"Our path is within Europe and this is the road we will travel and travel victoriously," he said at Karamanlis' home village of Proti."We are called on today to complete Constantine's Karamanlis' European vision."The president noted that Greece had to travel this path with the other European peoples and act together with these other peoples to "fix" Europe so that it returns to its original values.
Referring to the former statesman, he cited Karamanlis' example and dedication to democracy, duty and to serving the public interest and unity during difficult times and in major decisions "beyond and outside sterile party conflicts".
Pavlopoulos, who embarked on a tour of Serres on Sunday, was earlier received and shown around the house by the late statesman's brother Achilleas Karamanlis and Achilleas' son, Serres MP Costas Karamanlis. The Greek president also signed the visitors' book.
Earlier, Pavlopoulos had attended a service led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at Agios Nikitas Church in the city of Serres.
After the ceremony, the Patriarch said that the president's name will always be in the Ecumenical Patriarchate's prayers and expressed hope that when he next returns to Greece, the crisis will be overcome.
The president also visited flood-stricken areas in the municipalities of Amphipolis in Mesolaggia before his visit to Proti, while he is to attend an official luncheon held in honour of himself and the Ecumenical Patriarch.
ANA-MPA
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