Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens commented today on recent announcements by the Ministry of Education of Greece regarding the presence of holy icons and the structure of religious education in schools, during a meeting with students honored in the 2nd Panhellenic Student Competition titled “Asia Minor – Pontus: Remembrances.”
The competition was co-organized by the General Secretariat for Religious Affairs, the Special Synodal Committee on Cultural Identity of the Church of Greece, and the Chair of Pontic Studies at the Department of History and Archaeology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Welcoming the students, teachers, and accompanying guests, Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his satisfaction with initiatives that promote historical memory and cultural awareness among young people. He emphasized the importance of such collaborations, noting that they contribute positively to the future of the country.
Referring to the Ministry’s recent decisions, the Archbishop stated that the announcements concerning both the presence of holy icons and the teaching of Religious Education, along with its alternative course, bring reassurance and confirm that “we are on the right path.”
He highlighted that the cooperation between the State and the Church, grounded in shared values and objectives, can produce meaningful results for society.
Addressing the issue of religious symbols in public institutions, Archbishop Ieronymos pointed to established legal precedents. He noted the relevant rulings of the Plenary of the Council of State of Greece (2019 and 2020), as well as earlier decisions by the European Court of Human Rights (2010, 2011, and 2013), all of which rejected challenges concerning Greece.
In particular, he referred to the symbolic presence of holy icons in courtrooms, showing that these decisions affirm their compatibility with the country’s legal and cultural framework.
Concluding his remarks, the Archbishop stressed that the event itself demonstrates how constructive outcomes can be achieved when the State, especially the Ministry of Education, and the Church of Greece work together based on common principles and goals.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
