On Ash Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem received Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Her Excellency was accompanied by members of her office and His Excellency the Consul General of Greece, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos.
During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos expressed deep pastoral concern over the ongoing war in Gaza, lifting fervent prayers for an end to the suffering and for the restoration of stability through diplomatic endeavours. With a shepherd’s heart, Patriarch Theophilos especially lamented the plight of innocent children, who, as Christ Himself proclaimed, hold a sacred place in the Kingdom of Heaven: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14). The Patriarch of Jerusalem emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach those in distress, particularly after its recent cessation, which has exacerbated the suffering of the vulnerable.
Moreover, Patriarch Theophilos reaffirmed the Patriarchate’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Christian presence and heritage in the Holy Land. He underscored that the mission of the Orthodox Church, entrusted by Christ Himself, is to be a light in the world, bearing witness to the sacred history and faith that have been upheld through generations in the land of our Lord’s Resurrection.
Τhe Minister conveyed her reverence for the Holy Land and detailed her visit’s purpose: inspecting Byzantine monuments in Jerusalem and Ramallah that require immediate conservation. The Patriarchate welcomed these efforts, recognizing them as vital to preserving the Christian heritage in the Holy Land.
In the afternoon, the Minister visited the Church of Saint Constantine and the Archive of the Patriarchate, where treasures of icons and sacred objects are preserved with great diligence. Under the meticulous care of Mr Stavros Andreou, an esteemed specialist in ecclesiastical conservation, these invaluable artefacts—including historical documents dating back to the Ottoman period—have been catalogued, ensuring their protection for future generations.
Following the meeting, the next day, the Minister participated in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on the Horrendous Golgotha, presided over by Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Sacristan of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In this most sacred space, where Christ bore the weight of the Cross for the world’s salvation, the Minister joined in prayer and contemplation, embracing the spiritual depth of the Lenten journey.
Later in the day, the Minister visited the Shrine of the Theotokos’ Tomb in Gethsemane and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, where the Patriarchate has undertaken the establishment of the Centre for Theological Studies and Research. This centre stands as a beacon of Christian scholarship, echoing the words of the Apostle Paul: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
