The long period of ‘frost’, which had arisen between the Church and the State after the passing of the law on same-sex couples, is set to end with tomorrow’s joint visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr. Ieronymos, to the facilities of the Archbishopric in Dilesi.

It should be noted that the already tense climate between the two was exacerbated by a series of recent attacks on government MPs, due to their passage of the law in question.

“It is time to restore the crisis after a period of ‘ice’ that has benefited no one,” church circles said, in anticipation of tomorrow’s joint visit.

They underline that “the meeting will take place in a purely symbolic place, as it is about the institutions of the Archdiocese and the Church, instead of a formal place, as it would be if the meeting took place either in the office of the Archbishop or the Prime Minister, where one could visit the other”.

In particular, as stressed by secure sources, “the visit marks a rapprochement after a cold period that existed, but always on the basis of distinct roles.

It is clear that the Church has its values, its principles, its teachings, which it has expressed loudly – in its communiqué, in the circular ‘To the people’ distributed to the churches and in the letter to the MPs.

However, the legislative process was in the hands of the State and was not affected by this. It was obvious that the Church did not abstain at all from its views and positions, which remain unchanged. As well as, that the State saw fit to ignore it and essentially legislate, but as is its task through its distinct roles.”

Besides, it becomes clear that this re-approach, which is made on the basis of the distinct roles, is rooted in those elements that over time link the two institutions and can act as a reinforcing factor in reheating relations. In addition, the social and charitable work of the Church, which functions as a factor of social cohesion – this was particularly evident during the period of the memoranda of understanding, when the Church stood by the side of the State and helped it during that difficult period,” recall those close to the Archbishop.

For the above reasons, the re-approach and reaffirmation is to take place in places that have this dynamic: in two Archdiocesan kindergartens and in the Centre for Gerontology, Care Unit for the Elderly, all structures of the Archdiocese in Delesi. “Essentially, the entire age spectrum is covered in this way – starting from the beginning of life and going towards the end of it. These projects are for Mr. Hieronymos exemplary projects, projects of a lifetime. It was a conscious choice on his part to make the visits there.”

Although there was no specific reason for the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Archbishop, a mutual desire was recorded. It is considered to be ideal timing for the beginning – soon – of Holy Week.

Meeting without an agenda

At tomorrow’s meeting between the Prime Minister and the Archbishop in Dilesi, there is no specific agenda of issues to be discussed. The exclusive focus, will have to do with re-engagement – as mentioned above – and peace between the State and the Church.

More targeted was the discussion on Tuesday, 23/4 at the Ministry of Education during the Archbishop’s visit, where he and Kyriakos Pierrakakis dealt with issues such as ecclesiastical education.

Regarding the issue of recent attacks against politicians for voting for the law on same-sex marriage, no mention is expected to be made at tomorrow’s meeting.

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Besides, the Archbishop had already made statements in the spirit of the Church not taking revenge, but loving without leaving its positions. In particular, he had said the following: “Such events are not right. This is not true.

It complains, it says its positions, it is firm in them, but we must not forget that it is love that is above all, as well as kindness and tolerance. These incidents are due both to the education of each one and to the influence of some people who take many things of the Church as revenge.

The Church, however, does not take revenge. It loves, but it does not run away from its positions.”

It will be recalled that this was preceded by a verbal attack against the Deputy Minister of Transport, Christina Alexopoulou on behalf of a priest in Patras.

A few hours earlier, the deputy of the Southwest of Kavala, Angeliki Delikari had been slapped by a member of the party ‘Niki’. Both incidents are linked to the passage by the two politicians of the law on same-sex marriage.