On Sunday, 3 December 2023, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, represented the Prime Minister and the Government at the Memorial Service for the 202nd anniversary of the death of the Hero, General-in-Chief of the Macedonian Forces in the 1821 Greek Revolution, Emmanouil Papas, at the Holy Church of Aghios Athanasios in the Emmanouil Papas Municipal Community, in the Municipality of the same name, in the Regional Unit of Serres.
The Memorial Service was officiated by his Eminence, the Metropolitan of Serres and Nigrita Mr. Theologos.
Following this, wreaths were laid at the bust of the Hero Emmanouil Papas, at the central square of the Municipal Community, while students and clubs held parades.
After the Memorial Service the Minister of National Defence stated:
“It is with great joy that for a second time within a few days, I am with you, in the greater region of Serres.
This time, with a very specific goal: Honouring the memory of the sacrifices of the leader of the National Uprising, the member of the Philiki Eteria, the General-in-Chief of the Macedonian struggle in 1821, Emmanouil Papas. A patriot, a worthy son of Macedonia.
Emmanouil Papas, is a shining example of contribution to the country. Role models and examples are necessary in our times, since our country does not have the luxury of existential security enjoyed by other countries. It should be obvious to everyone that the contribution to country and society is a sublime and praiseworthy good.
By evaluating the struggles of Emmanouil Papas, we think of our own responsibilities.
Greece, ladies and gentlemen, today, depends on her society, and the strongest part of her society are the armed forces, who provide her with the ability, besides maintaining an active foreign policy, to constitute a pillar of stability and security in these troubled times.
I would also like to state, here, in the city of Emmanouil Papas, that I am particularly proud to be the Political Leader of our Armed Forces. Our Armed Forces are everywhere. They are ready to deal with, not only any external threat, but any other threat to our society due to other factors, such as climate change and adverse weather conditions. They are well equipped through the Greek peoples’ sacrifices, but at the same time, it is high time that we reformed them, in order to deal with the multiple challenges created by the 21st century.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that this is the best way to honour the sacrifices of heroes like Emmanouil Papas.
I warmly thank you”.
Mr. Dendias also awarded the medals to the winners of the 24th Race in memory of Emmanouil Papas.
The memorial service and the other ceremonies were attended by MP Anastasios Hatzivasiliou, as representative of the Hellenic Parliament, and MPs Konstantinos Achilleos Karamanlis, Fotini Arabatzi, Theophilos Leontaridis and Konstantinos Boubas, the Deputy Head of Region for the Regional Unit of Serres, Panagiotis Spyropoulos, the Chairman of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities, the Mayor of Ambelokipi-Menemeni, Lazaros Kyrizoglou, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Emmanouil Papas, Dimitrios Notas.
The Armed Forces were represented by the Commanding General of C Army Corps, Lieutenant General Paris Kapravelos, and the Commander of the 10th Infantry Regiment, Colonel Adam Sarris.
Also in attendance were, the Police Director of Serres Evangelos Tsiotas, the Commander of the Fire Service Regional Command for Central Macedonia, Major General Konstantinos Dadoudis, the Head of the Emmanouil Papas Municipal Community, Georgios Panos, Mayors and Deputy Mayors of other Municipalities of the Regional Unit of Serres, Regional and Municipal Councillors, and representatives of local authorities and clubs of retired and reserve servicemen, as well as the Macedonian Struggle Fighters’ Club.
