“With ‘Agenda 2030’ we are making the biggest reform in the history of the Armed Forces of New Greece. Especially our Navy is upgraded with a series of modern naval units and the rest are modernized.

This was emphasized by National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and in the memorial service for the 85th anniversary of the cruiser “Elli” in Tinos.

“I hope,” added Mr. Dendias, “with the help of Our Lady, that next year the silhouette of the first frigate FDI (Belharra), the most modern frigate on the planet, the ‘Kimon’ adorning the horizon of Tinos.”

Mr. Dendias, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Dimitrios – Eleftherios Curse, boarded the fast -paced “Mykonios” Navy’s “Mykonios” patrol, which sailed in the maritime sinking area of the “Elli” cruiser.

Followed by the memorial service for the fallen and the throwing of wreaths by the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff. At the point where the “Mykonios” patrol was sailing, the “Samos” armor is honored.

The Minister then attended the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Evangelistria, led by His Eminence Metropolitan of Syros, Tinos, Andros, Kea, Milos, Mykonos and other Dorotheos II islands.

The Metropolitan of Trikkis, Gardiki and Gate Chrysostom and the Metropolitan of Larissa and Tyrnavos Ieronymos were arranged. Mr. Dendias also attended the ritual of the sacred image of Megalochari.

In the memorial service, in the ritual of the sacred icon of the Great and in the Divine Liturgy, the Minister of Education of Religions and Sports, Sofia Zacharakis, MPs Philip Fortomas and Maria Syrengela, the Chief of the Hellenic Republic. Tryfon Kontizas, the governor of Tinos Anastasia Deligianni – ‘Asprou, the Mayor of Tinos Panagiotis Krontiras, the Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas, representatives of the other Security Bodies, Local Government and Local Bodies.

“Greece today is celebrating Easter in the summer,” the Minister of National Defense said.

“Orthodoxy honors the Assumption of Theotokos. The top theoretical feast. Megalochari, the timeless maternal image and presence, is a reference point of ubiquitous Hellenism. And from there to the consciousness of the nation the spiritual support in the difficult times. Because I think we all remember that the Virgin Mary is the protector of our armed forces, “he said.

“But today is not only illuminated by faith. There is here in Tinos and the memory of historical loss. Right here, in this port, on August 15, 1940, the “ELLI” flexible was torpedoed by the forces of the hidden but fascism. This torpedo broke up with the latest hopes we had for peaceful coexistence with the Benito Mussolini regime, ”he said. a

“Nine sailors, crew members,” he continued, “they lost their lives, serving Greece. It was the preface of the great blood river of the era of ’40s and the occupation. Their names, along with another 121,683, are illuminated every night in the clear ark of national memory, in front of the Ministry of National Defense. “

Mr Dendias assured that “over time, regardless of parties, governments and situations, the armed forces of our homeland stand at the height of Greek history”.

“They honor her. But mostly they continue it, ”he said.

“Greece reinforces its deterrent power consistently, with responsibility, with respect to the money of the Greek taxpayer. Always according to international law, the law of the sea and the European acquis, ”Mr Dendias clarified.

“Here, in the heart of the archipelago, in the heart of the Aegean, the invocation of international law on the day of the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, acquires for us Greeks, for Hellenism, a special value and a great importance. Happy birthday to all, Our Lady Caps the Armed Forces of our Homeland, ”concluded Mr. Dendias.