ATHENS – [ANA-MPA]
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on May 8, at the Maximos Mansion.
The Greek Premier welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and congratulated him on marking 35 years on the throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He mentioned that the discussion would centre on the protection of Orthodox Christians in the Middle East, a matter of concern for both the Greek government and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as the reopening of the Theological School of Halki.
“And I want you to know that the Greek state always stands by the Patriarchate and by you personally, supporting you in every way so that you may carry out and continue your work,” added Mitsotakis.
“We acknowledge and are grateful for this. Mr. Prime Minister, I bring you the blessing of the Mother Church and the greetings of our small Greek community,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Patriarch Bartholomew said that a few days ago he spoke with the Patriarch of Antioch, who described the situation facing the few Christians who remain there. “The number of Christians there is dwindling, and they face problems in Syria and Lebanon, where the Patriarch of Antioch’s jurisdiction extends.” Next month, we will travel to Imbros together with the Patriarchs of Romania and Bulgaria, and it will be an opportunity to strengthen our ties and discuss our common problems,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch.
