Zacharakis: Condolences to Patriarch of Antioch for Damascus Attack

The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharakis, had a telephone conversation with His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch, expressing her condolences for the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, June 22 in the Doueilaa area during the vespers service, has caused grief and condemnation.

Ms. Zacharakis stressed that Greece supports the religious freedom of all, seeking for religion to be a bridge of communication and not a cause of conflict.

Patriarch John of Antioch expressed his disapproval of the attack and called on the competent authorities to take responsibility for the protection of churches and citizens. He also informed the Minister about the sending of a patriarchal delegation to Greece, while the Minister announced the sending of a delegation from the Ministry of Education to the Patriarchate's headquarters to deepen cooperation.

The Patriarch is closely monitoring developments and is communicating with international actors to end the violence in the region.