Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency.

On February 20, 2026, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, summed up 18 years of his ministry at the head of the Church of Greece in an interview and spoke in detail about succession, relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, international tensions, and the role of the Church in the modern world, reports Orthodoxia News Agency.

Reflecting on his age and the future, Archbishop Ieronymos noted: “Many years have passed, the end is coming for everyone. I must think about it too.” At the same time, he emphasized: “I want to live, but I can live without being an active Archbishop.” Speaking about his successor, the Archbishop of Greece said: “Only God knows. It does not matter to me who this person is. What matters to me is that my successor loves people and cares for the weakest.”

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece shared his major ambitions: “To leave a Church that has as few and minor problems as possible and with Bishops who love the place, tradition and want seriousness and consistency in the education of our people, without extremes, and, secondly, to leave an ecclesiastical property free from encroachers – and it is known who they are – and a Church in direct cooperation and good cooperation on many issues and especially in social, welfare and economic matters with the State, so that there is more light for everyone.” He stressed that he considers a complete separation of Church and state to be “a dangerous thing,” noting the need for “a new way of cooperation between the State and the Church, but under a spirit of good rapport.”

Touching on cooperation with the authorities, Archbishop Ieronymos gave a positive assessment of his interaction with the country’s prime minister, emphasizing that “our cooperation, as time goes by, becomes closer and closer.”

Separately, Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens expressed concern about the fate of Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai: “The problem remains, and it is a very big problem,” adding that serious internal responsibility and the preservation of spiritual principles are necessary. Speaking about the international situation, including the war in Ukraine, he stressed the importance of peace and prudence, noting that the modern world is going through a period of deep instability and requires “a responsible and sober approach from all sides.”

In the interview, Archbishop Ieronymos II also elaborated on the Church’s social activities — support for young families, students, the elderly, and those in need. “The Church is not for accumulating wealth, but for service,” he stated, emphasizing that the goal is to create conditions to support “the poor, the weak, and those struggling to survive.”

Concluding the conversation, Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece noted that the future of the Church depends on “seriousness, consistency, and love for people,” as well as on the ability to preserve unity and peace in a difficult era.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece called on Donald Trump to protect the monastery in Sinai.

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