The President of Greece, Karolos Papoulias, presented the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’, Kirill the Grand Cross of Merit, during the latter’s visit to the Presidential Mansion in central Athens, Greece.
Kirill I of Moscow was accompanied by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece, Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Filippoi, Neapolis and Thasos, Prokopios (Tsakoumakas) of Filippoi, as well as by Bishop Gabriel of Diavlia.
Kirill expressed his pleasure for the hospitality he received, during his stay in Athens and stressed that Greeks and Russians are brethren countries and have Orthodoxy as their common element and foundation. “An unshakable foundation, on the basis of which we face all the problems together,” he said.
Papoulias talked about the parallel lives of the two peoples and mentioned the help Russia provided during the national liberation struggles of Greece. He also underlined that the relations between the two peoples are cordial on all levels and pointed out the need for the two churches to address their problems in common.
Papoulias also highlighted the interest in the development of religious tourism, adding that Greece expects a great number of tourists this year.
Shorty after 1 p.m., Kirill, paid an official visit to Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras, and had a short talk with him.
Kirill and his delegation were to leave at 4 p.m. on June 3 to Thessaloniki and from there go to Mount Athos for their scheduled official visit.
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