President Sakellaropoulou reciprocated by extending her warmest wishes for a promising year ahead to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

During their telephone conversation, both the President and the Ecumenical Patriarch echoed sentiments of hope, advocating for peace to prevail in regions marred by conflict. They jointly expressed their aspirations for a brighter future, especially for the most vulnerable members of society, fostering a collective wish for harmony among humanity.

Source: ANA-MPA / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Sakellaropoulou reiterated Greece’s full support to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem which, once again in its long history, is called upon, as she pointed out, to carry out its mission in very difficult times.

Finally, she expressed a wish for a swift normalization of the situation and the healing of the wounds that the war has inevitably inflicted on the lives of our fellow human beings.

Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos

The 27 EU member states unanimously agreed to lift controls at the air and sea borders of the two countries from March 31, 2024, according to a press release. It is clarified that the selected date aligns with the transition from winter routes to those scheduled for the summer by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The 27 will have to take a new decision to choose the date for the lifting of controls at the land borders of Romania and Bulgaria, as pointed out in the press release of the Council of the EU, a body representing the Member States of the European Union.

The European Commission welcomed the decision that was taken after at least 12 years of negotiations. “It marks a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania and a day of great pride for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Commission recalls that since 2011 it considered that these two countries were ready to join the Schengen area.

Today is a day of great pride for Bulgaria and Romania.

The decision to lift internal air and sea border checks with is a major step forward for them and for the Schengen area.

Both have worked hard for it.

They both deserve it.

They will make Schengen even stronger. pic.twitter.com/PcwS3WkjGC

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 30, 2023

Austria had vetoed it last year, complaining about the increased number of irregular migrants arriving on its territory, before finally agreeing to lift it in exchange for guarantees.

Sofia and Bucharest agreed to fight irregular immigration more decisively in a joint statement signed on Saturday with the Austrian government. At the same time, Bulgaria and Romania committed to fully implement European legislation that provides that asylum applications are processed in the country of arrival of migrants.

Romania and Bulgaria, members of the European Union since 2007, were not admitted at the end of 2022 to this vast zone, within which 400 million people can travel freely without internal border controls.

The Schengen area for the free movement of people and goods was created in 1985 and includes 23 of the 27 member countries of the European Union, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

These awards have been established in memory of the militant Islamist Turkish poet Necip Fazil Kisakiurek, who fought vehemently for the reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque and had clashed politically with the Kemalist establishment.

“37 years after the poet’s death, we had the honor to open Hagia Sophia, which was his greatest dream. Praise Allah. After 80 years of longing, we broke the chains together and reinstated Hagia Sophia to its original form, fulfilling the wish of the Conqueror,” said the Turkish president said during the event.

“I once again praise my Lord for giving us this honor, this dignity to enjoy the end of the captivity of Hagia Sophia,” he said, “To be remembered as the president who reopened Hagia Sophia is the greatest honor in the world of our hearts.”

President Erdogan also said that those who would protect Hagia Sophia were the young people, individually responding to the call. God willing, as long as this continues, the echoes of the Quran will resound from the domes of Hagia Sophia, and the call to prayer will persist from its minarets. The Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia will continue to talk to the faithfuls’ hearts forever as a symbol of the Turkish century,” he added.

Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos

The Greek PM also assures the Greek Diaspora that the greek government recognizes and honors “the invaluable contributions made by each of you to our nation’s journey of progress.”

Read the full message from the Greek Prime Minister:

Dear Fellow Greeks,

As we approach the advent of the new year, I extend this heartfelt message to all of you. Regardless of residing and working beyond our nation’s borders, each one of you remains an integral part of our homeland. You serve as ambassadors, carrying the spirit of our motherland to the lands where you thrive. Your presence acts as a bridge, fostering connections and understanding among diverse cultures. You embody the living essence of Hellenism, nurturing its values wherever you go.

For these profound reasons, nurturing relations with the Greek Diaspora has been, is, and will always remain a foremost priority for the Greek State. We’ve recently taken significant steps, eliminating all obstacles that hindered Greek voters living outside Greece from participating in elections. Notably, the introduction of postal voting during the June European elections ensures that every voice resonates from afar, without expense or inconvenience.

Simultaneously, the ongoing development of the National Strategy for Greeks Abroad places emphasis on our language, cultural heritage, and education. Our commitment to simplifying and expediting consular procedures through digitalization further enhances the services available to you. Moreover, the gov.gr web portal now houses a dedicated service exclusively for requests from Greek expatriates.

These initiatives are emblematic of the gratitude owed to our Diaspora, and it is our solemn pledge to remain steadfast supporters. We recognize and honor the invaluable contributions made by each of you to our nation’s journey of progress. With these sentiments, I extend my warmest wishes for a New Year filled with health and smiles for everyone.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Schinas emphasizes the need to rally around fundamental values that define the European way of life—respect for fundamental rights and humanitarian principles. He acknowledges the pivotal role religious leaders can play in healing discord, quelling hatred, and its repercussions. The meeting aims to delve into these issues and strategize the way forward.

The Vice-President will engage with representatives from the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union, the Conference of European Rabbis, the Church of Sweden, the Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the EU, and the Italian Islamic Religious Community. This diverse assembly will focus on understanding recent developments in the Middle East from a religious perspective and explore methods to foster engagement among religious leaders in Europe and the Middle East on these pressing matters.

Source: ANA-MPA / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

In response to the address of the Patriarch, the President of the Republic stressed:
“It is with great pleasure that I meet you today, Your All-Holiness, at the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a spiritual nursery for the study of Christian tradition and teaching, which promotes and cultivates interfaith and inter-Orthodox dialogue.”

At the same time, she reiterated the great interest of the Greek State in the Ecumenical Throne, as well as the respect, love and gratitude that the entire Greek Nation has for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Patriarchate, and added: “On the occasion of your upcoming 50th anniversary, which you will celebrate on Christmas Day, I wish you longevity, health and strength, for the continuation of your so important mission.”
Afterwards, Sakellaropoulou was guided by Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland to the premises of the Center and the Church of the Apostle Paul.

The President of the Hellenic Republic attended a reception held at the consular residence in her honor, in the presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch and Greek expatriates. The Consul General of Greece, Alexandros Gennimatas, hosted the reception.

Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Photo: Presidency of the Hellenic Republic

Initially, the meeting between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Pope Francis was held in private and then followed a meeting with the members of the Cypriot delegation.

Focused on advancing the already excellent relations between Cyprus and the Holy See, discussions centered on regional developments. The President elaborated on Cyprus’s initiative to establish a maritime corridor, highlighting efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population. Concerns regarding potential escalations in the broader regional crisis were also addressed, emphasizing the Greek Cypriot commitment to addressing these challenges.

The issue of immigration, faced notably by frontline EU states like Cyprus and Italy, was a key topic of conversation. The President underscored shared aspirations and objectives between Cyprus, Italy, and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Cyprus problem took center stage, detailing efforts by the Greek Cypriot side to resume negotiations and preserve religious and cultural heritage in Turkish-occupied areas. The President highlighted the critical condition of over 500 religious and cultural monuments in these areas, urging the reinforcement of Technical Committees to safeguard these invaluable treasures.

During the meeting, both Pope Francis and President Christodoulides exchanged symbolic gifts. The Pope conveyed a message of peace through volumes he had signed and the “medal of the Holy Spirit” which he offerd to the president. In return, the President of Cyprus presented Pope Francis with a silver replica of an olive tree, symbolizing peace.

Source and photos: sigmalive.com / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew himself revealed this information to synodal metropolitans. He shared that Ms. Papadopoulou made a request that even “Sultan” Erdogan refrained from pursuing in the past two decades.

According to sources within the Church, she reportedly expressed “the Greek government’s discontent with Archbishop Elpidophoros’s direction”, urging the Patriarch “to take corrective measures”. This display of disrespect and ignorance towards ecclesiastical issues from a high-ranking diplomat has surprised even government ministers, exposing the Prime Minister and the Greek government.

What authority does the Deputy Minister have to demand action against a hierarch officially elected by the Ecumenical Patriarchate?

There’s growing concern about how Ms. Papadopoulou reconciles her actions with the roles distinctively outlined by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to guide Church-State relations. Her involvement appears to stem from a personal agenda in Church matters, seemingly lacking expertise in ecclesiastical affairs.

Does the Greek Prime Minister know?

As for the Prime Minister’s awareness of these actions, it’s unlikely that Kyriakos Mitsotakis is informed about the Deputy Minister’s maneuvers. It’s noteworthy that Mitsotakis had cordially welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Maximos Mansion five months ago, had a meeting and shared a meal with him in New York just a month ago, and his wife attended his enthronement.

Papadopoulou cites “national reasons” to urge Archbishop Elpidophoros to change his approach, alleging his creation of division within the Greek community. By her logic, should she intervene if she deems Metropolitan Nikitas of Thyateira in Great Britain doesn’t resonate with the Greek Cypriot community in London? Or if the Minister of Interior disapproves of the Metropolitan of Messinia, for example, should he demand that Archbishop Ieronymos refer his case to the hierarchy?

“The Greek government has resolved state issues and is now meddling in Church affairs?” remarked a government official who notices Papadopoulou’s acrimonious remarks about Archbishop Elpidophoros. Things are not rosy in the USA either but if there are outstanding issues regarding Orthodox matters, these concern solely the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They fall by no means within the purview of a government minister, be it in Greece, Turkey, or the USA.

*Republished from the newspaper “Dimokratia”

Translated by Konstantinos Menyktas

Last Thursday, Bulgaria expelled the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia and two Belarusian priests, accusing them of serving Moscow’s geopolitical interests. The decision was described as “evil” by the Russian embassy in Sofia.

A member of the European Union and NATO, a Slavic and Orthodox country, Bulgaria is historically and culturally close to Russia. However, relations between the two countries have been strained since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In June 2022, Sofia announced the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats.