Greece’s state, political, and military leaders gathered at the Athens Metropolitan Church on Wednesday for the traditional New Year’s liturgy, marking the beginning of 2025 with a solemn religious observance led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.
Among the prominent attendees were President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos, Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias, and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.
Parliamentary representation included First Vice-President Yiannis Plakiotakis, stepping in for President Constantine Tassoulas, who was absent due to a recent coronavirus diagnosis.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Presidential Mansion to exchange traditional New Year’s greetings with President Sakellaropoulou, continuing a long-standing custom symbolising unity and hope for the year ahead.
The event underscored the enduring role of the Greek Orthodox Church in national traditions, as well as the commitment of the nation’s leadership to celebrating the New Year with shared faith and goodwill.