Greece remains firmly committed to supporting the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and those who safeguard the sacred sites and the Greek presence in the Holy Land, stated Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki during her visit to Jerusalem on November 22–23, 2025. Her visit marked the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Theophilos III.
In a public post on social media, the Minister described her two-day trip as one of “deep emotion and great honor in Jerusalem,” emphasizing that during the official celebrations, “I had the honor of representing the Greek Government.”
Funding Announcements for Major Restoration Projects
Minister Zacharaki announced that the Greek Government is advancing support for several important initiatives.
“We announced funding for the enhancement of the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection, as well as support for significant renovation projects of the Patriarchate through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” she noted.
Support for the Patriarchal School of Zion
A central part of her visit included the historic Patriarchal School of Holy Zion, which she described as “a true nursery of Greek education and tradition.”
She highlighted the School’s key educational role:
“The full curriculum of the Greek Gymnasium and General Lyceum is taught using the standards of our Ministry… Students also have access to Greek universities through a special admissions quota.”
In Bethlehem and the Monastery of the Holy Cross
The Minister also attended the Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and held discussions with Metropolitan Benedict.
“We discussed the renovation of the Grotto of the Nativity and the needs of the Orthodox Christian community,” she said.
At the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, she received briefings on current preservation works and noted that authorities were assessing “ways to make use of the Monastery’s beautiful facilities for educational purposes.”
“Greece Will Always Stand by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem”
Concluding her public statement, Minister Zacharaki emphasized:
“I left with deep gratitude. Greece will always stand by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and by the people who keep alive our sacred pilgrimages and the presence of Hellenism.”
She also expressed her sincere thanks to Patriarch Theophilos III, the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, and Consul General Dimitrios Angelosopoulos for their “excellent cooperation.”
