The memorandum establishes a long-term, 10-year framework for cooperation, with the possibility of an extension following a joint assessment of its implementation. At the heart of the agreement are the Holy Sites, churches and monastic complexes, works of art and religious artifacts, as well as the valuable collections of the Historical Archives and the Patriarchal Library.

Among other provisions, the memorandum includes the planning and supervision of conservation and restoration works on monuments and artifacts; the preparation of the necessary scientific and technical studies; the digital mapping and documentation of monuments and movable artifacts; and the organization, conservation and digitization of manuscripts and printed materials held by the Historical Archives and Patriarchal Library.

It also provides for the conservation and restoration of icons, frescoes, wood carvings, mosaics and other objects; the organization of conferences, lectures and scientific meetings; the development of academic and educational initiatives in cooperation with Greek higher education institutions; collaboration with international scientific, research and cultural organizations; and the publication of scholarly works and initiatives highlighting the history and cultural heritage of the Patriarchate.

Of particular importance is the provision for stable annual funding of €1 million for the agreed initiatives, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture each contributing €500,000.

The implementation of the initiatives will respect the Patriarchate’s historical, administrative and canonical autonomy. The Patriarchate, in cooperation with the two ministries, will determine priorities and the terms for implementing individual projects, while funding will be allocated to specific projects agreed upon in writing and governed by Greek law.

Following the signing of the memorandum, discussions have already begun on the next steps for its implementation. These include the protection and restoration of the complex of the Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre in Plaka and the Byzantine Church of Goumenos in Ilia, as well as the documentation and digitization of sacred artifacts belonging to the Patriarchate’s metochia in Greece.

Mending Greece’s Historic Ties with the Patriarchate

“The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the oldest Christian institution in the Holy Land. For many centuries, it has safeguarded the Holy Sites, provided spiritual guidance to the Orthodox faithful and ensured the uninterrupted presence of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the region where the Christian faith was born and established,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.

She added that its mission “extends beyond the boundaries of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction,” describing it as an institution deeply rooted in history, a bearer of a living tradition and guardian of a heritage of universal significance.

“With this bill, the Greek state transforms a historic and enduring relationship into a specific, organized and long-term policy for protection, providing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with stable institutional, scientific, technical and financial support,” Mendoni said.

“Protecting cultural heritage is not a luxury. It is an act of responsibility toward history, an investment in knowledge, a contribution to Greece’s international presence and cultural diplomacy. Above all, it is an act of solidarity toward an institution that for centuries has preserved Orthodox faith, Greek tradition and monuments of global significance in the Holy Land.”

She concluded that ratification of the memorandum would send “a clear message of unity and consistency” regarding the Greek state’s support for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the protection of their shared religious and cultural heritage.