The President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, characterised Greece a pillar of stability and deterrent power in the Eastern Mediterranean region, commenting on the crisis with Turkey, after attending the doxology at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin in Agiasos, Lesvos on occasion of celebrations on the Dormition of the Theotokos.

She also made special reference to the armed forces, which, as she said, “with self-denial and readiness are at the forefront of the defence of the homeland.

After the end of the service and her tour of the Folklore and Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Mytilene, Eresos and Plomari Mr. Iakovos, the President stated:

“Fotis Kontoglou named August 15 “Easter of summer”. A symbol of the trampling of death, because the Virgin Mary may have “slept”, but she did not “abandon” the “world”.

“From the far off Lesvos on the front of the sea borders we acknowledge today our debt to our armed forces, which with self-denial and readiness are at the forefront of the defence of the homeland. Greece is a European state based on the Rule of Law. It keeps its commitments, honours its history and its geopolitical position. Our islands have suffered a disproportionate burden on managing the migration and refugee crisis.

We are in constant communication and cooperation with our partners and we use all possible diplomatic channels. Turkey’s provocation and aggression do not deter us. On the contrary, they are isolating it internationally, as the correctness of our positions becomes more and more understood. Our country is a pillar of stability and deterrent power in the Eastern Mediterranean region and will remain so.”