“August 15 is a special day for Orthodox Christianity and for every Greek family. For us islanders, however, it carries an even deeper meaning.
In the Dodecanese, the Virgin Mary is closely connected with our history, traditions and people’s everyday lives. Her presence is reflected in the small churches standing on mountainsides and beside the sea, in village festivals, in the sound of church bells across the islands and in the people who return home to celebrate with their families.
From the largest islands to the smallest and most remote, faith in the Virgin Mary represents a powerful bond that unites our local communities and keeps our island identity alive.
On this day, our thoughts are also with those who serve on our islands, those travelling across our seas and our fellow islanders who are far from home.
I wish everyone many happy returns, with good health, family happiness and strength.
May the Virgin Mary protect our islands and their people, and grant us hope and optimism.
Best wishes to everyone celebrating their name day.”
Giannis Pappas
New Democracy MP for the Dodecanese
