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# Abp. Ieronymos Reflects on 18 Years Leading Church of Greece
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86530-abp-ieronymos-reflects-on-18-years-leading-church-of-greece/
- Published: 2026-02-23T11:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:13:39.000Z
- Description: Abp. Ieronymos called for a Church rooted in service, unity, and careful cooperation with the State.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Archbishop Ieronymos, Church of Greece

**ATHENS, GREECE —** On February 20, 2026, Abp. Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece reflected on 18 years of leadership at the head of the Church of Greece in a wide-ranging interview with [Orthodoxia News Agency](https://www.orthodoxianewsagency.gr/aytokefales%5Fekklisies/ekklisia%5Fellados/arxiepiskopos-ieronymos-monon-o-theos-kserei-milaei-ek-vatheon-gia-ti-diadoxi-tou-tis-sxeseis-me-tin-politeia-ti-moni-sina-kai-tin-epomeni-mera/). He spoke about succession, state relations, international tensions, and the Church’s role in the modern world.

On the topic of his successor, the Archbishop said, “Only God knows. It does not matter to me who this person is. What matters to me is that my successor loves people and cares for the weakest.” He also stressed the importance of cooperation between Church and State, calling complete separation “dangerous” and advocating “a new way of cooperation . . . under a spirit of good rapport.”

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/12/86530-abp-ieronymos-reflects-on-18-years-leading-church-of-greece-image-2291d2fe852a.jpg)On this topicAbp. Elpidophoros Meets with Abp. Ieronymos in Greece](https://uoj.news/news/85737-abp-elpidophoros-meets-with-abp-ieronymos-in-greece/)

Abp. Ieronymos expressed concern for St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, highlighted the Church’s social support for the poor and vulnerable, and urged prudence amid global instability. He concluded by emphasizing that the Church’s future relies on “seriousness, consistency, and love for people.”

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85386-abp-ieronymos-of-athens-released-from-hospital-after-medical-testing/) that Abp. Ieronymos of Athens was released from the hospital after medical testing.