On 6 January 2025, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias attended the celebrations for the Epiphany in Chios, as representative of the Government.
The Minister attended the Divine Liturgy in the Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Minas, Victor, and Vincent, the Patron Saints of Chios, which was officiated by the Igumen of the Holy Monastery of Nea Moni of Chios, his Eminence, Archimandrite Father Dionysios Papanikolaou, and the representative of his Eminence the Metropolitan of Chios, Psara, and Inousses, Mr. Markos, Archdeacon Father Apostolos Lardas.
Following, Mr Dendias attended the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters and the throwing of the Precious Cross in the Port of Chios.
The ceremony was attended by MPs for Chios Notis Mitarakis and Stavros Mihailidis, the Deputy Head of Region for Chios Padelis Vroulis as representative of the Head of Region for Northern Aegean, and the Mayor of Chios Ioannis Malafis.
On behalf of the military leadership the ceremony was attended by the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis as representative of the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Interior and Islands, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, the Commanding General of the 96th Higher National Guard Battalions Command, Brigadier General Haralambos Abatzidis, and the Commander of Chios Naval Base, Captain Iraklis Revinthis HN.
Additionally, it was attended by the Dean of the University of the Aegean, Professor Alivizos Sofos, representatives of local institutions and authorities, the President of the Retired Army Officers Association, Lieutenant General (ret.) Panagiotis Kimourtzis, as well as civilians.
The Minister of National Defence made the following statement:
“It is a great pleasure for me, and I must tell you that I feel great national pride by being here in Chios, for the celebrations of the Epiphany.
As the name itself makes it clear, the Epiphany is the appearance of God in the lives of each and every one of us, through the Mystery of Holy Baptism.
But for us Greeks, the Epiphany is not only of religious significance. It is of national significance as well.
It regards the position of Hellenism at sea and the relationship of Hellenism with it. The sea is a part of our national identity.
And today, the seas at which the struggles for our Freedom took place, are cleansed by the Precious Cross. And particularly here, in the Eastern Aegean.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The world is changing and instability is becoming the new standard. So, in this unstable environment, our Country aims at remaining a pillar of stability and peace.
Additionally, with the “2030 Agenda” the Armed Forces will embrace innovation. In that manner, they will be reborn and more powerful.
Thus, they expect a powerful future, based upon the new technologies and capabilities created. And what is the reason for that? So that they can have the power, the force to deter any challenges and protect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of our Country, in the case that they are threatened. At sea as well. Because that is their constitutional duty.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Greece feels safe and powerful at sea. Through the EEZ Agreements which I had the honour to sign with Italy and Egypt, Greece is legally secure and fortified.
Those Agreements have strong foundations in International Law and the the International Law of the Sea.
And they are exactly the opposite of neo-imperialist, unlawful creations, such as the Turkish-Libyan Memorandum.
The Agreements signed by Greece, are characterised by absolute focus on the European Union Acquis, and the values and principles, which constitute our national identity.
And I would like to be clear here, in the Eastern Aegean. Greece has the national might and will to implement those Agreements in effect.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our national course remains unified, European, and timeless. It is common for the whole of society. It is also common for the vast majority of the political system of the country.
According to the Constitution, the Armed Forces are the guarantors of that course, by respectfully sending the needed messages to all needed directions.
I am here to assure you that the personnel of the Armed Forces is bound to secure the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the country throughout our territory, and mainly here in our Eastern Aegean islands.
And let me repeat the dedication of the Armed Forces to the unified national course which I made mention of before, and which constitutes the existence condition of Greece.
Many Happy returns for today’s celebrations”.
Following, Mr. Dendias visited Gunboat “Tolmi” and the Patrol Boat “Kelefstis Stamou” of the Hellenic Navy, which are docked in the port of Chios. During his visit, he was briefed by the Captains of the boats and exchanged wishes with the crews.
During his address to the Captain and Crew of the Gunboat, the Minister of National Defence mentioned:
“I would like to wish you many have returns and safety in your work.
I understand, Captain, that you were on patrol during New Year’s Day.
You celebrated Christmas at home.
I wish that you are always well and safe. I would like to thank you for your work, because it is really important for ships of the Hellenic Navy to be located here. You understand that; there is no need for me to tell you that. One look at the opposite coast suffices.
As you know, a large scale exercise by the Turkish Navy, ended only a few days ago. So, it is very significant for the Hellenic Navy to be present here.
It is significant for the Ministry, the leadership, and most of all, the people who live here. They need to be able to see our flag and your presence here.
I can see the love that the inhabitants of islands, especially here in the Eastern Aegean, embrace the presence of the Hellenic Navy.
Many happy returns, and a happy, safe new year.
I would like to wish you to always be well, Captain, and to thank you deeply for your work for the Country”.
After the celebrations, the Minister of National Defence, the New Democracy MP for Chios, Notis Mitarakis, and the Mayor of Chios Giannis Malafis, visited the Customs Office building, which is under renovation by the Infrastructure and Natural Disaster Response Command of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, in the framework of the Armed Forces’ contribution to society.
