Leros Marks the 78th Anniversary of Dodecanese Unification

The 78th anniversary of the integration of the Dodecanese with Mother Greece on the island of Leros was celebrated with particular splendor and a sense of historical pride.

The events began on Saturday morning at the Cathedral Church of Agios Nikolaos in Lakki, where an official Doxology was held under the Holy Clergy of the island.

The anniversary events gathered a large number of people as well as the local political and military leadership. Present were the Mayor of Leros, Mr. Timotheus Kottakis, the President of the Municipal Council, Mr. Panagiotis Takis Koumbaros, the Deputy Mayors, Mr. Manolis Maravelias, Mr. Christos Giannakos and Mr. Kouvas Vrettos, as well as the Deputy Municipal Councilor for Education and Sports, Mrs. Eleni Helmi. The event was also attended by the head of the opposition Mr. Michalis Kolias with the municipal councilors Mr. Angelos Konstantinidis and Mr. Nektarios Billis, the Chamber Councilor and representative of the South Aegean Region, Mr. Ioannis Themelaros, the Governor of Leros Hospital Mr. Stamatis Kardassis, representatives of Chapter HJ – 43 of AHEPA which they represented the President, Mr. Pantelis Maravelias, members of the Red Cross, as well as the politician of the Greek Solution in the Dodecanese, Mr. Michalis Karabatis.

From the military leadership of the island present the Guardsman of Leros and Commander of YTEL, Captain Dionysios Dimopoulos, the Commander of 588 TE, the Commander of AT. Leros, the Commander of 109 LMETH and the Harbor Master of Leros.

After the end of the Doxology, in the flag-decorated "P. Roussou" square, a memorial service and laying of wreaths was held, while the Municipal Philharmonic gave honors and the 588TE ceremony. The eulogy of the day was delivered by the teacher of Xirokampos Primary School, Mr. Vasilios Chalkitis.

The summer weather cooperated so that a large number of people attended the parade, where the student youth sections made a beautiful presence. Impressive was the appearance of the Municipal Philharmonic, the Cultural Association "Artemis" with traditional uniforms, the 3rd Corps of Sea Scouts, Schools of all levels, and above all the flawless parade of the Army and National Guardsmen who were applauded!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN GREEK AND FREE DODECANISE !!!

Edited by: George I. Chrysoulis, secretary of the Holy Metropolis

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