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The President was met by Governor of Mount Athos Georgios Dalakouros.

Mr Putin arrived at the town of Karea, the administrative centre of Mount Athos, visited several churches and attended a service at the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin.

The Head of the Russian State visited Mount Athos’ governing body, the Holy Kinot. Speaking to the members of the Holy Kinot, the President emphasised the special spiritual ties between Russia and Greece, especially Mount Athos. Mr Putin left the following words in the Holy Kinot’s visitors’ book: “My best regards to all the devoted servants of our Lord, to all Orthodox Christians and to the guardians of the Orthodox sacred places”.

The President also visited the Iverian Monastery and saw the icon of the Iverian Mother of God, also called the “Gate-keeper”. Mr Putin also wrote in the visitors’ book.

At the Russian Monastery of the Holy Martyr and Healer Panteleimon Mr Putin visited the main cathedral and attended a service. The President also visited the Church of the Protective Veil of the Holy Virgin, the Church of the Assumption, the Church of Archangels Gabriel and Michael, and climbed to the top of the Monastery's bell tower.

Mr Putin presented the father superior of the monastery, Archimandrite Jeremiah, with the Order of Friendship.