The Archbishop met Mr. Papandreou

His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Hieronymus II met the president of PASOK, Mr. G. Papandreou, at his Parliament office. Their meeting lasted for more than an hour. After their meeting His Beatitude, referred to the collaboration he had with Mr. Papandreou as a Metropolite when Mr. Papandreou was the Minister of Education. He underlined that their collaboration was very fruitful. He also stated that he has recorded and continues to record the problems from the Church's point of view and added that the society and the Church will collaborate as far as culture and social welfare are concerned, since both the Church and society fight for man's wellbeing. He also stated that he was very satisfied with the conversation he had with Mr. Papandreou.

Similarly, the President of PASOK Mr. Papandreou stated that the Archbishop has already made his point and has given new hope to Orthodoxy and the Greek Church, since his word is brave and clear, something that is necessary for the country and its spiritual leaders.
He also agreed with the phrase: Render to Cesar the things which are Cesar's, and to God the things which are God's and added that the Society and the Church, having different roles, may well work together in important issues mentioned by His Beatitude, such as compassion, youth, culture, those in need, but also the role of Orthodoxy in the world.

Finally, the President of PASOK underlined on the issue of the relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate that the Archbishop's efforts are positive since the Ecumenical Patriarchate gives security and hope for the future of the Greek Church. He added that the Ecumenical Patriarchate goes through hard times and needs the support and the collaboration of the Church of Greece.

Source: http://www.ecclesia.gr/englishnews/default.asp