THE PERMANENT SECRETARY OF CYPRUS’ FOREIGN MINISTRY VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE
On Thursday, the 28th of August/10th of September 2015, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Mr Alexander Zenon, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by associates of his from Cyprus and by the representatives of the Cypriot Embassy to Israel, Ambassador Thessalia Siamvou and Embassy officials, Michael Firillas and Louisa Varaklas.
The Permanent Secretary and his attendants were welcomed by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Hagiotaphite Fathers.
An interesting discussion took place in the context of the visit, on the position of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and on the stability and peace it creates and cultivates within an as yet unresolved and fluid political situation.
The position of Christians in the Middle East was also discussed, their persecution in specific countries, their expatriation and the need to have refugees absorbed in countries of the European Union, including Cyprus, based on such criteria as land, origin, and country of departure, in the framework of a just and dignified solution for their survival.
Finally, Mr Zenon assured His Beatitude of the permanent support of the Republic of Cyprus towards the Patriarchate by means of every route of communication available and went on to offer Him the icon of St George. The Patriarch reciprocated with an icon of Theotokos Jerusalemite.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1vEGF5LKb0