Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, who is in Greece these days, paid a formal visit to the Archbishop of Athens. The two primates talked privately for about 45 minutes and discussed all current developments in inter-orthodox relationships.
Following the private meeting with the Archbishop, Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria said that he expressed his gratitude to the Archbishop and thanked the Church of Greece, which he characterized as the consolation of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Patriarch Theodore said he briefed Archbishop Ieronymos on the ordination of new bishops, who will strengthen and assist in the further development of the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Archbishop Ieronymos wished them to stay strong and have a good journey.
The two primates did not refer to their statements on the developments in the Ukrainian ecclesiastical issue, but according to ecclesiastical sources, this topic was also raised at their meeting. Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens are the first two primates of Orthodox Churches to recognize the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and to commemorate the name of Epifaniy of Kiyv. Due to this they have been targeted by Moscow’s Patriarchate, which does not commemorate either of them or Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew any more.
