Greek Defence Minister meets Patriarch of Antioch to discuss protection of Christian Communities

Greek Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, met with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch at the Patriarchal Seat in Balamand, Northern Lebanon. He was accompanied by the Secretary General for Religious Affairs, Mr. George Kalantzis.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Minister Dendias said: “I met with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Antioch John X at the Patriarchal Seat in Balamand, North Lebanon, accompanied by Secretary General for Religious Affairs Mr. George Kalantzis.”

During the meeting, they discussed the urgent issue of protecting Christian populations in the region, with a focus on Lebanon and Syria. Minister Dendias expressed his deep indignation and heartfelt condolences for the loss of Greek Orthodox faithful in the recent tragic attack on the Holy Church of Prophet Elias.

He also reiterated Greece’s continued interest in the Patriarchate and its faithful, highlighting the importance of the Greek Language program at the University of Balamand—a program initiated during his previous tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I met with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Antioch John X at the Patriarchal Seat in Balamand, North Lebanon, accompanied by Secretary General for Religious Affairs Mr. George Kalantzis.

We discussed the issue of protecting Christian populations in the region, Lebanon and Syria… pic.twitter.com/g7jXZwH2iJ

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) July 18, 2025

vema.com.au

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