Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture and Patriarchate of Jerusalem ratify MoC

The ratification of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is proof the Hellenic State is taking concrete steps to safeguard, protect, scientifically study and promote the Patriarchate’s exceptionally important religious, historical and cultural heritage, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The Memorandum, which was signed in Athens on Tuesday and ratified on Wednesday in Parliament plenary, establishes a long-term framework for cooperation spanning ten years. At its heart are the Holy Sites, churches and monastic complexes, works of art and religious artefacts, as well as the invaluable wealth of the Historical Archive and the Patriarchal Library.

Under the agreement, a consistent annual funding of € 1 million will be provided to implement the agreed actions, with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture contributing equal amounts. In this way, the Greek state is giving a specific, structured and long-term institutional framework to a historic and enduring relationship, providing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with…