On 11 January 2019, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Bolaris received the Archbishop of the Maronites of Cyprus, Joseph Soueif.
At the meeting, His Eminence the Archbishop briefed Mr Bolaris on the Maronite Church in Lebanon and Cyprus, conveyed the greetings of the Maronite Patriarch of Lebanon, described the problems and the prospects of the Maronite Community in Cyprus, as well as the hard times which the Early Christian confessions are facing in the Middle East. He explained the purpose of his visit to Greece, which includes organisation of the Maronite Christians in Greece and the establishment of their parish.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs warmly greeted His Eminence and informed him that Greece, its government, and its people welcome him with feelings of hospitality, love and friendship, fully aware of the difficulties and trials to which the Maronite Christians have been subject, both during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and during the war in Lebanon. He briefed Archbishop Joseph about the two-day conference on religious and ecclesiastical diplomacy scheduled for February of this year, in which he invited a representative of the Maronites to participate. In conclusion, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs assured his interlocutor that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Authorities are at his disposal and will see to that the purposes of his visit are fulfilled.
January 11, 2019