On Saturday 22 May 2021, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis traveled to Mount Athos in the context of the close cooperation and support provided to the Cathedral of the Protaton by the Ministry of National Defence. The Protaton which is dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary, and hosts the miracle-working Icon of Her “Axion Esti”, is the most ancient one of all Catholic ones in Mount Athos.

The Deputy Minister met with the Civil Governor Mr. Athanassios Martinos and Deputy Civil Governor Mr. Aristos Kasmiroglou, the Holy Religious Leader Monk Pavlos Lavriotis of Karyes, the Abbot of The Holy Monastery of Ivires, Mr. Nathanail, the Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Simonos Petras Mr. Elissaios and the President of the Greek Union of Shipowners Mr. Theodoros Veniamis.

The Holy Virgin Mary protects the Armed Forces and they in their turn reciprocate their love to Her.