Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, during his visit to Israel. Earlier today (March 30, 2025), the Greek leader held successive meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During these discussions, both leaders reaffirmed the strategic relationship between Greece and Israel and explored further deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in defense.
The 73-year-old Patriarch Theophilos III, whom the Prime Minister met this evening, has been the head of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem since August 22, 2005. His official title is ‘Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine, Syria, Arabia, Beyond Jordan, Cana of Galilee, and Holy Zion.’ As the leader of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, he follows ecclesiastical rules and monastic governance dating back to the 4th century. His mission includes defending Orthodoxy in the Holy Land, preserving and guarding the Holy Shrines where Jesus Christ was born, grew up, was crucified, and resurrected, and providing spiritual guidance to the Orthodox flock.