“Dear friends,

It is with the greatest respect and appreciation of the Pontians that I address this year’s central, Panhellenic event commemorating the Pontian Greek Genocide.

 The Greeks of Pontus, people who were active from the earliest of historical times in Sampsous,Trebizond and Kerasous, withstood persecution and achieved great things.

In more recent times too the Pontians bravely faced up to the terrible burden of this genocide.   Today the Pontians are prospering in mainland Greece or among the Diaspora.

I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity.”