His Beatitude John X Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, welcomed his Excellency Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was heading a Greek governmental delegation, at the Archdiocese of Beirut and its Dependencies in Ashrafieh. The meeting was attended by His Eminence Elias Audi, Metropolitan of Beirut and its Dependencies.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the historical relations between Greece and the Church of Antioch. They also addressed the general situation in the region, including the aftermath of the war in Lebanon and the developments unfolding in Syria. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Greece’s steadfast support for the Church of
Antioch and for the Christian presence in the Middle East in general. He also emphasized his country’s commitment to strengthening the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
For his part, His Beatitude underscored the significance of solidarity in these challenging times, urging all parties to stand united. He highlighted the urgent need for the swift election of a president for Lebanon and stressed the necessity of concerted efforts to rebuild Lebanon across all spectrums and communities.
Addressing the situation in Syria, His Beatitude emphasized the Church’s role in supporting its people amid ongoing developments. He noted that Christians are an integral part of Syria’s national fabric and advocated for intensified efforts to lift the sanctions on the Syrian people.
Both sides highlighted the significant role Greece can play in fostering peace in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing changes in the region.