapons Systems static display.
On behalf of the military leadership, the ceremony was attended by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios – Eleftherios Kataras HN, and the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis.
The ceremony was also attended by the Commanding General of the Infantry School, Brigadier General Dimitrios – Aggelos Mitsis, Honorary Chiefs of Hellenic Army General Staff, General and Senior Officers of the Armed and Security Forces, delegations of the three Armed Forces Services, and representatives of local institutions.
Mr. Davakis made the following address:
“I feel great honour for being here in Chalkis today, at the Infantry School, in order to celebrate Saint George, the Patron Saint of the Hellenic Army, the largest of the three Services of our Armed Forces.
The Patron Saint of the Army in the battlefields.
The Patron Saint of the Army during Peacetime.
The Patron Saint of the Army in its great social contribution, wherever that is needed.
Today, our Armed Forces, stronger than ever, through a wide reform programme, which is already being implemented, are the pride, shield, and strength of our country.
Many happy returns to the Hellenic Army.
Many happy returns to all celebrating their name day”.
