The Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, met today with His Beatitude, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the State and the Church of Greece.

After the meeting, Minister Papastavrou said:
“I had the great honor and pleasure of meeting His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos, who gave us his blessing for the New Year. I expressed our deep respect and special appreciation for the Church’s long-standing, multifaceted, and essential charitable work—quiet, daily efforts that provide practical support to our most vulnerable citizens. The Church is a constant point of reference, a pillar of social cohesion, and a force for truth and solidarity. The State recognizes, honors, and supports the Church’s contributions, and we will work together to strengthen social cohesion and solidarity. Your Beatitude, thank you very much.”

His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos added:
“I would also like to thank the Minister for listening to the challenges we face in our pastoral work. Today, we discussed the Church of Greece’s general ecclesiastical work, and more specifically, the initiatives within the Archdiocese of Athens. Our conversation focused on a new center we aspire to build near the border of Attica and Boeotia—a significant project funded by a donation. This center will serve people suffering from dementia, mobility issues, and other conditions requiring substantial support. The Prime Minister has already expressed interest in this initiative nationwide, and I took the opportunity to invite the Minister to be involved, saying, ‘Come, because we need you.’ This meeting marks the beginning of a collaborative effort that we believe will soon become a great work of love for our vulnerable fellow citizens.”