CYPRUS’ MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE
On Wednesday, the 24th of March/6th of April 2016, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, Mr N. Kouyialis, accompanied by Ms Anthoulla Charalambous Savvides, Director of the Minister’s Office; Mr Charalambos Hadjipakos, Environmental Services Officer; the Ambassador of Cyprus to Israel, Ms Thessalia Shambos, and Ms Louiza Varaklas, visited the Patriarchate.
The Minister and his entourage were cordially welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.
In the context of this visit, an interesting discussion took place on the contribution of the Patriarchate to the peaceful interreligious coexistence of the residents of the Holy Land, mostly through its schools, attended by both Christians and Muslims.
Reference was also made to the property of the Patriarchate in Cyprus, and the relations between the Patriarchate and the Church of Cyprus, as well as the recent re-establishment of its Exarchate on the island.
On the conclusion of the meeting, His Beatitude offered the Minister and his entourage Jerusalemite eulogias.
Mr Kouyialis thanked Patriarch Theophilos and requested His blessings for the success of his visit to Israel, before going on to venerate at the Church of the Resurrection, the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/RAHDFyDQUYk