Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, at his Maximos Mansion office in Athens on Monday morning, during the latter’s visit to the Greek capital for a theological conference, which commenced last evening.
In welcoming His All Holiness Bartholomew, the primus inter pares of the world’s Christian Orthodox Patriarchs, the Greek prime minister expressed his delight at the visit, stating:
“Your visits are always exceptionally successful. You know how much we love you, how much the Greek people love you, and your presence in our country during these turbulent and challenging times always gives us strength. You are a source of inspiration, wisdom, and clarity of thought—qualities we need now more than ever. We prioritized appropriately: first you, then the Cabinet meeting.”
On his part, the Primate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate responded:
“I bring the love and blessings of the Mother Church to you personally and to all the devout Greek people.
This time, I have come to inaugurate the Theology Conference, which began yesterday evening. Later today, we will continue to Sparta at the invitation of the Bishop of Sparta.
Meanwhile, I visited two Metropolises in the Athens region—those of Nea Ionia and Peristeri—thanks to the brotherly invitation of their respective Metropolitans. We leave Athens filled with impressions and love.
We also had the opportunity to meet with His Beatitude [Archbishop of Athens and All Greece], and we are grateful that despite your busy schedule and today’s Cabinet meeting, you found time to meet with us.”
