Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias met today with His Beatitude Patriarch John I of Antioch, as part of his visit to Lebanon.

Accompanied by the Secretary General of Religious Affairs Giorgos Kalantzis, the Minister went to Balamand where the Patriarchal See is located and was received by His Beatitude. During the meeting, the issue of protection of the Christian populations in the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, was discussed.

Dendias expressed his dismay and sincere condolences for the death of the Greek Orthodox faithful at the Holy Church of Prophet Elijah, as well as Greece’s concern for the Patriarchate and its flock. In addition, the progress of the Greek language program at the Balamand University was discussed.

The meeting was also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Lebanon Despina Koukoulopoulou, the President of the University of Balamand Dr. Elias L. Warrak and the Abbot of the Balamand Monastery Mr. George.