On Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, attended the Epiphany celebrations in Florina.
The Minister of National Defence attended the Great Blessing service at the Metropolitan Church of Aghios Panteleimon, officiated by the Metropolitan of Florina, Prespes, and Eordea Mr. Irineos.
Subsequently, Mr. Dendias attended the Blessing of the Waters and the dive for the Holy Cross in Sakoulevas river.
After the Epiphany celebrations, the Minister of National Defence made the following statement:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
it is with great emotion, national pride, and great joy that I am here today in Florina, right on the border, for the Epiphany celebrations.
The Epiphany is a religious feast. An important feast of Jesus Christ.
It constitutes the manifestation of the Trinitarian God through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Water doesn’t merely represent clarity, transparency, purity.
It becomes and is the bringer of life.
Bit for us Greeks, this day is not only a religious feast.
It is a day that combines the blessing of the waters with the continuity of Hellenism, its relationship with the water, the sea.
As I have repeatedly stated, our religion, our language, our traditions are our collective national memory and identity. What distinguishes us.
They are the elements of our identity, our Nation’s identity. They are necessary, not only for our survival, but also for our sense of self-respect, our identity.
So here, in Florina, on our country’s border, the Blessing of the Waters becomes particularly important. Because in a mountainous region, water is not just a natural element. It is a blessing for life.
Allow me a broader reference.
In 2026, we are entering a year where the world has changed. The equilibrium has shifted rapidly and international uncertainty is the new reality for the world.
In this particularly demanding environment, our country remains a pillar of stability, a pillar of peace, a pillar of international legality.
Our country’s Armed Forces, for which I am responsible as their civil head according to the constitution, have a broad mission: they are the main pillar guaranteeing our country’s security, sovereignty, and sovereign rights, but they also stand beside Greek society in hours of need.
With the “Agenda 2030”, we proceed consistently, as I announced two years ago, to a comprehensive modernisation. With a New Force Structure, the new armaments programme, the integration of innovation, all these elements that enhance the deterrent capabilities of Hellenism.
And of course, above all, with investments in our personnel.
Today I would also like to make a special reference to the local community of Florina, where we celebrate the Epiphany. To the citizens of Florina who dove into the icy waters of the river to recover the Holy Cross and every man and woman here in Florina who emphasises the special role of border regions for our country.
Together with our local MP, Mr. Papasotiriou, I wish everyone a happy Epiphany. Happy New Year 2026!”.
The celebrations were also attended by MP Stavros Papasotiriou, the Mayor of Florina Vasilis Giannakis, the Deputy Head of Region Athanasios Taskas, the Regional councillors Giannis Kioses and Sotiris Vosdou, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Epirus and Macedonia, Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis, the Commanding General of the 9th Motorised Brigade “ANDRIANOUPOLI”, Brigadier General Anastasios Vasiliou, officers from local Armed Forces Units and Formations, representatives of the Municipal Council, the President of the local community of Florina Christiana Tsoumita, the President of the Chamber of Florina Valina Rocha, Security Forces officers, representatives of Retired Officer and Reserve Officer Associations, representatives of the local authorities and other bodies, and crowds of people.
