Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the Maximos Mansion today.

During the meeting, discussions focused on cooperation between the Greek State and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as developments concerning the status of the Holy Shrines (Status Quo), including issues related to safeguarding the Patriarchate’s historical rights and ancient privileges.

Particular emphasis was placed on the security situation in the Middle East in light of the recent escalation of tensions in the region, as well as the challenges facing Christian communities.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Greece’s longstanding commitment to supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East, especially the Orthodox Christian communities, which constitute the oldest Christian presence in the region. He also reiterated Greece’s firm commitment to the protection of religious freedom and freedom of worship.

The Patriarch’s visit forms part of the close and ongoing cooperation between the Greek State and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and follows a series of visits by the Prime Minister and members of the Greek government to the Holy Land.

Opening Remarks

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis:

“Your Beatitude, you are visiting us during an exceptionally turbulent period for the wider Middle East region, which makes the timing of our meeting particularly significant.

I am always reminded that the flag of the Patriarchate bears the Greek initials ‘Φ’ and ‘Τ’—standing for ‘Guardians of the Tomb’—a symbol of both the historical continuity of Hellenism and the great importance the Greek State places on its close cooperation with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It also reflects the important role played by all four ancient Orthodox Patriarchates, with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople holding a prominent place, in preserving the unity of the Orthodox world.

I know that, like me, you are deeply concerned with preserving the special Status Quo of the Holy Land, just as we are committed to protecting Orthodox Christian communities throughout the Middle East, which continue to face serious challenges amid ongoing geopolitical instability.

I am very interested in hearing your views, as well as your assessment of the highly important meeting you recently held with President Trump, who also attaches great importance to these issues.

Finally, Your Beatitude, I would like to express my satisfaction regarding the important agreement signed with the Ministry of Culture. This agreement demonstrates in practical terms the Greek State’s commitment to safeguarding the Patriarchate’s sacred treasures and invaluable cultural heritage, ensuring that they are preserved and passed on intact to future generations.

Once again, I welcome you to Athens and wish you strength and perseverance in carrying out your important mission during these challenging times.”

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem:

“Thank you very much, Prime Minister, for the interest and support you have consistently shown in many ways. We are particularly pleased to be here today, as this meeting is of special importance—not only for the relations between the Patriarchate and our beloved homeland, Greece, but also for the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem, which remains a spiritual reference point for the entire world.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is, in essence, the living embodiment of Jerusalem’s sacred history. It is inseparably linked to the Orthodox Christian tradition and to the enduring legacy of the Roman (Byzantine) heritage, which, through Divine Providence, was entrusted with the guardianship of the Holy Sepulchre.

As you know, within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre there is an inscription commemorating the imperial and royal lineage associated with its preservation and protection.

We greatly appreciate the interest you have shown and the time you have devoted to this meeting. We are encouraged by the continued support demonstrated by both the Greek State and yourself personally for the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

This is also a matter of concern to the United States Department of State and to President Trump himself. During our recent meeting, he emphasized the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s unique pilgrimage status, as well as safeguarding the continued presence of Christians throughout the Middle East.

We had a very productive discussion, and I am pleased to convey President Trump’s greetings to you. He also expressed an interest in visiting Greece in the future.

Finally, we would like to thank you for the memorandum signed with Minister Lina Mendoni. This is indeed a historic moment for the Patriarchate and serves as tangible proof of the enduring bond between Greece and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Greece has always been—and continues to be—the nurturing mother of the clergy who serve throughout the diaspora and, in particular, within the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Once again, we thank you sincerely and extend to you the blessings of the Holy City of Jerusalem and of the Holy Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis:

“Thank you, Your Beatitude.”