Greece has announced a major financial commitment to support the restoration and enhancement of the Holy Church of the Resurrection, widely known as the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem.
The pledge was made by Greece’s Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, during her official visit to the Holy Land from November 22–23, 2025. She represented the Greek Government at events marking the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Holy Sepulchre and a subsequent ceremony at the Patriarchate, Zacharaki praised the Patriarchate’s enduring spiritual and historical role, describing it as “a steadfast beacon across the centuries.” She confirmed Greece’s readiness to fund ongoing restoration, beautification works, and other key projects connected to the Patriarchate.
Zacharaki also reaffirmed Greece’s continued support for the Patriarchal School of Zion, which receives teachers, books, and educational materials from the Greek state. In her meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III, she expressed Greece’s willingness to assist in reopening the Theological School of the Holy Cross and proposed new academic partnerships with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
During her visit to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, the Minister met with Church leaders and discussed the needs of local Christian communities, as well as broader efforts to preserve Christian heritage in the region.
Comment here