CYPRIOT HEALTH MINISTER VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Wednesday, the 7^th/20^th of January 2016, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr George Pamborides, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by his associates, Dr Olga Kalakouta, Chief Medical Officer, Ms Anastasia Anthousi, Head of the Minister’s Office, Mr Anastasios Ioannou, the Ambassador of Cyprus to Israel, Ms Thessalia Salina-Shambos, and Ms Louiza Varaklas.

His Excellency the Minister was welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

Mr Pamborides thanked the Patriarch for offering him the honour and blessing to visit the Patriarchate and the Holy Sepulcher, whilst on a visit to Israel, the purpose of which was to meet with Israel’s health officials.

In response, His Beatitude expressed His joy over the minister’s visit, which demonstrates the harmonious relations between the Church and the State of Cyprus and the Patriarchate, which have borne a number of Cypriot Hagiotaphite Fathers, St Philoumenos the Hieromartyr being the most eminent amongst them.

Upon the conclusion of addresses and the exchange of gifts, the Minister went on to venerate at the Church of the Resurrection.

From the Secretariat-General

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