Today, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem was received at the Maximos Mansion by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
According to reports, they discussed cooperation between the Greek state and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem during the meeting, as well as developments concerning the status quo of the Holy Sites. This included issues related to the protection of the Patriarchate’s historical rights and ancient privileges.
Particular emphasis was placed on the security situation in the Middle East in light of the recent escalation of tensions in the region and the challenges faced by Christian communities.
The Prime Minister reiterated Greece’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Christian presence, especially Orthodox Christians, who constitute the oldest Christian community in the Holy Land and, more broadly, in the Middle East. He also reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and freedom of worship.
‘I know that you, like me, are particularly concerned with safeguarding the special status quo of the Holy Sites, just as we are concerned with the protection of all Orthodox Christian populations in the Middle East, who are also being tested by this major geopolitical upheaval that many of us are called upon to manage,’ the Prime Minister stressed.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem’s visit is part of the close and ongoing cooperation between the Greek state and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It follows repeated visits by the Prime Minister and other government members to the Holy Land.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister and Patriarch Theophilos III had the following exchange:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Your Beatitude, I am very pleased to welcome you to Athens following my visit to you in Jerusalem.
You are visiting us at a time of great turbulence in the wider Middle East, which is why I consider the timing of our meeting so important.
I am reminded by the flag of the Patriarchate of the two Greek letters “Φ” and “Τ”, meaning “guardians of the Tomb”, which signify the historical depth of the Greek tradition and the great importance that the Greek state attaches to close cooperation with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Of course, the four ancient Patriarchates, preeminently the Great Church of Constantinople, play a significant role in uniting the Greek Orthodox world.
Like me, I know that you are particularly concerned with safeguarding the special status quo of the Holy Sites and with protecting all Orthodox Christian populations in the Middle East. They, too, are being tested by this major geopolitical upheaval, which many of us are called upon to manage.
I am very interested to hear your thoughts and assessment of your highly significant meeting with President Trump, who also attaches great importance to these issues.
Finally, Your Beatitude, I would like to express my satisfaction with the important agreement you signed with the Ministry of Culture. This agreement demonstrates the Greek state’s commitment to protecting your relics and this invaluable cultural treasure under your care. These treasures must be safeguarded, preserved, and passed on intact to future generations.
Once again, I warmly welcome you to Athens and wish you strength in your demanding duties during this turbulent period.
Patriarch Theophilos III: Mr Prime Minister, we thank you warmly for your interest in all that we do. We are particularly pleased with this meeting, which is of special significance not only for relations between the Patriarchate and our beloved homeland, but also for the Holy Land and Jerusalem, which are points of reference for the entire world.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the very embodiment of Jerusalem’s sacred history. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is, of course, inseparably connected to the devout Greek nation, which was honoured by divine providence to restore the All-Holy Tomb.
As you know, there is an inscription on the Holy Sepulchre which reads: ‘Those who restored me’, referring to the royal and imperial Greek nation.
We are very grateful for your interest and the time you have devoted to this meeting.
As you said, we are glad to see interest from both the Greek state and you personally in safeguarding the continued existence of Christians there.
This is an issue that deeply concerns the State Department and President Trump himself. In our discussion, he referred to the matter of preserving the status quo in Jerusalem, including the pilgrimage status quo and the presence of Christians in the Middle East.
We had a very productive meeting. We also convey to you the greetings of President Trump, who intends to visit Greece during his forthcoming visit to the region.
Finally, we would like to thank you for the memorandum we signed with Minister Ms Mendoni. It is indeed a historic moment for the Patriarchate, and as you said, it demonstrates the strong relationship between the Patriarchate and Greece. Greece has always been, and continues to be, the nurturing mother of all clergy serving in the diaspora, especially in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Thank you once again, and please convey our thanks and the blessings of the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre to Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Thank you, Your Beatitude.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
