Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived shortly after 11 a.m. on Mount Athos for a two-day visit to the Athonite State.

He landed by helicopter in Karyes. He was welcomed in the main square by the Protos (chief monk) Abbot Avraam and the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis. They escorted him to the entrance of the Protaton, where he greeted the abbots and representatives and venerated the icon of the Virgin Mary “Axion Esti.”

Following his arrival, Kyriakos Mitsotakis was taken to the Holy Church of Protaton, where the official welcome ceremony was held in accordance with Mount Athos’ strict traditions. The full administrative assembly of the Holy Community was present, consisting of the 20 abbots and their 20 representatives. The customary “Psalmody – Prime Minister’s Hymn” was chanted, followed by a welcoming speech by the Protos, who greeted the prime minister at the spiritual heart of Orthodoxy.

In his response, the prime minister thanked the Holy Community for the honor and emphasized the government’s commitment to respectfully support the spiritual mission of Mount Athos, recognizing its significance as a symbol of national identity and Orthodox tradition.

Mr. Mitsotakis is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis; the Deputy Minister of the Interior (for Macedonia and Thrace), Kostas Gioulekas; and the Secretary of the Political Committee of New Democracy, Kostas Skrekas. Also present are Halkidiki MP Yiannis Georgios and the Mayor of Aristotelis, Stelios Vallianos.

As part of his itinerary, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit the Holy Monasteries of Iviron, Vatopedi, Simonos Petra, and Xenophontos.