On Monday, February 3, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed Mr. George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, in a visit that highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between the Orthodox Church in the Holy Land and Greece. Accompanied by a delegation including Her Excellency Mrs. Heleni Solomou, Ambassador of Greece in Israel, and Mr. Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, the Minister’s visit reaffirmed the strong bond between the Mother Church and Greece in protecting Christianity in the Holy Land.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Fathers of the Patriarchate warmly received the Minister and his delegation. The Patriarch spoke about the sacred duty of the Patriarchate as the Custodian of the Holy Places, emphasizing the Church’s unwavering commitment to pastoral and humanitarian service despite regional challenges.
In recognition of the Minister’s support for the Patriarchate’s mission and Greece’s commitment to protecting Christian presence in the Holy Land, the Patriarch honored him with the title of “Grand Commander, Taxiarchis of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher”. This title reflects the Patriarchate’s gratitude for Greece’s role in safeguarding the Holy Sites.
The Minister expressed Greece’s duty to support the Mother Church and its mission, seeking guidance from the Patriarch on how to best assist the Patriarchate. The Patriarch highlighted the importance of preserving the Status Quo of Jerusalem’s Old City, protecting Christian Holy Sites, and promoting unity among Christian communities.
The Patriarch also discussed the challenges faced by the indigenous Christian community, particularly in Gaza, where the Patriarchate provides essential services and support. The Minister pledged Greece’s solidarity with the Patriarchate and support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Education for Palestinian youth was also a key topic of discussion, with the Patriarch emphasizing the importance of scholarship programs in Greece for future generations. The Minister agreed to explore educational opportunities to empower the faithful and preserve Christian presence in the Holy Land.
In conclusion, the Patriarch and the Minister reaffirmed their commitment to faith, peace, and protecting Christianity’s heritage in the Holy Land through mutual cooperation and support.
They exchanged gifts as a symbol of the deep and unbreakable bond between the Mother Church and the Hellenic Republic, demonstrating mutual respect. The images below showcase this significant moment.
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