Mitsotakis marks Dormition feast in Chania, dedicates message to Greece's wildfire fighters

PM attends liturgy in Chania monastery

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on 15 August 2026 at the Holy Monastery of Metamorphosis of the Saviour in Varipetro, Chania. He was accompanied by the abbess of the monastery, Theoxeni, and entered the church early in the morning, venerating the icons before the service. The liturgy's chanting was performed exclusively by the nuns who reside at the monastery. Among those present were Chania MP Alexandros Markogiannakis, representatives of regional and local government authorities, and a large crowd of faithful. Mitsotakis is spending a short holiday in Crete during this period, away from the public spotlight but close to nature and friends, as one report noted.

Message to wildfire fighters

After the liturgy, Mitsotakis issued a statement in which he referred to all the major shrines of the Virgin Mary and the remote chapels celebrating the feast. He described the day as an occasion for reflection and for seeking the strength that faith provides to overcome difficulties, whether personal or national. He then turned to those battling summer wildfires across Greece.

“Today, however, our thoughts should be with those who fight daily against the summer wildfires, our firefighters, our volunteers, the personnel of the armed forces and of local government, who this year too are fighting this difficult battle against the climate crisis and remind us that for them there are no days off, no holidays. They are on duty every day.”

He added that the day was not one for many words, but an opportunity to spend quiet moments with loved ones and to give thanks.

Opposition leaders send greetings

PASOK-Movement for Change president Nikos Androulakis issued his own message for the feast, calling for solidarity and humanity. He wished health and prosperity to every family and urged Greeks to stand by one another, building a stronger Greece and a fairer society with hope and unity.

Rena Dourou, president of the SYRIZA-PS parliamentary group, sent a message describing 15 August as a day deeply rooted in the tradition and collective memory of the Greek people. She noted that across Greece, from the islands to mountain villages, people gather, share, celebrate, and keep long-standing traditions alive, and wished health, strength, and peace to all.

Monastery visit and reception

Following the liturgy, Mitsotakis was given a tour of the monastery grounds and was hosted in the archontariki (reception hall) for the customary hospitality, where he spoke with Abbess Theoxeni and her entourage. Mitsotakis has chosen Crete for his 15 August holiday again this year, continuing his practice of spending the feast on the island.