In his address at the official luncheon held in honour of Patriarch Theophilos III of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasised Greece’s continued and unwavering support for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the ancient Patriarchates.
He described the Patriarch’s visit as a profoundly significant spiritual blessing for Greece and Hellenism, emphasising that the rights of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem concern all Greeks. He noted that Greece works in coordination with the Patriarchate to protect the status quo and the regime governing the holy sites, as well as preserving the unique character of Jerusalem and the Holy Lands.
Mr Gerapetritis emphasised that Greece has historically been the principal and selfless supporter of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the ancient Patriarchates. He noted that this relationship is not a matter of geopolitical influence, but of faith, identity, and historical bonds. He further stressed that Greece is the only country to recognise this unique relationship with the ancient patriarchates in its constitution.
Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Minister observed that the Patriarch’s visit coincides with a period of ongoing crisis and renewed conflict in the region. He confirmed that Greece will continue to support the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its congregation, while also striving for peace in the region.
Mr Gerapetritis also stated that a memorandum of strategic importance to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem had been signed jointly with the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. He recalled that Greece was the only country represented by a special government envoy at the inauguration of the International Orthodox University at the site of the Baptism of Christ.
He also made special reference to the draft law concerning clergy of the diaspora, which he said was to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days by the Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharaki. He stressed that, for the first time, the state and the church are establishing an institutional framework to support the ancient patriarchates. The bill is based on the philosophy of assisting the Church of Greece while preserving the final authority of the patriarchates themselves.
In closing, the Foreign Minister thanked Patriarch Theophilos for being in Athens, wished him strength and wisdom in his work, and reaffirmed Greece’s and Hellenism’s enduring support for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
