Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew discussed the protection of Christians in the Middle East and the anticipated reopening of the Holy Theological School of Halki during a meeting at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
Welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Greek Prime Minister spoke warmly about the symbolic nature of his visit. “The day began cloudy, but with your arrival a bright sun emerged — symbolic, I believe, of the optimism that you always bring during these troubled and difficult times,” Mitsotakis said.
The Prime Minister apologized for being unable to attend the Patriarch’s recent speech, explaining that he had been traveling to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. He nevertheless stressed the importance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s visits to Greece.
Referring to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s upcoming 35th anniversary on the Ecumenical Throne this November, Mitsotakis praised his long-standing ministry and highlighted their shared concern for Orthodox Christians in the Middle East.
“We will have the opportunity to discuss broader developments in our region, the great interest that both you and we show for the protection of Orthodox Christians in the Middle East during this period of great turmoil,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also referred to what he described as “positive news” concerning the reopening of the Halki Theological School, calling it “an important decision” and “a longstanding desire” of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
“I want you to know that the Greek state always stands beside the Patriarchate and beside you personally, supporting you in every way so that you may continue your God-pleasing mission,” Mitsotakis added.
Patriarch Bartholomew thanked the Prime Minister and conveyed “the blessing of the Mother Church” and greetings from the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.
Describing his multi-day visit to Athens as “a week full of blessed events,” the Patriarch said that all his meetings had taken place “in a climate of mutual love and esteem.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch also conveyed his wishes for the recovery of the Prime Minister’s wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki, noting that prayers had been offered for her health at the Patriarchate.
Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew revealed that he had recently hosted John X at the Phanar.
“He described to us the real situation of the few remaining Christians,” the Patriarch said, noting that Christian populations in Syria and Lebanon continue to decline and face serious challenges.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also spoke about efforts to restore stronger inter-Orthodox cooperation after recent tensions among Orthodox Churches. He announced that next month he will travel to Imbros together with the Patriarchs of Romania and Bulgaria in order to strengthen relations and discuss common challenges facing Orthodoxy today.
Photo credit: Giorgos Kontarinis / EUROKINISSI, translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
