Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis met today, Monday, June 8, with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the context of the latter’s official visit to Athens.
During the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the commitment of the Greek State to continue supporting the Patriarchate and working for the protection of Christian populations in Jerusalem and the Middle East and the cultural heritage of the Holy Land.
Mr. Gerapetritis underscored the importance of preserving the Status Quo in Jerusalem, stressing that it must be fully respected by all and under all circumstances. He also expressed his appreciation for the work and contribution of the Patriarchate and for its role in a region of exceptional geopolitical complexity.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the need for cooperation with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as the First-Throned and foremost Church, as well as among the Ancient Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem, which collectively bear the responsibility of safeguarding unity and protecting Orthodox Christians.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, on the one hand, and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on the other, on cooperation for the protection and preservation of the material cultural heritage of the Patriarchate.
Mr. Gerapetritis hosted a formal luncheon in honor of the Patriarch, attended by His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos, and Secretary General for Religious Affairs George Kalantzis.
June 8, 2026