Archbishop of Athens to Patriarch of Jerusalem: Orthodox Churches are called to safeguard unity

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece praised the multifaceted peacebuilding ministry of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem during a meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens on June 7, 2026, while also delivering a strong message on the importance of pan-Orthodox unity.

Welcoming the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Ieronymos highlighted the vital role played by the Mother Church of Jerusalem amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges and conflicts affecting the Middle East.

In his remarks, the Archbishop emphasized that the Orthodox Churches are called to safeguard unity and strengthen their common witness to the modern world.

“The local sister Orthodox Churches, in harmony and cooperation with the venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate, the leading and first-throned Church according to the canonical tradition and the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, are called to serve and preserve the unity of the local Churches, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to the common witness of the Orthodox Church in addressing the great issues of our time,” Archbishop Ieronymos stated.

The Archbishop also referred to a recent legislative…