Today at noon, the Most Reverend Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr. Hieronymos, met with the new Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Dimitrios Kairidis.
During the meeting, the Most Reverend and Mr. Kairidis had the opportunity to extensively discuss the issue of migration and the way in which the Church, throughout these years of the phenomenon’s escalation, has substantially assisted in addressing the problems of migrants and refugees. Mr. Kairidis acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Church in addressing their issues and praised the collaboration between the State and the Church in this specific area. The Minister particularly highlighted the contribution and work of the non-governmental organization of the Church of Greece, “SYNYPARXIS– Ecumenical Refugee Programme,” an organization that has been providing supportive services to returnees, refugees, and asylum seekers in our country for over 40 years.
Mr. Kairidis and his office’s director had the opportunity to receive detailed information, in the presence of the Most Reverend, about the actions of the Church of Greece from the President of “SYNYPARXIS,” His Eminence Metropolitan of Ilion Mr. Athenagoras, and the General Director of the Organization, Very Reverend Archimandrite Mr. Panteleimon Papasynephefaki, who were also present at the meeting. Finally, ways of further cooperation between the two sides were discussed, as well as how the Church could further assist in alleviating the problems of young migrants and refugees, especially minors.
Early in the morning, the Most Reverend also met with the Member of Parliament for Viotia, Mr. Eleftherios Ktistakis, with whom he discussed issues related to his birthplace and other current affairs topics.
Source: www.ecclesia.gr
