Governor of Mount Athos invites President Trump to Holy Mountain

THESSALONIKI — On November 6, 2025, the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis, announced on Greek Television that he had sent an official invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Athos.

“I asked the U.S. Secretary of State to deliver to President Trump an official invitation from the Holy Mountain of Athos. He rolled his eyes, but I think he was pleased and said, ‘Of course, I’ll do it,’” Stefanis recounted.

According to the Athonite governor, Donald Trump shows a special interest in Orthodoxy and has already demonstrated respect for the Church during visits by Patriarch Bartholomew. “I believe that, understanding the geostrategic and spiritual significance of Athos, he will come to Greece and visit the Holy Mountain,” Stefanis noted.

The governor also mentioned the visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas to Athos, emphasizing his deep faith and interest in religious diplomacy. “This is his third visit to Athos, and his knowledge is not just that of a believer, but of a statesman who understands Athos’s importance for international relations,” he added.

Stefanis further raised the issue of preserving the ELTA postal office on the Holy Mountain, stressing its importance for communication among monks and pilgrims. “Many monks have no phones or electricity, and letters remain their only connection to the outside world,” the Civil Governor of Athos explained.

UOJ-USA recently reported on Trump's new ambassador to Greece expressing her desire to learn more about Greek Orthodoxy.

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