Representatives of the Dutch state received comprehensive information regarding the actions carried out by the Greek Church for Greeks, foreigners, and in the field of inter-Christian relations during the two-day period of December 14 and 15, 2023.
Initially, the Special Envoy of the Dutch Government, Ms. Bea Ten Tusscher, and Mr. Merijn Van Bruggen, accompanied by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Greece, Ms. Susanna Terstal, and the First Secretary, Mr. Cees Van Beek, visited the building of the Holy Synod. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the Secretary of the Committee on Orthodox and Inter-Christian Relations, Very Reverend Archimandrite Emmanouil Papamikroulis, and the Secretary of the Synodal Committee on Finance and General Director of SYNYPARXIS, Very Reverend Archimandrite Panteleimon Papasynephakis. After being guided through the premises of the Holy Synod, they had the opportunity to be briefed on both the multifaceted work of the Greek Church in caring for the suffering brother and its leading role in all international forums and organizations concerning inter-Christian relations. Special mention was made of the support provided by the Greek Church through all its philanthropic structures, not only during the long period of economic crisis, which, as stated by the distinguished visitors, serves as a model. They expressed their enthusiasm for all the information they received.
On December 15, the members of the delegation had the opportunity to visit one of the shelters for unaccompanied refugee minors operated by SYNYPARXIS of the Greek Church. At the entrance of the shelter, they were welcomed by the General Director and his associates, who offered them the opportunity to tour all the premises of the facility and observe firsthand the significant work carried out by the specialized professionals working there. Subsequently, in the children’s gathering space, they had the chance to be thoroughly briefed on the programs implemented by SYNYPARXIS and to be informed about all planned actions. Both Ms. Bea Ten Tusscher and Ambassador Susanna Terstal, along with their associates, not only highlighted the exceptional quality of the facilities and services offered by the Church but also expressed their willingness to explore ways to further support such an important endeavor. Upon completion of the visit, the distinguished guests received, as a memento, the album featuring artwork by the children, published by SYNYPARXIS with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and its Managing Authority.
