“We honour this great feast of Orthodoxy this year, bringing everyone’s sadness and pain for our fellow human beings who lost their lives or are suffering because of the recent wildfires. But at the same time, all Greeks feel satisfaction at the release of our two soldiers – on the Virgin Mother’s feast day – and vindication that came as a result of the constant and persistent efforts of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government.
A diplomatic success with positive repercussions for the relations between the two peoples. And we are proud of the stance and ethos maintained by our two officers.
May these great days of our faith serve as a point of reference for unifying and galvanising the forces not just of Pontic Greeks, but of Hellenism as a whole.
Many happy returns to Greeks throughout the world.”
August 15, 2018