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THE CHIEF OF HELLENIC AIR FORCE VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Tuesday, the 30th of December 2015/12th of January 2016, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force, Lieutenant General Christos Vaitsis, accompanied by associates of his and employees at the Hellenic Embassy in Israel, visited the Patriarchate.

Mr Vaitsis was received by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.

In the context of the meeting, His Beatitude spoke of the Patriarchate’s activities and its jurisdiction in Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Qatar. He also spoke of the leading role undertaken by the Patriarchate amongst Christian Churches in Jerusalem, manifested in the way meetings between them take place at the Patriarchate under the chairmanship of the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Similarly, at the traditional meeting between the Heads of Christian Churches at Israel’s Presidential Palace, Patriarch Theophilos speaks on behalf of all Christians in the Holy Land.

The discussion also evolved around the Patriarchate’s immovable and cultural property, used for the benefit of the flock and other residents of the Holy Land, regardless of religion.

On his part, Mr Vaitsis said the Hellenic Air Force morally supports the Patriarchate and asks for the Patriarch’s prayers against any interventions so that it may protect Greece’s airspace.

The discussion was followed by an exchange of gifts.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/crgLGt3CXew