Cyprus authorities resume financial support for Patriarchate of Alexandria
The Greek Patriarchate of Alexandria (Egypt), and the flag of Cyprus. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has decided to restore annual state funding for the Patriarchate of Alexandria. This was announced by the country's Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos following a Cabinet meeting, as reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.
According to the government's decision, the Patriarchate of Alexandria will annually receive 75,000 euros from the budget of the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Foreign Minister, state support had existed previously but was discontinued in 2013 due to the economic crisis.
"We are restoring this support on a permanent basis, as we consider the role of the Patriarchate to be exceptionally important," Kombos stated.
The Minister emphasized that the Patriarchate of Alexandria has been carrying out its ministry in Egypt and the countries of Africa for more than two thousand years, preserving the Orthodox faith and developing missionary activity. Furthermore, according to him, the Patriarchate contributes to maintaining the spiritual and cultural connection of the Greek diaspora with its historical roots.
The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the decision is part of a broader strategy of the so-called "soft diplomacy", as well as a policy of supporting Christian communities in the region. In the near future, the country's authorities intend to announce other similar initiatives.
The Minister also emphasized that the provision of assistance to the Patriarchate of Alexandria is carried out with full respect for Egypt, with which Cyprus maintains a strategic partnership.
As the UOJ reported, an OCU delegation arrived in Kenya and declared its condemnation of the ROC's actions in Africa.
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