Upon her arrival at the Archbishop’s residence, she was welcomed by Theoharis Varnavas, the Protosyncellus (chief secretary) of the Archdiocese, who escorted her to the Archbishop’s office on the first floor.

This was the first meeting between the new U.S. Ambassador and the head of the Church of Greece. Ms. Guilfoyle described it as an “honor and a blessing”, expressing her eagerness for “a fruitful relationship with the Church.”

She mentioned that she intends to attend Orthodox services and also referred to her 19-year-old son, who was “very happy” to hear that his mother would be meeting the Archbishop.

Ms. Guilfoyle revealed that when she was offered the position of U.S. Ambassador to Greece, the first person she called was Archbishop Ieronymos to discuss the decision with him — and that he played an important role in her decision to accept the post.

During a brief exchange outside the Archbishop’s office, Ms. Guilfoyle told him, “It’s wonderful to meet you. God bless you.”
Archbishop Ieronymos welcomed her warmly, wishing her “a pleasant stay in Greece” and expressing hope that their meeting would be “productive and meaningful.”

Earlier, during her meeting at the Presidential Mansion with President of the Hellenic Republic Kostas Tasoulas, Ms. Guilfoyle had stated that she wished to learn more about the Greek Orthodox Church, noting that she herself is a deeply religious person.