Lebanon, Balamand – Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias met today with Patriarch John X of Antioch at the Patriarchal Seat in Balamand, northern Lebanon, accompanied by the Secretary General for Religious Affairs, Giorgos Kalantzis.
The two men discussed the urgent need to protect Christian populations in the region, with particular focus on Lebanon and Syria.
Minister Dendias conveyed the condolences of the Greek government and people for the martyrs of the Church of the Prophet Elias. He stressed that Greece stands firmly by the Church of Antioch during these sensitive times for the Middle East.
The meeting also offered an opportunity to revisit and strengthen the framework of communication and cooperation between the two sides. Patriarch John expressed his gratitude for the initiative and highlighted the depth of the historic relationship between the Church of Antioch and Greece.
