On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, held a meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch during a visit to Lebanon. Accompanied by the General Secretary of Religious Affairs, Giorgos Kalantzis, the Minister traveled to Balamand, where the Patriarchal See is located, and was received by His Beatitude. During the meeting, the issue of protecting Christian populations in the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, was discussed. Mr. Dendias expressed his horror and sincere condolences for the deaths of Greek Orthodox faithful at the Holy Church of Prophet Elias, as well as Greece's interest in the Patriarchate and its flock. Additionally, the progress of the Greek-language program at the University of Balamand was discussed. The meeting was also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Lebanon, Despina Koukoulopoulou, the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias L. Warrak, and the...