Archbishop Christophoros Bids Farewell to the Greek Ambassador and Commends Her Role in Strengthening Relations with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese / Media Center

Amman, Sunday, October 11, 2026

His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros Atallah, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox in Jordan, hosted an agape meal at the Metropolitan Residence in honor of Her Excellency Ms. Irene Riga, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and to bid her farewell on the occasion of the conclusion of her diplomatic mission in Jordan. The gathering was attended by His Excellency Mr. Muhannad Shehadeh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, along with a number of reverend fathers and official dignitaries.

During the gathering, His Eminence, on behalf of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Her Excellency the Ambassador, commending her affection for and interest in the Church of Jerusalem, as well as the support and assistance she had provided to the Patriarchate, its institutions, and its faithful. He also acknowledged her contributions to serving Jordanian society and strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation.

His Eminence emphasized the role played by the Ambassador in strengthening communication and cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This reflects the depth of the historical and spiritual ties that unite the Church of Jerusalem with Greece, as well as the longstanding ecclesiastical and civilizational heritage embodied by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Mother of Churches, through its witness to faith, love, and peace, and its commitment to preserving Christian holy sites and the authentic Christian presence in the Holy Land.

His Eminence also expressed his appreciation for the bonds of friendship and affection that had developed between him and Her Excellency the Ambassador during her tenure in the Kingdom, affirming that her efforts would remain highly valued and that the doors of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Metropolitan Residence in Jordan would always remain open to her with love and a warm welcome.

His Eminence wished the Ambassador continued success in her future assignments, praying that the Lord God may bless her steps and grant her strength and wisdom.

At the conclusion of the gathering, Archbishop Christophoros presented Her Excellency the Ambassador with an icon of Saint Spyridon as a token of love, gratitude, and appreciation.