Greek Deputy FM meets Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Varlaam in Bucharest

Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Patriarchal Vicar of the Romanian Orthodox Church, received Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The meeting was also attended by Greece’s Ambassador to Romania, Evangelia Grammatika, and Eleni Kyriakopoulou, Director of the Deputy Minister’s Diplomatic Cabinet.

Discussions focused on the longstanding historical and spiritual ties between the Romanian and Greek Orthodox Churches, as well as the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Both sides praised cooperation in cultural, educational and religious affairs, emphasizing the importance of Christian values and dialogue in contemporary Europe.

Bishop Varlaam highlighted the spiritual connections strengthened through Romanian pilgrimages to Greece, particularly Mount Athos. He also noted that numerous Romanian theologians and clergy have pursued theological studies in Greece, reinforcing academic and ecclesiastical relations.

During the meeting, Loverdos expressed concern over the difficult situation facing Christian communities in the Middle East. Both sides stressed the need to safeguard religious…