I visited Istanbul, where I had the honor to represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Thronal Feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which commemorates the memory of its founder, Saint Andrew the Apostle, the First-Called.
With a sense of gratitude, I participated in the solemn and magnificent Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, celebrated at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George at Fener, a unique experience that moves Orthodox Christians around the world every year.
Furthermore, I had the distinct honor of being received by His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, a religious leader with international recognition and influence.
The Greek State holds the utmost respect for the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I thanked His All-Holiness for his invaluable work for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, his multifaceted social contribution, and his actions for fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
Lastly, I had the opportunity to meet at the General Consulate with representatives of the Association for the Support of Greek Community Foundations, with whom we discussed issues concerning our Diaspora.
November 30, 2023