The announcement of a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Archbishop Ieronymos at the Maximos Mansion is intriguing, especially given that the statement was made without providing specific context. Ieronymos has not visited the Maximos Mansion since 2021, following tensions in state-church relations, particularly surrounding the same-sex marriage bill. Despite these tensions, relations have since cooled, and both Mitsotakis and the Archbishop have made joint appearances. Over time, their relationship has improved.

However, today’s meeting at noon (12:00) will have a defined agenda, despite the Maximou Mansion’s assertion that the meeting is part of the regular institutional meetings between the Prime Minister and the Church’s leader. According to exclusive and verified information from protothema.gr, Ieronymos is expected to present an important proposal: the use of church property by the state for the construction of social housing and student accommodation.

Given the ongoing housing crisis, the Archbishop is likely to express concern about the difficulty young couples and students face in securing affordable housing. He is expected to propose that the Church allow the state to utilize its land for the development of apartment complexes and student housing. Ieronymos is said to have a detailed understanding of church property, having been deeply involved in its management over the years. He has previously sought win-win agreements with various governments. Sources indicate that the cost of leasing these properties could range from free to a minimal and symbolic amount.

Property Framework

This is not the first time the Church and State have attempted to reach an agreement regarding the use of church property. In 2013, Ieronymos reached an agreement with then-Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to create an “ecclesiastical TAPED” — a property management company with equal ownership between the Church and the state. This company would have managed properties owned by the Holy Archdiocese of Athens or its affiliated bodies. However, the agreement was never implemented.

In 2018, Ieronymos attempted another agreement, this time with Alexis Tsipras. This agreement included provisions for removing priests from the state payroll, with the state paying the Church an annual sum to cover the salaries of clergy and lay staff. In return, the Church would give up claims to certain real estate holdings. The agreement also proposed the creation of a Church Property Development Fund. However, this agreement also remained unimplemented.

Seven years later, after publishing a 2022 report on church property titled “Owing Response”, Ieronymos is back seeking a new understanding. His current proposal to allow the state to utilize Church land is seen as a potential “prelude” to a broader agreement. At 87 years old, Ieronymos is also concerned about his legacy, particularly regarding an issue to which he has dedicated much of his tenure. While the government is keeping its position cautious, sources suggest that this is not the first time Mitsotakis has heard Ieronymos’ idea. Whether this marks the beginning of a broader agreement remains to be seen. However, it seems unlikely that Mitsotakis will tackle Church-State issues in the upcoming constitutional revision.

Vouliagmeni

A significant example of Ieronymos’ interest in church property is the ongoing negotiation with the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni regarding the Church’s coastal land. Several months ago, Ieronymos informed the Hierarchs’ body that an agreement in principle had been reached with the mayor, Gregory Konstantellos, to concede 30% of Church land to the municipality for the creation of green spaces, while fully releasing the remaining 70%. While this agreement in principle has not yet been formalized, it is clear that the details — particularly given the increased value of the land in recent years — remain a critical issue.