Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-03-20

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Koumoutsakos says Greece wishes investigation into reported sale of real estate of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

[02] Australian prime minister Howard to visit Athens next month

[03] Sunday of Orthodoxy celebrated in Athens, President Papoulias attends liturgy

[01] Koumoutsakos says Greece wishes investigation into reported sale of real estate of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

At the same time he announced that a delegation of experts will be sent which will contribute to the "speedy investigation" of the issue.

Specifically, and after the publication by the foreign press of information of the sale of real estate owned by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem which are located in particular and important areas of the city, Koumoutsakos said that Greece respects the self-administration of the Patriarchate and does not intervene in administrative issues which are regulated both by legislation and centuries-old traditions.

"However, Greece which never denied its moral responsibilities towards the Patriarchate and its faithful, is ready to contribute with all the interested parties in the speedy investigation of the issue with the sending to Jerusalem, tomorrow, Monday, March 21, of a group of experts," Koumoutsakos said.

[02] Australian prime minister Howard to visit Athens next month

Howard made the announcement while addressing thousands of Greek-Australians at the Sydney Opera House in an event marking the March 25th Greek national holiday, organsed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

It is expected that the Australian premier will visit Athens en route to Gallipoli for celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War I.

According to diplomatic sources, Howard will meet in Athens with Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis.

[03] Sunday of Orthodoxy celebrated in Athens, President Papoulias attends liturgy

The feast celebrates the end of the iconoclastic controversy that had raged on and off since 726 AD, and the restoration of the veneration of icons on the first Sunday of Lent in 843 AD, and thus the "triumph of Orthodoxy".

Papoulias read out the Orthodox Creed, and the Our Father.

Later, Papoulias hosted the customary luncheon for Archbishop Christodoulos and the members of the Standing Holy Synod, at the Presidential Mansion, which was also attended by Education and Religious Affairs minister Marietta Yannakou.

Speaking at the event, Papoulias noted that the Sunday of Orthodoxy had special reference to respect of the established boundaries in the relations between Church and State, since the celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy was linked with the lifting of the tragic consequences from the confusion in roles and authorities during the long period of the iconoclastic controversy.

He said the lack of dialogue had at the time played a role in the cohesion of the people, but was equally timely today, because the value of distinct roles was timeless.

The overstepping of boundaries causes unpleasant and dangerous consequences in the function of Society, Papoulias said, adding that the country's Constitution set out the distinct roles. He further called on the Hierarchs to meet the demand of society for "catharsis" of the Church.

In reply, the Archbishop congratulated the new President of the Republic on the assumption of his duties, and assured Papoulias that the Church would be at his disposal and at his side to achieve unity among the people.

Praising Papoulias' long experience in public life, the Archbishop thanked the President for his reference to the distinction of roles, and assured him that the Church was well aware of the distinct roles as wet out by the Constitution.

"Respect on both sides is that which guarantees the good coexistence of Church and State," Christodoulos added.

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