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To the Metropolitan of Mantineia, the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendiastranslated

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

At the inauguration of the new Center for Interdisciplinary Education of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Mantineia and Kynouria, Mr. Epifanios, attended this morning, where he performed the Consecration in the presence of the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikolaos Dendias. The Consecration of the new Center was attended by the Deputy Minister Mr. Davakis, the Deputy Minister of Education Mr. Vlasis, the Chief of GEETHA Strtigos Mr. Floros, the Chief of GEA Vice Admiral Mr. Grigoriadis, the Chief of Gen Vice Admiral Mr. Kataras, as well as other political and military authorities.

Later, at the Episcopal Palace the Minister Mr. Dendias, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Education Mr. Dendias and the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defense Mr. Economou visited the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Mantineia and Kynouria Mr. Epifanios, where they had the opportunity to exchange various views.

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Alexandru Radu

Είδα τοι ο Δένδιας και το Επισκοπείο το το Αγιασμός. It's good that they talked, especially now that the Center for Cross-Cultural Education has opened. Ο Επιφάνιος is a man who knows how to talk to everyone without fanfare.

Michal Černý

It is wonderful that after the consecration the minister went directly to the bishopric. It can be seen that they can have a normal conversation with Metropolitan Epifanios, without unnecessary talk. I hope that the new training center will be useful mainly for the boys who will serve there.

Lukáš Šimko

It's nice that after the agiasm, Denias went straight to the bishopric to Metropolitan Epifanios. It can be seen that it is not just an official visit, but that they can talk normally. I hope that the new center will really benefit the boys who will train there.

Tomáš Baláž

I agree, Lukáš, the transition from agiasm straight to the bishopric seemed natural. I hope that the center will be really useful, especially that the boys will get some proper discipline there in addition to training. What do you think, will it help more in morale or in technique?

Isabelle Martin

It’s good that after the Agiasmos they went straight to the Bishop’s Palace to chat quietly. The opening of this new Joint Training Center comes at the right time, I especially hope that young people will learn both technique and a little discipline there.

Elizabeth Johnson

Good to see the Metropolitan bless the new center and then have a real talk with Dendias and the others at the bishop's house instead of just poses for the cameras. Hope the training there gives those young guys both solid skills and some old-fashioned discipline.

Lenka Svobodová

I agree, the direct transition from consecration to episcopacy seems sincere. Here in Pilsen, I would also like politicians and bishops to speak normally without unnecessary drama. That the center mainly serves the young people who will spend their mandatory service there, that is the most important thing.

Maria Lungu

Yes, I also noticed that he went to the Bishopric afterwards. It's good that they talked quietly, without a show, especially now that this new training center has opened. Epifanie knows how to listen and say things bluntly, without showing off.

Lenka Nováková

I agree, the transition was really smooth. In my opinion, it will help especially in terms of discipline and morale, because boys first need order in their heads, and then technique. What about you, have you ever been to a similar dedication of a military facility?

Andreas Becker

Yes, the transition from the Agiasmos directly to the bishop's house seems really natural. In our church choir last year we also did a small blessing for the new sports hall, and afterwards we just sat together and talked without fanfare. Hopefully the young men there will learn not only the technology but also some inner order.

Andrés López

I am glad that after the agiasm Minister Dendias went directly to the bishopric to chat with Metropolitan Epifanio without so much protocol. Hopefully the new center will serve above all for these kids to gain discipline and a little common sense. In the parish we always say that the first thing is to put order in your head.

Христо Димитров

It's good that after the agiasmos they went straight to the bishopric to talk calmly, without posing. Epiphanius was always a straight man, without fanfare. Hopefully the center gave the boys not only technique, but also some order in the head, especially now.

Екатерина Соловьёва

It’s good that after the hagiasm we immediately went to the bishopric and talked like humans, without cameras. Epiphany really knows how to do it without unnecessary things. I hope that in the new center the children will be given both technique and real discipline, and not just uniforms.

Alejandro Romero

I am also glad that it was without so much protocol, it is clear that he values the calm chat with the metropolitan. As for the new center, I hope those kids come out with more organized heads, as you say; Here in the parish we have seen that a little discipline helps a lot later in life. Do you think that agiasmo leaves any mark on them or is it just the training that counts?

Alžbeta Nováková

I agree, Lukáš, the transition from agiasm straight to the bishopric really seemed like a normal human visit, not just a photo for the newspaper. In our church, we pray for soldiers regularly, so I hope that the new center will also give them inner strength, not just technology. What about you, do you think they could invite a clergyman there for regular conversations with those boys?

Marek Dvořák

I agree, the direct transition to episcopacy shows that it's not just meets the eye. In our kitchen at the rectory in Pilsen, the best conversations also happen when people aren't trying to act. I mainly hope that the new training will help the boys to handle the service comfortably and without unnecessary injuries.

Alexandra Marin

Yes, Maria, that's exactly what it was - a low-key, no-fuss visit. Epiphanie is the man who listens first and only then says what he has to say, without detours. I think their discussion has caught on well now, at the opening of the center.

Nicolas Martin

Yes, it’s true that the Agiasmos followed by a calm discussion at the Bishop’s Palace gives a good impression of serenity. For the Center, I especially hope that we will insist on respect for hierarchy, this is sometimes lacking among young people today. Do you think they will include parish visits or is that too military?

Eva Balážová

I agree, Lukáš, the transition from agiasm straight to the bishopric really looked sincere. In our hospital, I see how boys after basic training need order and internal discipline so that they don't fail later. Do you think they could also give them some lectures about responsibility in that center?

Ondřej Novák

Yes, the direct transition to episcopacy seems sincere to me. In our garden after the service, it is also best to talk when there is not a lot of formality around. Let the center really help those young boys to learn something useful for life there.

Георги Колев

I agree, Christ. Epiphanius really does not like unnecessary ceremonies, so the conversation in the bishopric is more useful. The center hopefully also gave them discipline, which is exactly what the boys need now, especially before the barracks.

Pavol Novák

Yes, I agree, order in the head is the basis. I experienced that agiasmos once in the garrison in Prešov, it was short, but one felt that even that technique received some kind of protection. Have you been to such a consecration somewhere?

Ana López

Yes, I agree, that visit without so much protocol says a lot about him. In the new Center, agiasm does leave its mark, even if it is small; I have seen kids who later remember that moment and it serves as an anchor for them. In your parish, how did you notice it, with those who went to military service?

Marie Černá

I agree, the informal conversation in the bishop's palace is often more honest than the official speeches at the festivities. Here, after the liturgy in the garden, we also deal with practical matters related to children and school. I hope that the new center will really teach those boys discipline and some craft, not just theoretical duties.

Yes, Alexandra, I also heard it was a quiet meeting, no long speeches. Epifanie knows how to listen, that's for sure, and I think the minister left with some practical ideas about what the new center means to people. Have you heard anything concrete from their discussion?

Irina Dumitrescu

Yes, Alexandra, I also think that Epifanie knew how to ask simple questions, from his experience with our people. I wonder if they also talked about how the young people in the area are preparing for such a center, as many have children there. Did you catch anything about it?

Anca Tudor

I don't know if they reached this topic with the young people, Irina, but Epifanie really knows how to ask concretely, as one who has spoken to many parents in our parishes. I wonder if this new center will also bring some jobs for the boys here, because many go to the city. What do you think, did you hear anything in the village?

Jan Novák

You're right, Ondřej, the informal piece after the ceremony is often the most valuable. At our parish, after the Sunday liturgy, we also sit in the garden and discuss what the children need for school. I would just like to know if the center is also planning a practical craft, or if it will just stick to theory.

Ion Popescu

Yes, Maria, I also heard it was a simple, no-fuss discussion. Epifanie is the man who listens more than he speaks, that's how I met him here at work. Do you think they also touched on the topic of young people leaving the area?

Michal Šimko

Yes, Pavol, order in the head really starts everything. I remember the agiasmos in Prešov, they did it in our barracks a few years ago, it was so simple and at the same time you felt calmer. And you were there in what capacity, if I may ask?

Ilie Nistor

Yes, Ion, I also saw Epifanie the same way, he listens more and smiles discreetly. I think so, they also talked about young people, that in our parish we keep hearing how they leave after college and never come back. What do you think, will there be a concrete solution at the local level?

Corina Stan

Yes, Ion, I saw Epifanie the same way, he listens carefully and does not rush to give advice. In our church choir we lost two good young men last year, one went to college in Athens and never came back. Do you think it would help if the Metropolia did some practical workshops with local tradesmen, to see that it is possible to live here?

Elena Stoica

I don't know about new jobs at the center, Anca, but Epifanie often asks about young people when it comes to parishes. I think it would be good if they linked up with the vocational school here, so that the boys no longer go to Pitesti. Have you spoken to any parents who already work there?

Marius Ciobanu

No, I haven't talked to any parents there yet, but the vocational school idea sounds good to me. Epiphany really insists on young people, I also heard at the service last week. Do you think we could make a list of the jobs that are missing in the area and take it to him?

Tomáš Veselý

You're right Jan, the informal piece after the ceremony often says more than the formal speeches. Here in Ostrava, after the liturgy, we also deal with practical matters over coffee, especially when it comes to children. I wonder if the new center also includes some training in the workshop, or if it will just be lectures.

Daniela Rusu

Yes, the list of missing jobs would be a good place to start. I also heard that Epiphanie wants to link the church to practical jobs for young people, not just theory. Do you have any idea where to start, from the town hall or from the companies in the area?

Florin Stoica

Yes, the list of trades would be a concrete start, especially since Epifanie mentioned just last Sunday the carpentry workshop that he wants to expand. I would start with the construction companies and car services in the area, because there is a lack of young craftsmen there. What jobs have you heard are most sought after?

Raluca Gheorghiu

Yes, linking the church to practical jobs seems to me a very good idea, especially since many young people in our parishes leave after college without having a clear job in hand. I would start with the local companies in the area of Tripoli or Tripoli, because they know exactly what is missing. How about you, have you spoken to anyone from the town hall so far?