Mount Athos Gov. Invites President Trump for Visit

The Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis, has extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Holy Mountain, as he revealed during an interview on a Greek radio station.

Speaking about Donald Trump’s relationship with Orthodoxy, the Governor of Mount Athos noted: “Considering the relationship President Trump has developed with Orthodoxy, whether through the visit of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, or the way the Patriarch’s message about the Halki Seminary was immediately conveyed to President Erdogan, or through his meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros, I see that he understands the significance of Mount Athos. I believe that, within the framework of the current geostrategic reality, when he visits Greece, he will also visit the Holy Mountain, fully recognizing its importance.”

“I told the U.S. Deputy Secretary to convey the official invitation from Mount Athos to President Trump. His eyes widened, but I think he was pleased and said, ‘Of course, I will do it,’” Mr. Stefanis said characteristically.

Referring to the recent visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas to the Holy Mountain, Stefanis said: “He is a young man with vision for the United States. I was delighted to see his deep affection for Athos, for Greece, and for the faith. He is a very devout person; it was his third visit to the Holy Mountain, though his first in this official capacity. He has profound knowledge of the issues concerning the mountain, and his approach is not merely that of a believer but of a state official who perceives Mount Athos within the framework of religious diplomacy — and that particularly pleased me.”

Source: tovima.com