Greek Education Minister: We extend full support to the Patriarchate of Antioch
Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, issued a heartfelt statement on social media regarding the deadly terrorist attack at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus.
In her message, Minister Zacharaki emphasised, “Guaranteeing religious freedom for all Syrian citizens, regardless of their faith, is the responsibility of the local authorities. However, the international community, especially the European Union, cannot remain indifferent to such fundamental issues.”
She highlighted the ancient roots of the Orthodox Christian community in Syria, noting that “Orthodox Christians have lived in Syria since the dawn of Christianity. They are the ancient conscience of the country.”
The Minister also expressed her sincere condolences to the families of the victims and extended full support to the Patriarchate of Antioch, particularly to His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch.
Zacharaki’s full statement reads: “Orthodox Christians have lived in Syria since the dawn of Christianity. They are the ancient conscience of the land. The recent terrorist attack on the Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, as well as the graffiti reading ‘your turn is coming’ painted on the Church of Prophet Elias in the village of Kfar Bahum in the Hama region, clearly aim to intimidate and drive the Orthodox Christians away from their homeland. Guaranteeing religious freedom for all Syrian citizens, regardless of religion, is the responsibility of local authorities. However, the international community, and especially the European Union, cannot turn a blind eye to such fundamental matters. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full support to the Patriarchate of Antioch and personally to His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch.”
Minister Zacharaki’s message underscores the importance of protecting religious minorities in conflict zones and calls for the global community’s active involvement in safeguarding fundamental human rights.
