GREEK ALTERNATE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, the 28th of May/10th of June 2016, the Alternate Minister of Rural Development visited the Patriarchate. Mr Bolaris was accompanied by associates of his, the Ambassador of Greece to Tel Aviv, Mr Spyridon Lamprides, the Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr G. Zacharoudiakis, and Consul V. Koinis.

The Alternate Minister was warmly welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.

An interesting discussion took place in the context of the visit, on the relations between the Patriarchate and Greece, heir of the Byzantine empire and supporter of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Mr Bolaris was also informed on the Patriarchate’s pastoral work and the guardianship of the Holy Shrines; also on its peace-making activities and the restoration project, now underway, of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre on the basis of a study conducted by the National Technical University of Athens.

After the discussion and exchange of gifts, Mr Bolaris continued his visit to the Holy Sepulchre, where he witnessed the restoration works on the Aedicula.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/F2xC4zlVxgs