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The Greek-Patriarchate of Jerusalem Memorandum for the protection of cultural heritage is in the Parliament for ratificationtranslated

September 3, 2026 · 1 min read

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, on the one hand, and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on the other, is being submitted to Parliament for ratification, with plans to vote next week. The Memorandum was signed in June, during the visit of the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III to Athens and is aimed at the protection and preservation of the tangible cultural heritage of the Patriarchate. The Prime Minister has characterized the agreement as important "which proves in practice the will of the Greek State for the protection of the material cultural wealth of the Patriarchate, which must be protected, preserved and handed down to the next generations intact".

The Patriarch Mr. Theophilos III, during his visit to Athens, had characterized the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation as a historic moment for the Patriarchate, which "proves in practice the relationship of the Patriarchate with Greece, which Greece was and remains the nurturing mother of all the clergy who serve in the diaspora, but also particularly in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem".

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Βασιλική Θεοδώρου

Καλό είναι που το Μνημόνιο πάει στη Βουλή για κύρωση. Το Πατριαρχείο έχει τόσα παλιά κτίσματα και εικόνες που χρειάζονται συντήρηση, αλλιώς θα χαθούν. Ο Θεόφιλος το είπε σωστά, η Ελλάδα όντως στέκεται σαν μητέρα για τους κληρικούς εκεί.

Andreea Matei

Yes, it's good that it goes to the vote this week. I also saw in the news that they signed in June, when Patriarch Theophilus came to Athens. I hope they deal concretely with the old paintings and walls, because otherwise they will be lost altogether. And I liked how he said that Greece is like a mother to them.

Ксения Макарова

I am glad that the Memorandum is going up for ratification next week. The old buildings and icons in the Patriarchate really need quick maintenance, otherwise they will be lost as the Basilica says. It's good that Greece is helping like this, like a mother as Patriarch Theophilos says.

Olivia Campbell

Yeah, it's good they're voting on it next week so the work can actually start. Those old buildings and icons at the Patriarchate really do need proper maintenance before they crumble. The "nursing mother" line from Patriarch Theophilos stuck with me too — it's a nice way to put how Greece has always backed them up.

Игор Стојановски

Yes, it is good that the Memorandum is going for ratification next week. We also have old icons and walls in Ohrid that are constantly in need of repair, so I know how much it costs. Teofilos said it well – Greece really acts like a mother to their priests.

Юрій Марченко

Good thing it's up for approval next week, because those old buildings and pictures can't wait. I remember last year when I visited the Patriarchate, I saw with my own eyes how much work the walls and paintings need. Theophilos said it right, Greece does stand like a mother to the clergy there.

Павел Петров

Yes, Ksenia, it’s good that the monument will finally move. In Yekaterinburg, too, our old churches require constant maintenance, and there in Jerusalem, the heat and dust accelerate everything. I wonder whether Greek specialists will come to the site or will they do everything on remote projects?

Ирина Соловьёва

I’m glad that Ksenia mentioned the words of Patriarch Theophilus about the mother-nurse. In our parish in New York, several old icons also require restoration, and without help from Greece it would be very difficult. Do you think they will have time to start work in Jerusalem itself before the summer?

Тимофей Новиков

It's good that things have moved forward, Pavel. In Jerusalem, the heat and dust really take their toll, so it’s unlikely to be possible on site without Greek restorers - I think they’ll come, as happens with Athos. In Yekaterinburg, which church needs the most care right now?