Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-12-12

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Concert aims to ease tensions 

[01] Concert aims to ease tensions

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, Education Minister Anna Diamantopoulou, the visiting Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios as well as Megaron President Yiannis Manos joined Ieronymos at the event.

The Aghios Panteleimonas district, and in particular the square where the large cathedral stands, has shot to the national limelight over the past two to three years as the site of angry rallies by local residents -- often infiltrated by extremist nationalist groups -- against what they charge is an illegal immigrant fueled crime wave and downgrading of the neighbourhood. (ANA-MPA) Rallies and protests by the former groups have been followed by counter-rallies by leftist groups and self-styled "anti-state" activists.

In an address before packed pews, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos emphasized that the "Church's mission is to unite people, just as music does; in the age of globalisation the Church must also contribute to the production of culture."

A stepped up security presence was evident outside the cathedral, as a group of protesters hurled abuse at some of the attendees. (ANA-MPA)

Caption: A view of the interior of the Aghios Panteleimonas Cathedral -- one of the largest churches in SE Europe -- on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. ANA-MPA / O. PANAGIOTOU

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