Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew awarded the Cross of St. Andrew to Greek Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, recognizing the government's efforts to resolve issues affecting diaspora clergy.
Mr. Pierrakakis called the award a "highest honor," acknowledging the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by clergy abroad. The meeting focused on the plan approved by the Greek Cabinet on Jan. 31 to create new organizational positions for diaspora clergy.
"The awarding of the Cross of St. Andrew…by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, is a highest honor," Mr. Pierrakakis said, pledging the government's support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the global Greek community.
Mr. Pierrakakis and Secretary-General for Religious Affairs Georgios Kalantzis discussed the plan with the Patriarch. They also met with educators serving the Greek minority in Istanbul.
The initiative aims to support diaspora clergy and preserve Greek cultural and religious heritage abroad.