The Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, issued a message on Saturday marking the major holiday of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing that faith, hope, and solidarity remain the core forces keeping Greek society standing during challenging times.
Hardalias described the August 15 observance of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary as perhaps the most important holiday in Orthodox Christianity. He stated that the day serves not only for reflection and inner strength, but also as an opportunity to focus on fundamental values, including family, love, solidarity, and care for others.
Celebrated annually on August 15, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is one of the biggest religious and public holidays in Greece, often referred to in the country as the summer Easter. It coincides with widespread family gatherings and pilgrimages across the nation. Attica, which includes the Greek capital of Athens and surrounding areas, is the most populous administrative region in Greece, home to more than one third of the nation's population.
Focus on families and working citizens
In his statement, Hardalias noted that the Virgin Mary stands as a strong symbol of maternal protection and a timeless reference point for every Greek man, woman, and Orthodox Christian. He said her presence serves as a reminder in both times of joy and periods of hardship that human values hold society together.
The governor directed his thoughts to every family across the region of Attica. He paid tribute to citizens working daily to secure a better future, young people embarking on life with dreams and ambitions, and elderly residents who carry the living memory and wisdom of the land. He also extended his thoughts to those facing personal difficulties and people separated from their loved ones during the holiday period.
Role of the Attica regional authority
Addressing the responsibilities of regional leadership, Hardalias said the Attica regional authority has a duty to stand by all citizens on a daily basis rather than solely during official holidays. He explained that officials are working with responsibility, consistency, and a clear plan to make Greece's largest region safer, more functional, more human, and more resilient.
Hardalias stressed that the regional government aims to build a strong Attica that offers opportunities, protects vulnerable residents, and leaves no one behind. He added that regional progress cannot be measured by infrastructure projects alone, but must be judged by the strength of social bonds, mutual responsibility, and solidarity toward those in need.
Tribute to the Greek armed forces
The governor also extended special greetings to members of the Greek Armed Forces, who honor the Virgin Mary as their patron saint on the same day. He offered heartfelt thanks to military men and women performing their duties under difficult conditions to keep citizens and their families safe.
Hardalias concluded his message by wishing a happy name day and good health to everyone celebrating across Greece and particularly within Attica, offering blessings of peace, strength, and personal and family prosperity for the holiday.
