Your Very Reverend Holy Protos,
Reverend Fathers,
I feel the need to express to You my warmest thanks and profound gratitude for Your very moving presence at and participation in my reception, and please allow me, as a humble pilgrim to this Holy Land to ask for Your blessing.
I convey the respect and love of Prime Minister George Papandreou to all of You, along with his desire to visit Mount Athos, which, as you know, has a place in our hearts.
You, Holy Fathers, who make up the collective administrative authority and are the most official representatives of the Athos community, are aware that the state of affairs in our homeland is not ideal.
Nevertheless, the historical course of the monastic Community of Athos shows incontrovertibly the assistance, participation, solidarity, work and, in particular, the willingness of its residents to make whatever sacrifice necessary in the difficult circumstances our country has gone through from time to time.
We are grateful for this and are proud that the Greek space includes the Athos peninsula.
The current government, the President and I myself, as the minister responsible for Mount Athos affairs, are aware of this and we appreciate and value it.
Holy Protos, Reverend Fathers,
We recognize, accept and take to heart Your problems and needs.
We stand by You, as You do us.
We will do whatever we can, whatever is in our power. We will make every effort. Always at your side.
I thank You and ask for Your blessings.
June 4, 2011