The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, had a telephone conversation with His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch.

During their conversation, the Minister conveyed her condolences to him for the victims of the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus, which took place on Sunday, June 22.

As Ms. Zacharaki stressed, “Greece has always supported the religious freedom of all so that religion is a bridge of communication and not a cause of conflict.”

It will be recalled that the gruesome attack took place during vespers in Doueilaa (Doueilaa) while the counting of the innocent victims has not been completed so far. Patriarch John I of Antioch, in an official statement, after expressing his disapproval of the heinous crime, called on the relevant authorities to take full responsibility for the sanctity of the churches and the protection of citizens. He is not only following developments closely but also communicating with decision-makers from abroad, asking them to mediate to end the violence in the region.

His Beatitude warmly thanked the Minister for the communication and informed her of the Patriarchal delegation’s mission to Greece, and the Minister informed her of the delegation of the Ministry of National Defence to the headquarters of the Patriarchate to deepen cooperation.