Theophilos III

Greece's main opposition leader, Stefanos Kasselakis, on Monday met with Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III during his visit to the Palestinian territories.

According to a statement released by SYRIZA, Theophilos III briefed Kasselakis on the activities of the Patriarchate and issues concerning the Greek Orthodox community in its areas of ministry. 

The Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III and other clergy celebrated Palm Sunday with a procession leading into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is believed to be buried. Fewer pilgrims attended this year due to the war in Gaza. [AP]

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is set to visit Israel on Monday to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Galant. The main agenda of their meeting is to explore avenues to enhance the Greece-Israel Strategic Defense relations and promote cooperation in ensuring stability and security in the broader region.

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has appealed to the "international community and the forces concerned with the cause of peace in the Holy Land" to "work to stop the attack on the city of Jenin and its camp, and to put an end to violence and bloodshed based on the values of peace and justice proclaimed by the Abrahamic religions."

The Holy Fire arrived in Athens on a special flight from Jerusalem on Thursday evening. Specifically, the delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Katsaniotis received the Holy Fire from the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III and arrived at 8.31 p.m. on an Aegean Airlines flight.

The delegation was met by the Armed Forces Band and an honorary guard.