The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-15

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Grand Celebrations to Mark Blessed Virgin Mary

The state and political leadership celebrated Assumption of Virgin Mary in regional Greece. The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias attended the divine liturgy at the Assumption of Virgin Mary Church on the island of Lefkada. Prime-minister G. Papandreou attended the mass, officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos, at the Ekatontapiliani Church. He sent his wishes to all Greeks and linked the big religious holiday with the country's efforts to exit from the financial crisis, saying characteristically that the crisis should turn into an opportunity. The ND party leader Antonis Samaras attended liturgy at Eloni Holy Monastery, in Leonidio while LAOS president George Karatzaferis attended the Te Deum at the Panagia Sumela Monastery, in Bermio. Events to mark the Assumption of Virgin Mary and 70th anniversary since Elli ship was torpedoed were held on the island of Tinos. Deputy premier, Theodoros Pangalos represented the government in celebrations on the island of Tinos.

Politicians Celebrate Assumption of Virgin Mary Day

Grand celebrations to mark Assumption of Virgin Mary were held nationwide in a highly moving atmosphere while thousands of pilgrims travelled to Trabzon, in Pontus to attend first liturgy after 88 at Panagia Sumela monastery.

The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias attended the divine liturgy at the Assumption of Virgin Mary Church on the island of Lefkada

Prime-minister G. Papandreou attended the mass, officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos, at the Ekatontapiliani Church on the island of Paros . Also attending the mass wer Interior Minister Yiannis Ragusis and Culture Minister Pavlos Gerulanos.

After the conclusion of the mass, Mr. Papandreou stressed that we are celebrating one of the biggest religious holidays of Orthodox Christians symbolizing summer Easter and hope. In his short speech referring to the economic crisis said that collective efforts and sacrifices have led the country some steps ahead, conquering the first targets. He also underlined that not only we would overcome the crisis but turn it into hope and opportunity to reform the country.

He also referred to the divine liturgy at Panagia Sumela Monastery saying that this was a most significant historical event for both Pontian Hellenism and Greeks since it consolidated a spirit of cooperation and peace between our peoples.

Antonis Samaras in Leonidio

The ND party leader Antonis Samaras attended liturgy at Eloni Holy Monastery, in Leonidio. In his statements he wished Virgin Mary, the mother of people and Christ, to inspire courage and hope to all Greek in these difficult times.

Deputy Premier Th. Pangalos in Tinos

Deputy premier, Theodoros Pangalos represented the government in celebrations on the island of Tinos. Mr. Pangalos stressed: "even at difficult circumstances, simple people hope and pray for Virgin Mary".

Celebrations at Panagia Sumela in Imathia

A Te Deum was also held at Panagia Sumela, in Imathia, followed by procession of the Virgin Mary icon. This year, however, Divine Liturgy officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch in Trabzon drew the biggest attention.

The government was represented by undersecretary for Infrastructure Yiannis Magriotis who said that the liturgy in Trabzorn would release forces of cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

ND deputy Mihalis Halkidis attending service at Panagia Sumela, in Imathia said politicians should listen to the voice of society.

LAOS president George Karatzaferis ,who also attended the Te Deum at the Panagia Sumela Monastery, in Bermio, referring to Turkey said the road to EU goes through actions such as permission to hold liturgy at Panagia Sumela in Trabzon.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA

Related News: Historical Liturgy in Trabzon

News item: 39447

[02] Netanyahu to Visit Athens

Israeli Prime-minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Athens on Monday on a two- day official visit. He is the first Israeli premier to visit Greece. Talks between Greek prime-minister G. Papandreou and his Israeli counterpart will center on bilateral relations and international issues particularly after the recent Israeli army attack against the fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 39444

[03] Third Victim of "West Nile" Virus

Victims of "West Nile" virus have risen to 3 after the death of an 80yo man who was admitted to Thessaloniki Infectious Diseases hospital with symptoms of encephalitis. Cases identified with "West Nile" virus number 36 so far. Pesticide spraying was extended till September, 15 as scientists maintain that high temperatures and high humidity level are favourable conditions for rapid multiplication of mosquitoes.

The director of the Thessaloniki Infectious Diseases Hospital Petros Seridis said the 80yo man was hospitalized in a critical condition and had bad health history. A total of 8 persons are in hospital, one of them in serious condition, 3 in stable health state and 4 in excellent health state.

O the twelve people admitted to Beroia Hospital 6 have been infected with the West Nile virus.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 39449

[04] Fidel Castro Makes TV Appearance

Cuba's historical leader Fidel Castro made a rare appearance in state television after four years. He spoke of the situation in the Middle East, threat of nuclear war and the use of low energy consumption lamps. He did not say anything about Cuba though.

"US Playing with Fire "

Castro spoke about everything but the situation in his country four years after he stepped down from office. He actually warned the ME was at the brink of nuclear war.

In reference to Iran's issue, Castro said the US were playing with fire because Iran was not the same case as Iraq.

"Iraq had no weapons. It was a country divided in Kurds, Sunni, and Shiite. There are no such ethnic divisions in Iran. It is certain that the US will meet tough resistance in Iraq which did not happen in Iraq", he stressed.

The former Cuban leader, 83yo was wearing a zip-up sports jacket. His voice was at times weak and hoarse while three academicians in the panel seemed to agree with whatever he said.

Fidel Castro appearance on TV came one week after Cuban authorities agreed to release the first of 52 dissidents following a deal reached last week with the Catholic Church and Spain. They had been sentenced to prison in 2003 when Castro was president.

The show was broadcast a few days after photographs of him at a visit to a scientific center in Havana were on newspapers.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, Reuters, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 38418

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