On Monday, 25 December 2023, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, visited Symi for Christmas. 

Mr. Dendias attended the Divine Christmas Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, which was officiated by His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Symi, Tilos, Chalki, and Kastellorizo, Mr. Chrisostomos II. The ceremony was also attended by MP for Dodecanese, Manos Konsolas, the Mayor of Symi Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, the Commanding General of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, Lieutenant General Sotirios Kostakoglou, the Deputy Commanding General of the 95^th Higher National Guard Battalions Command, Brigadier General Spyridon Papathanasiou, the Commander of the Symi Island Defence Command, Colonel (Inf), Panagiotis Vranas, representatives of the Security Forces, and local authorities.

In reply to the speech of Mr. Chrysostomos II, the Minister of National Defence stated: 

“It is a very great honour for me that we are here today with my fellow MP, the MP for your area, Manos Konsolas, as well as the Commanding General of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, to celebrate Christmas with Armed Forces personnel and residents of the border island of Symi.

I would like to say, Your Eminence, that both the personnel of the Armed Forces and the residents of our border islands, are not only “Guards of Thermopylae”, as you said, but also constitute the essence of the geographical borders of our Hellenism.

Our country can exist and be preserved just as it was handed down to us, as well as be passed down to coming generations, so long as our geographical borders, border islands, and regions keep on living and developing. And this is achieved thanks to the struggle of people who ignore hardship.

I come from a small island and I know how difficult that is. I can also comprehend how much more difficult it is when you are located at our country’s eastern borders. So, Your Eminence, the residents of Symi serve our country.

You, the shepherd of the island, know that much better than me.

Regarding Kastellorizo, the Chief of the Armed Forces will visit the area in the coming days. I think this is a great act of symbolism as well. I had visited the place in 2014, when I was Minister of National Defence. I will also visit it now. Kastellorizo sets boundaries to a region of enormous geopolitical importance.

I wish that Christmas will shine a light on all of us, and that God who became man will enlighten Symi, its residents, our lives, and our judgements.

May you always be in good health”. 

Following that, the Minister of National Defence visited Fast Patrol Boat “DANIOLOS”, which is docked in the island, where he exchanged Christmas wishes with the boat’s captain, Lieutenant Commander Georgios Souhlas HN, and the crew. 

During his visit Mr. Dendias stated: 

“It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be here in Symi. Today, I have the chance to visit the Fast Patrol Boat “Daniolos” and wish a Merry Christmas to the Captain and crew.

I want to state clearly that I am proud for the personnel of our country’s Armed Forces, who guard our border islands. The most remote territories of our country.

And I think that this is the day when the whole Greek society should send wishes to that personnel from the depths of its hearts.

The border island of Symi is a characteristic place. A place filled with cultural traditions, natural beauty and geopolitical importance.

So, my visit here today has a clear symbolism. 

During his visit in Symi, the Minister visited the Monastery of Archangel Michael of Panormitis, where he was greeted by the abbot, Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Antonios of Patra, who also gave him a tour of the Church. 

Next, Mr Dendias went to “TAXIARCHOU MARKOU KLADAKI” Camp of the Symi Island Defence Command, where he exchanged Christmas wishes with Armed Forces personnel and enlisted soldiers and had lunch with them. 

After receiving token gifts from the Commander of the Island Defence Command (a Flag and local delicacies), the Minister stated: 

“I have to say that it is the first time that I visit Symi. I am impressed by the beauty of the island and the enormous cultural tradition it carries along with its name.

Also, seeing the closeness to the opposite shores, I comprehend how important your mission is and how great it is for us to have people here who serve Flag – which you so kindly game me as a memorabilium – and Country, as well as the need to protect our country’s border.

Once again, Merry Christmas and Healthy Returns”. 

After his visit in Symi, the Minister visited the 112^th Combat Wing at Elefsis Air Base, where he exchanged Christmas wishes with the Commander of the Hellenic Air Force Air Support Command, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, the Commander of 112^th Combat Wing, Brigadier General (HAF) Vassilios Tosios, and personnel of the Combat Wing at the Officer’s Club.