Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece on Monday at the Maximos Mansion, engaging in a discussion that reflected on both a recent loss within Orthodoxy and the continued collaboration between Church and State.
Before their private talks, the two leaders addressed reporters, highlighting the profound impact of the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, who died on Saturday.
“The days are difficult for Orthodoxy as a whole,” Mitsotakis said. “The loss of the Archbishop of Albania has touched us all. I had the privilege of knowing him personally—he was a remarkable hierarch and a man of immense character. His tireless work to rebuild the Church in Albania after its destruction was unparalleled. Above all, he was a man of God who cared deeply for others. I will join the funeral in Tirana to honor his extraordinary legacy.”
Archbishop Ieronymos echoed these sentiments, adding, “He was one of the truly greats. I have known him since our school days. May God grant him eternal rest. Thank you for mourning with us in this time of bitter loss. Today, however, we come to talk of the matters of our time—issues of the Church, society, and shared responsibilities.”
According to government sources, the meeting delved into contemporary issues affecting Church-State relations, with an emphasis on addressing social challenges and enhancing mutual cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of Greek society.
Mitsotakis and Ieronymos also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader role of faith and its enduring importance during times of hardship, underscoring Orthodoxy‘s unifying presence in both Greece and the region.