In a solidarity display toward the Greeks worst hit by the economic crisis, the country’s Defense Ministry and Armed Forces organized an Easter feast for the unemployed and other vulnerable groupsĀ on Sunday in Athens, Greece.
Among those attending was Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, who offered a blessing and delivered a message for the holiday, stressing that Easter means the passage from slavery to freedom, from dark to light, from lies to the truth and from ugliness to beauty. He called on everyoneĀ to fight together in unity in order to get through the difficult times facing Greece and make life better and more beautiful.
Brief addresses were also given by Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, who underlined that the Easter message was one of hope “that cannot be extinguished” and thanked all those that worked to organize the meal and events, while he wishedĀ that all present be able to have their Easter meal at home next year.
DeputyĀ Defense Minister Kostas Isichos similarly predicted a change in era for Greece and a “renewal of hope for our people,” while Hellenic National Defense General Staff chief General Mikhail Kostarakos noted that the Armed Forces offered support in times of humanitarian crisis, givingĀ Greeks in need an opportunity to celebrate the holiday in accordance with Greek traditions and customs.
The Archbishop, Ministers and military leadership attending the feast then spoke with citizens and watched a music and dance program featuring the Armed Forces band and traditional music from various regionsĀ of Greece. The event was also attended by Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.
The festivities began at 11:30 am and 1,880 portions had been distributed by 1:00 pm. The Defense Minister gave all military personnel that helped organize the event a five-day honorary leave.
(source: ana-mpa)
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