Mount Athos Civil Administrator Alkiviadis Stefanis has officially invited US President Donald Trump to visit the Holy Mountain, revealing he made the request through US Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas.
“I told the US Deputy Secretary of State to convey Mount Athos’ official invitation to President Trump. His eyes widened, but he seemed delighted and said, ‘Of course, I will do it,’” Stefanis said.
Stefanis praised Trump’s past engagement with Orthodoxy, citing his meetings with Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Elpidophoros, and his support for reopening the Halki Theological School.
He expressed hope Trump would include Mount Athos in a future trip to Greece, recognising its “spiritual and cultural importance.”
Stefanis also commended Rigas, calling him “a devout man” with a strong appreciation for Mount Athos’ role in religious diplomacy.
Source: Orthodox Times
