On Ash Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem welcomed Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Minister was accompanied by members of her office and the Consul General of Greece, Mr. Dimitrios Angelosopoulos.
During their meeting, Patriarch Theophilos expressed deep pastoral concern about the ongoing war in Gaza and prayed for an end to the suffering and the restoration of stability through diplomatic efforts. He specifically highlighted the need for humanitarian aid to reach those in distress, especially after its recent cessation.
The Patriarch also reaffirmed the Patriarchate’s commitment to safeguarding the Christian presence and heritage in the Holy Land, emphasizing the importance of being a light in the world and upholding sacred history and faith.
The Minister shared her reverence for the Holy Land and discussed her visit’s purpose of inspecting Byzantine monuments in Jerusalem and Ramallah that require conservation. The Patriarchate welcomed these efforts as essential for preserving Christian heritage.
Later, the Minister visited the Church of Saint Constantine and the Archive of the Patriarchate, where valuable icons and sacred objects are preserved. She also participated in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and visited other significant religious sites in the Holy Land.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
