Archbishop of Athens to Patriarch of Jerusalem: Orthodox Churches Called to Safeguard Unity
Athens, June 9, 2026 – Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece praised the multifaceted peacebuilding ministry of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem during a meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens on June 7, 2026. The Archbishop also delivered a strong message on the importance of pan-Orthodox unity.
Welcoming the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Ieronymos highlighted the vital role played by the Mother Church of Jerusalem amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges and conflicts affecting the Middle East.
The Imperative of Pan-Orthodox Unity
In his remarks, the Archbishop emphasized that the Orthodox Churches are called to safeguard unity and strengthen their common witness to the modern world.
“The local sister Orthodox Churches, in harmony and cooperation with the venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate, the leading and first-throned Church according to the canonical tradition and the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, are called to serve and preserve the unity of the local Churches, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to the common witness of the Orthodox Church in addressing the great issues of our time,” Archbishop Ieronymos stated.
Support for Greek Diaspora Clergy
The Archbishop also referred to a recent legislative initiative of the Greek government, undertaken in cooperation with the Church of Greece, concerning clergy serving Greek diaspora communities abroad. He described the measure as a significant development that recognizes the essential contribution of parish clergy to maintaining the spiritual life of expatriate communities, nurturing Orthodox identity, and preserving the enduring bonds between the Greek diaspora and its homeland.
Patriarch Theophilos Praises Church of Greece’s Role
For his part, Patriarch Theophilos III thanked Archbishop Ieronymos for his warm welcome and underscored the importance of the Church of Greece for the entire Orthodox world.
“The Church of Greece has been, is, and will continue to be a nurturing force not only for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem but for all Orthodox Churches and Patriarchates,” the Patriarch said.
He noted that the Church of Greece has historically produced patriarchs, hierarchs, theologians, and spiritual leaders who have strengthened the witness of Orthodoxy throughout the world. Patriarch Theophilos also praised Archbishop Ieronymos for his wisdom, discernment, and steadfast commitment to the mission of the Church throughout his years of primatial service.
Gratitude for Support to the Holy Sepulchre
The Patriarch expressed particular gratitude for the Church of Greece’s ongoing support for the Holy Sepulchre, the Holy Places, and the Arabic-speaking flock of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, especially through scholarship programs and assistance provided to the Patriarchate’s Exarch in Greece.
“Through its support for the Holy Places and our faithful, the Church of Greece continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to the preservation of our common Orthodox heritage,” Patriarch Theophilos said.
The meeting underscored the enduring bonds and shared mission between the Church of Greece and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reaffirming their commitment to unity and common witness within the Orthodox world.
Source: https://orthodoxtimes.com/archbishop-of-athens-to-patriarch-of-jerusalem-orthodox-churches-are-called-to-safeguard-unity/
