On March 20, 2025, students from the Patriarchate of Alexandria (Zambia – Mozambique) currently studying at the Ecclesiastical High School of Lamia “Saint Vissarion of Agathon” visited Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.
The students were accompanied by Metropolitan Symeon of Phthiotis, Metropolitan John of Zambia and Mozambique and others.
Metropolitan John of Zambia and Mozambique conveyed the blessings and gratitude of Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa for the generous support provided by the Church of Greece and Archbishop Ieronymos to the Patriarchate.
He spoke about the cultural education program through which students from Zambia and Mozambique are hosted in Greece, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of Metropolitan Symeon of Phthiotis and the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Church of Alexandria in recent years.
Metropolitan Symeon of Phthiotis expressed his joy at being in the Archdiocese of Athens, praising the Archbishop’s love, wisdom, and dedication to the well-being of children.
He emphasized that these students embarked on a significant journey to Greece not just for a better future but also to become ambassadors of a rich cultural heritage, rather than simply representatives of a nation.
Metropolitan Symeon provided insights into the educational program, thanking General Secretary of the Ministry of Education Georgios Kalantzis, School Director Ioannis Zacharakis, and Fr. Herodion for their contributions to the operation and management of the program.
Through this initiative, students from Sub-Saharan Africa are completing their secondary and higher education in Greece. Since January 2025, they have been studying at the Ecclesiastical High School of Lamia, learning the Greek language with the goal of pursuing higher education at Greek universities.
Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the visit, reminiscing about his years in education. He highlighted the benefits of the program and the opportunities it offers to the students, wishing them success in their academic journey.
He commended Metropolitan Symeon’s dedication to this initiative, thanking him for his efforts. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to embrace Greek education and make the most of their studies.
Finally, Ioannis Zacharakis, Director of the Model Ecclesiastical High School, thanked Archbishop Ieronymos for his continuous support of ecclesiastical education and expressed gratitude to Metropolitans Symeon of Phthiotis and John of Zambia for their contributions to this significant educational program.
Photos by Christos Bonis / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
