Nikos Dendias with John X – “Strong Reminder of Greece’s Interest in the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Greek-Orthodox Community in Syria”

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, held a meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch during a visit to Lebanon.

Accompanied by the General Secretary of Religious Affairs, Giorgos Kalantzis, the Minister traveled to Balamand, where the Patriarchal See is located, and was received by His Beatitude.

During the meeting, the issue of protecting Christian populations in the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, was discussed.

Mr. Dendias expressed his horror and sincere condolences for the deaths of Greek Orthodox faithful at the Holy Church of Prophet Elias, as well as Greece’s interest in the Patriarchate and its flock.

Additionally, the progress of the Greek-language program at the University of Balamand was discussed.

The meeting was also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Lebanon, Despina Koukoulopoulou, the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias L. Warrak, and the Abbot of the Balamand Monastery, Fr. Georgios.

Following his visit to the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Minister of National Defense stated:

“It is a great honor to be here today to meet His Beatitude Patriarch John X.

“However, I must say with sorrow that the timing of my visit coincides with the tragic events taking place in Syria and the wider region.

“Allow me to express to the Patriarchate and the Christian community my deepest condolences for the violent and unjust murder of Greek Orthodox faithful at the Holy Church of Prophet Elias, which occurred on the very day dedicated to the memory of the Saints of Antioch.

“No words can describe the pain and sorrow caused by these attacks.

“My presence here, as the Greek Minister of National Defense, is a strong reminder of Greece’s interest in the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Greek Orthodox community in Syria.

“Allow me to say that the protection of Christianity is our priority, and our ultimate goal is the preservation of the Greek Orthodox tradition.

“For this reason, we stand in solidarity with the mission of the Patriarchate of Antioch, which we consider a high symbol of a long-standing and proud Christian tradition.

“Beyond this, I would like to say that Greece will continue to support the Patriarchate in all international fora, including, of course, our family, the European Union.

“At this point, I feel it is my duty and obligation to say a few words regarding the Theological School, the School of Saint John of Damascus, at the University of Balamand in Lebanon.

“We have great interest, and I personally have a particular interest, in the Greek-language program at the University of Balamand, which began during my tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic.

“In closing, I would like to express to His Beatitude the Patriarch my sincere gratitude, not only for his warm hospitality but also for his spiritual guidance in these difficult times.

“Thank you very much.”

In the following video, Nikos Dendias speaks in English, with the speech subtitled in Greek:

Είναι μεγάλη τιμή να βρίσκομαι σήμερα στο Μπαλαμάντ του Λιβάνου για να συναντήσω τον Μακαριώτατο Πατριάρχη Αντιοχείας Ιωάννη. Θα πρέπει να πω, όμως, μετά λύπης μου, ότι η συγκυρία της επίσκεψής μου συμπίπτει με τα τραγικά γεγονότα που λαμβάνουν χώρα στη Συρία και την ευρύτερη… pic.twitter.com/Yi8wJVtKSq

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) July 18, 2025