Your Beatitude,
For Greece and Hellenism, your visit is a blessing of profound spiritual significance. The Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood has as the foremost and principal purpose of its existence the custody of the Holy Sepulchre and the All-Holy Shrines of all Christendom.
The rights of the Patriarchate are a matter of concern for all Hellenism. In consultation with Your Beatitude, we are working for the preservation of the Status Quo, the regime governing the Holy Sites, and all that renders Jerusalem and the Holy Land a spiritual point of reference for Humanity.
Our country has always been the foremost, principal, and, most importantly, selfless supporter, ally, and defender of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as of all the Ancient Patriarchates. Greece possesses this uniqueness because it is not foreign to the Ancient Patriarchates, but rather flesh of their flesh. We are united by the indissoluble bonds of Hellenism.
We are the only country that recognizes this unique relationship with the Ancient Patriarchates in its very Constitution. For us, this is a matter of faith and identity, not of geopolitical circumstances or influence.
Unity among the Ancient Patriarchates is valuable not only for the support and defense of the Orthodox dogma, but also for the very survival of Orthodox Christians in the Middle East. Throughout the Middle East, Orthodox Christians identify themselves as Greek Orthodox.
Your Beatitude, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as the First-Throned and foremost Church, undoubtedly bears the duty prescribed by the Holy Canons and Tradition. Yet the Ancient Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem likewise share the burden of safeguarding unity and protecting Orthodox Christians.
The Tetrarchy of the Primeval Patriarchates has had, has, and will continue to have the unique responsibility for the unity of Orthodoxy. Your Beatitude, Greece and Hellenism throughout the world will always stand by your side in every endeavor, every undertaking, and every vision of yours, so that this may become a reality.
We welcome you today, Your Beatitude, at a time when, regrettably, sirens are once again sounding in Jerusalem due to the latest escalation of the prolonged and bloody crisis in the Middle East. Please accept our assurance that Greece will once again stand by the Patriarchate and your flock. We shall continue to work together for peace in the region.
Today, together with the Minister of Culture, Ms. Mendoni, we signed a memorandum of strategic importance for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Greece was the only country represented by a Special Envoy of the Government at the inauguration of the Baptism Site International Orthodox University - a further strategic achievement of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
In a few days, the Minister of Education, Ms. Zacharaki, will submit to Parliament the bill concerning the clergy of the Diaspora. For the first time, the State and the Church are establishing a framework for the support of the Ancient Patriarchates. I would ask you to note something that demonstrates precisely what I mentioned earlier: that Greece is the only selfless supporter of the Ancient Patriarchates. The philosophy underlying this legislation is precisely the provision of assistance and support through the Church of Greece, while ensuring that both the first and the final say remain with the Patriarchates themselves. This would not have been possible without the love and tireless commitment of the Archbishop of Athens, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout this endeavor.
Your Beatitude,
I thank You for the great honor You bestow upon us through your presence. I wish You strength and the Lord’s enlightenment in your multifaceted work, and I invite You to bless this table.
June 8, 2026