Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Kotsiras, visited Istanbul on the occasion of the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, where he made the following statement:
"It is a great pleasure to be back in Istanbul on the occasion of the beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year, a particularly significant day for Orthodoxy. I participated in the religious ceremonies of the Indictus, officiated by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Hierarchs of the Throne.
I was blessed to be received by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a spiritual leader of international stature, whose great work and notable initiatives have brought Orthodoxy to the forefront on a global level. During the meeting, I reiterated the Greek State's unreserved respect and support for the virtuous work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I also attended the
Commencement of the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne.
I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Association for the Support of Greek Community Foundations, as well as with representatives of educational bodies, with whom I had constructive discussions on the issues that concern them and it was noted that, significant progress has been made in their resolution with the assistance of the Greek state.
Lastly, I visited the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul, in the presence of the Consul General, Mr. Konstantinos Koutras, and discussed with its personnel issues related to the services provided."
September 2, 2024