Faith, ritual, jet fuel, and a schedule that would impress even the most efficient logistics manager: the Holy Light (Ἃγιον Φῶς) will arrive in Crete on the 19:30 special from Athens, landing in Chania at 20:30.
There is no red carpet, but there is a government jet, thirteen available seats, and a diplomatic appointment. The man steering this airborne congregation is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos. In a bold move that matches the seriousness of the occasion with the size of the plane, Loverdos stated, “The Greek delegation will be small because we will fly with the government aircraft that has 13 seats.” Clearly, there are no seats for freeloaders or debate clubs this year.
He further explained, “We will take off at 7 in the morning from the military airport in Elefsina and fly to Tel Aviv.” Ornate scrolls and papal decrees are out; flight plans are in.
What’s the Ritual Before the Return Flight?
Upon landing, these thirteen passengers will not check TripAdvisor for Jerusalem lunch spots. The group will visit the Patriarchate, where, as protocol (and possibly tradition) demands, they will exchange pleasantries with Patriarch Theophilos before making their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. According to Loverdos, “The Greeks have a balcony in the Church of the Resurrection,” which helps when you’re trying to avoid crowding around holy flames—everyone needs some breathing room.
This year’s guest list is slim: Giannis Loverdos himself, Metropolitan of Grevena (representing the Holy Synod), and MP Maximos Charakopoulos (offering parliamentary gravitas). One can only hope someone remembered the matches.
Why the Government Jet—And When Will the Holy Light Reach Greece?
The reason for the exclusive seating? Loverdos, as matter-of-fact as a weather forecast, declared, “We chose the government aircraft because, for security reasons, we don’t use regular flights.” Turbulence aside, this isn’t your typical airport drop-off. The group plans to return to Greece at 7 in the evening, presumably hoping the Holy Light doesn’t face a baggage delay.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Deputy Minister Giannis Loverdos leads the mission.
- Departure: 7:00 am Saturday from Elefsina.
- Arrival in Tel Aviv before noon.
- Ceremony and greetings with Patriarch Theophilos.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—Greeks have their own balcony.
- Timeline: Return flight to Greece scheduled for 7:00 pm.
For more, see the official source: protothema.gr
How Will the Holy Light (Ἃγιον Φῶς) Reach Crete and Other Greek Destinations?
No, it won’t be carried by Olympic torchbearers on foot. After the government plane lands and the Holy Light is distributed, domestic flights will carry the flame across Greece. Aegean and Olympic Air have lined up additional routes because nothing says national unity quite like synchronicity on the tarmac.
Tonight’s Flight Itinerary Post-Arrival:
- Athens to Zakynthos OA 052: 19:40-21:00
- Athens to Thessaloniki A3 126: 19:45-20:40
- Athens to Ioannina A3 166: 20:10-21:25
- Athens to Kalamata A3 232: 20:30-21:25
- Athens to Lemnos A3 266: 19:45-20:45
- Athens to Santorini A3 360: 20:30-21:25
- Athens to Chania OA 3000 (special): 19:30-20:30
- Athens to Larisa OA 3001 (special): 19:30-20:40
If you’re in Crete and wondering what to watch for, look up—the Holy Light (Ἃγιον Φῶς) is expected on the 19:30 special from Athens, landing in Chania at 20:30.
