Patr. Bartholomew Meets Abp. Ieronymos in Athens
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Abp. Ieronymos met in Athens to reaffirm Church unity, dialogue, and shared spiritual cooperation.
ATHENS — In a warm and cordial atmosphere, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met on Monday afternoon with Abp. Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, in a gathering highlighting the close ties between the two Churches.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was received by senior clergy of the Archdiocese, including Bp. Barnabas of Christoupolis, Bp. Theologos of Talantion, and other ecclesiastical officials. He was accompanied by Metr. Theodoretos of Laodicea and Metr. Nathanael of Kos and Nisyros.
Abp. Ieronymos described the Patriarch’s visit as a “special blessing and source of spiritual joy,” stressing the enduring relationship between the Church of Constantinople and the Church of Greece and calling for continued dialogue on ecclesiastical and social issues. He emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between the two institutions.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed joy at returning to Athens and underscored the importance of unity, dialogue, and hope amid global challenges. He also noted ongoing efforts regarding the reopening of worship sites in Cappadocia.
Following the meeting, both primates attended a ceremony at the Municipality of Athens, where the Patriarch received an honorary distinction for “Protection of Environmental Heritage.”
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros met with Abp. Ieronymos in Greece.
