Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, visited Lebanon from 11 to 13 July 2025 to attend the graduation ceremony of the University of Balamand.
During the ceremony, which took place on Saturday, July 12, the Deputy Minister addressed the graduates and referred to the cultural continuity of Hellenism in Lebanon. He praised the significant work of the “St. John of Damascus” Institute of Theology of the University of Balamand in the field of Greek language education, aiming to preserve and enhance Greek Orthodox education and tradition, as well as the cultural heritage of Hellenism in the region.
Earlier that same day, Mr. Loverdos met with the Patriarch of Antioch, John X, to whom he conveyed the steadfast interest and unwavering support of the Greek state toward the Patriarchate of Antioch and its faithful. He also met with the Armenian Patriarch Aram I, and they reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation.
As part of his visit, the Deputy Minister toured the facilities of the Theological Faculty, accompanied by its Dean, Archimandrite Iakovos Khalil, and had the opportunity to meet with the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak.
During his stay in Beirut, Mr. Loverdos visited the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Beirut and met with Metropolitan Elias Audi. He also visited the “St. George Hospital University Medical Center” of the Metropolis, as well as the offices of the Greek Community of Beirut. During his meeting with the Board and members of the Greek Community, he referred to the valuable and meaningful charitable work being carried out and provided information on the objectives and initiatives of the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad.
The Deputy Minister’s program concluded on Sunday, 13 July, with his participation in the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George in Beirut. In the context of the visit, and with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation, Mr. Loverdos met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon and President of the “St. George University” of the Metropolis of Beirut, Dr. Tarek Mitri, as well as with the Minister of National Defense of Lebanon, Michel Menassa.
July 14, 2025