Greece is intensifying efforts to bolster Greek Orthodox communities abroad, Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis declared following Epiphany celebrations at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.
Mr. Pierrakakis, representing the Greek government, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during the Feast of Epiphany at the Church of St. George in the Phanar district. He outlined a strategy to preserve Greek identity through tangible state support, including the creation of 600 permanent clergy positions across ancient patriarchates and churches worldwide.
“We are resolving long-standing issues to strengthen the Greek Orthodox presence globally,” Mr. Pierrakakis said.
The service carried significant geopolitical weight, co-celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
The joint liturgy underscored the Patriarchate’s continued alignment with Kyiv amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, a stance that has reshaped Orthodox relations.
Mr. Pierrakakis described the Phanar as “a place of power and symbolism” where history intersects with modern diplomacy.
His visit highlights Athens' strategy of treating support for the Patriarchate not just as a cultural obligation, but as a pillar of foreign policy in a region marked by instability.