Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andreas Katsaniotis’ call with His Holiness the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III (19.01.2022)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andreas Katsaniotis, had today a telephone conversation with H.H.B. the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, on the occasion of the end of the Dodekaimeron (12 Days of Christmas).

During the conversation, the Deputy Minister expressed his cordial wishes and made special reference to the Greek Orthodox congregation in the Holy Land and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, who, for the second consecutive year, experienced this special period without the joy of the presence of pilgrims due to the current pandemic.

Mr. Katsaniotis assured His Beatitude that, for the Greek State the issues pertaining to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the preservation and safeguarding of its rights and privileges, to the strengthening and consolidation of the Holy Pilgrimages and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, to the Status Quo and to the Christian and, especially, the Greek Orthodox presence in the Holy Land, are issues of constant concern and keen interest. He also stressed that our country’s support towards His Beatitude, towards the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher is absolute, unanimous and selfless, contributing to its high pastoral and national mission which constitutes a guardian and a witness to the continuity of the Greek and Greek Orthodox presence in the region.

Concluding, the Deputy Minister expressed his intention to travel to Jerusalem in the near future, as soon as the epidemiological conditions shall allow it. On his part, His Beatitude expressed his gratitude for the well wishes and Greece’s sincere support.