Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had a brief conversation after the swearing-in of the new ministers and deputy ministers of the government.
During the short conversation, it was found that both sides remained steadfast in their positions while they discussed the reasons why neither side can retreat.
According to the announcement issued by the Press Office of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed to the Archbishop his concern for yesterday’s decision of the Holy Synod.
He called on the Church to assume its responsibilities and to assist in the great effort to reduce the repercussions of the pandemic, “so that our children may return to school as soon as possible.”
At the same time, the Prime Minister stressed the need for strict adherence to the measures and health rules by all, emphasizing that “the Church must, as it has done so far, set a positive example and be a source of assistance in the common struggle.”
On his part, Archbishop Ieronymos stressed that what was agreed and related to the celebrations of Christmas, New Year and Epiphany must be observed, that is, the services will be held with the presence of 25 believers and 50 for the metropolitan churches.
Moreover, according to information from orthodoxtimes.gr, in a few hours a new explanatory encyclical is expected to be issued with which the Archbishop, with the support of the Permanent Holy Synod, will give instructions for the operation of the churches on the day of the Theophany.
