Alternate Education Minister Nikos Xydakis and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece on Wednesday agreed to a collaboration between archaeologists and monks on projects involving archaeologically significant monuments. In particular, the two men discussed the conservation of Christian and ecclesiastical monuments, in the framework of clearly separated roles played by the state and the Greek Church.

Beyond being a “courtesy visit”, Xydakis said his visit marked an “old and distinguished” friendship with the archbishop. He praised the Greek Church’s humanitarian effort.

A ministry announcement said “Archbishop Ieronymos referred to the successful collaboration of the Church and the ministry of culture’s Archaeological Service in the case of the renowned Osios Loukas Monastery, which was protected as a monument while still continuing to be used for services.”