The development and strengthening of cooperation between the State and the Church were discussed during a meeting held this morning between Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris.
Also present at the meeting was the President of the Executive Committee of the non-profit organization of the Church of Greece “SYNIPARXIS – Ecumenical Refugee Program,” Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Acharnes, and Petroupolis, as well as the General Director of “SYNIPARXIS,” Archimandrite Panteleimon Papasynéfakis.
The Minister and the Archbishop discussed the need to strengthen strategic cooperation between the State and the Church, while also referring to the multifaceted and important work of “SYNIPARXIS.”
Immediately after the meeting, Mr. Plevris stated: “I visited His Beatitude to receive his blessing on the occasion of assuming my new duties. At the same time, we had the opportunity to discuss how the Ministry, which is largely active in supporting vulnerable social groups, can further strengthen its cooperation with the Church.”
The Minister added that, at present, a significant portion of the Ministry’s work is carried out through nongovernmental organizations, some with commendable results, others with less satisfactory results. He further emphasized that because the Ministry has confidence in the Church and its institutions, it hopes “that in future programs the Church will be a steadfast ally of ours, so that we may achieve what we seek” and thanked His Beatitude for the Church’s broader contribution to society.
For his part, the Archbishop expressed his joy at the meeting, congratulated Mr. Plevris, and wished him success in his work. Referring to the importance of cooperation between the Church and the State, he emphasized that “when based on sound foundations, it is a great gift and a significant success.”
At the same time, he noted that this is a delicate and difficult task, as challenges arise from many sources—including the circumstances of the times, the way such issues are approached, but also from misunderstandings that arise, particularly in the education of children and young people, especially foreigners.
“That is why this contact, communication, and cooperation are, I believe, necessary today. We need cooperation between the State, the Church, schools, and educational institutions to dispel prejudices,” noted the Archbishop.
In closing, addressing the Minister, he emphasized: “We need to work together in the spirit of freedom, independence, and, above all, sound education. Our Church will do its utmost to contribute to this effort.”
Source: Romfea.gr
