The importance, uniqueness and international appeal of Mount Athos were underlined by main opposition party (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras who arrived at the monastic community in Halkidiki Peninsula, northern Greece yesterday.

The representatives of the Mount Athos monks welcomed Mr. Tsipras at the administrative center of the monastic community in Karyes.

SYRIZA leader visited six monasteries of Mount Athos, a move which was seen as a symbolic gesture not only because of his “confession” that “he did not know what he was missing” when referring to the fact that he had never been to Mt. Athos; neither because of his commitment to the monks that a SYRIZA government will look into their requests on tax issues, nor because of his general admiration for the way monks have organized the life on Mount Athos.

What was seen as a symbolic gesture was when SYRIZA leader visited the Church of Protato where the historical icon “Axion Esti” of the Mother of Christ is being kept and asked to be left alone for a few minutes probably because he was influenced by the devout belief pervaded in the church and feeling the need for … internal search.

Mr. Tsipras said that he was impressed by the centuries-old tradition and contribution of Mount Athos and recognized its historical, cultural and religious significance.

“I want to thank you deeply for your invitation and warm welcome,” Tsipras said, adding that “the Greek state has a duty to protect this cultural heritage”.

“The honest respect with which we approach your history makes us want to help you meet the needs of your holy community from any office we are elected to by the Greek people in the future,” he stressed.

Tsipras spent the night at Simonos Petras monastery, while today he will stay at Xenofontos monastery and on Saturday at Stavronikita monastery.