The country’s political leaders sent their messages of hope and renewal on Sunday, as Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Greece.
PresidentProkopis Pavlopoulos, who attended the midnight service in Kalamata, spoke of the miracle of Christ’s resurrection and expressed his hope that this Easter would signal the “ultimate enactment of human dignity through the protection of people’s inalienable fundamental rights and through the establishment of social justice”.
The President was accompanied by local mayorPanagiotis Nikos, SYRIZA MPsGiota KozompoliandPetros Konstantineas, as well as Deputy District Governor of MessiniaEleni Aliferi. The service was officiated by the Metropolitan Bishop of MessiniaChrysostomos.
Prime MinisterAlexis Tsiprasnoted that Easter this year is special, as it “brings with it the renewal of hope to our people for a better a future for a tomorrow that has already taken its first steps. This is our Resurrection. It it is the Resurrection of all of us, who have taken the decision to stand up, look up and, united, we will overcome the hardships of the times”.
According to the Prime Minister, the message of Easter is a message of life and justice, that is heard throughout Greece, Europe and the whole world. He added that “we have already made the great start. We have the right and ability to make it to the end. The spring of creation was bring an end to the winter of resignation”.
The leader of the main opposition and New Democracy leaderAntonis Samaras, who attended the service in Pylos, wished prosperity and good health to the Greek people and expressed his hope that Greece would soon overcome the difficulties at present, so that the sacrifices of the Greek people would finally be vindicated and bring results.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces arranged a festive solidarity meal for all those affected by the financial crisis, at the Hellenic Army Grove in Goudi. The meal, which included lamb on the spit, salads and other traditional dishes, was blessed by the Archbishop of Athens and GreeceIerounymos.
The Archbishop sent a message of hope and reminded that Easter marks the passage from slavery to freedom, from darkness to night, from lies to truth and wished that everyone should stand united against the hardships in order to make life better and more beautiful.
In his message the Minister of National DefensePanos Kammenosstated that “we will continue to believe in hope, and with this belief in hope and the Light of the Resurrection, we will move on to tomorrow”. Mr. Kammenos also thanked all of the military personnel and for working on the event. “The people can now begin to smile. The days and times are changing for our country. I think that today we can talk about the rebirth and the hopes of our people” commented the Alternate Minister of National DefenseKostas Isichos.
The Chief of Staff Gen.Michael Kostarakosnoted that the Armed Forces have risen up to support the Greek people in this humanitarian crisis, by offering the least they could to help fellow everyone celebrate Easter according to Greek traditions.
