Deputy FM Amanatidis’ statement at the conclusion of the proceedings of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (Chania, 26 June 2016)

“In era when the notion and value of cooperation seem to be waning, the Holy and Great Council, through its unity, conveyed the timeless message of Orthodoxy to humankind in a modern voice.

Today, with the conclusion of Council’s proceedings, I can say that the state mechanism, in an exemplary manner, met the needs of a global event, under the supervision of the Foreign Ministry.

I would like to thank the Special Secretary for Religious and Cultural Diplomacy, Mr. EfstathiosLianosLiantis, and all of the Foreign Ministry personnel, all of the members of the Special unsalaried Committee for the Organization of the Holy and Great Council, from 13 Ministries, and, of course, the Local Administration and local agencies of the welcoming island of Crete.

In particular, I would like to thank Lieutenant GeneralAndrikopoulos and Major General Daskalakis – who coordinated the security operation and the personnel of the Greek Police, as well as all of the forces of the Coast Guard and Army – for their constant presence.

Our country once again broadcast a message of unity and stability.”

June 26, 2016