During his stay in Athens, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Dodoni, Apostolos of Miletus, and Theoktistos of Fokida in private meetings at his residence.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also received Socrates Famelos, head of the SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance Party, as well as several members of the Greek Government: Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Dendias; Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Sofia Zacharaki, accompanied by the General Secretary for Religious Affairs Georgios Kalantzis; Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, accompanied by Professor Emeritus Antonia Moropoulou of the National Technical University of Athens; Minister of Labor and Social Security Niki Kerameus; and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anastasios Hadjivassiliou.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also received Evangelos Venizelos, Professor and former Vice President of the Greek Government.
Ministry of Development: Support for the “The Evlogon” initiative on Christian monuments and the values of faith
The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, held a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during the Patriarch’s official visit to Athens.
According to an official statement, the discussion focused on the vital spiritual role and significant contribution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in global interfaith dialogue.
The discussion also highlighted the need for the unification of all forces of global Hellenism, especially in a time of major international upheaval and uncertainty. The importance of cooperation between the State and the Church at all levels was emphasized—for the support of Hellenism worldwide, as well as for peace and stability in the broader region.
It was noted that the Ministry of Development supports ‘The Evlogon,’ a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative aimed at transferring know-how from the restoration of emblematic monuments and promoting the values of Christianity.
Sokratis Famellos to the Ecumenical Patriarch: The need to protect Christians in the Middle East
Sokratis Famellos, President of the SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance party, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. After the meeting, Famellos stated: “Today, I met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, conveying our support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as our deep appreciation for his commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue, the environment, and solidarity.
We discussed the major issue of peace with the Ecumenical Patriarch, at a time when wars are raging across the globe and international law is being challenged. We requested his contribution and his voice in support of peace, the protection of civilians, and the promotion of dialogue.
At the same time, I praised his visit — alongside Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and the late Pope Francis — to Lesvos during the refugee crisis, as well as his valuable contribution to Greece.
We also addressed the need to protect Christian populations in the Middle East who are victims of conflict and oppression, such as the Greek Orthodox Community in Gaza and the Christians of Syria, including those of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, who are raising a cry of agony and appealing to the international community.
In addition, I expressed my support and interest in the reopening of the Theological School of Halki and in Turkey’s fulfillment of its contractual obligations to safeguard the human rights and religious freedoms of the Greek minority in Constantinople, Imbros, and Tenedos.
I also emphasized the need to restore the status of the Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as that of the Chora Monastery.
We shared common concerns about the environment, which has long been a priority and a field of important initiatives led by the Ecumenical Patriarch. This is a pioneering and special contribution. Today, at a time when the climate crisis is being questioned, it is essential to join forces. Once again, we need his support in our joint effort to protect our planet—our common home.
Finally, I expressed my warmest wishes for health and strength, as well as our intention to visit him soon at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
