“Unity, struggle, and a strong deterrent force. This is the message of today’s celebration,” Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis stated in Areopoli, where he is today, participating in the commemorative events marking the anniversary of the declaration of war by Maniots, inhabitants of Mani, against the Ottoman Empire.
Mr. Varvitsiotis emphasized that the phrase “victory or death,” which the Maniots used to declare war on the Ottomans, will forever define the Greeks. “Greeks will not start the fight, but will enter it only to win, defending their country and territory with self-sacrifice, self-denial, and national unity,” he pointedly stated.
Earlier, the Alternate Minister had attended the doxology held at the Holy Church of Archangels and the celebrations that followed. Afterwards, he laid a wreath in honour of the fighters at the Heroes’ Memorial in Areopolis’ Athanaton Square.