Rai Concludes First Patriarchal Visit to Greece by Launching Religious Pilgrimage Route

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai concluded his visit to Greece with a stop in the city of Corinth, where he launched the "St. Paul's Path for Religious Pilgrimage" alongside its bishop, Paul.

Patriarch Rai and his accompanying delegation visited the Bishopric House in Corinth on Sunday afternoon, where they were received by Bishop Paul and his assistant, Bishop Agathios. The meeting served as an opportunity for mutual introduction and discussion of commonalities between the Maronite and Orthodox Churches, aiming to strengthen fraternal relations in light of the positive outcomes of Patriarch Rai's visit to Mount Athos. The Apostolic Visitor to Greek Maronites, Bishop Joseph Soueif, outlined existing cooperation with the Orthodox Church and the opportunities it provides for dialogue, collaboration, and solidifying brotherhood.

For his part, colleague George Arab explained the cooperation path that began in 2019 between Meteora in Greece and Qadisha Valley in Lebanon, including reciprocal visits between the two regions. He noted efforts to launch similar cooperation between Corinth, where St. Paul preached, and Qadisha Valley, under the title "St. Paul's Path for Religious Pilgrimage." Arab then presented Bishop Paul with the book "Colors of Qadisha," published in six languages, which covers written and visual aspects of the Holy Valley's landmarks and history.

It was agreed to follow up on this project through coordination between the religious tourism committees affiliated with the Maronite Patriarchate and the Synod of the Orthodox Church in Greece. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts, while Patriarch Rai invited Bishop Paul to visit Lebanon and hosted him at the Patriarchal Seat.

Afterward, Patriarch Rai, the Assistant Bishop of Corinth Agathios, several priests, and the Lebanese delegation toured archaeological sites in ancient Corinth. The tour included the Church of St. Paul, built on the ruins of an old shrine, where the delegation viewed mosaic panels depicting the persecution of St. Paul, the appearance of Christ to him, and his departure to preach in the Corinth region.

The delegation also visited the archaeological site where St. Paul was tried, before moving to the port of Loutra, where St. Paul arrived and from which he crossed to Corinth to preach there.

Accompanying Patriarch Rai on his tour were the President of the Maronite Foundation for Diaspora, Rose Choueri, and its Director, Hiam Bastani; the President of the General Maronite Council, Engineer Michel Mouti; Johaina Monier representing the Maronite League; the Secretary General of the Office for Developing Religious Tourism affiliated with the Council of Catholic Bishops and Patriarchs in Lebanon, Suzy El-Hajj; the President of Riya Al-Shidyaq Foundation, Mary Al-Shidyaq; and the Consul of the Order of Malta Knights in Cyprus, Fadi Romanos.

The Mayor of Berhailoun, Mr. Rabih Deeb, hosted a dinner in honor of Patriarch Rai and the accompanying delegation, attended by the Lebanese Ambassador to Greece, Kanj Al-Hajjal, and Consul General Queen Salameh, who also participated in the tour and the meeting with Bishop Paul in Corinth, along with the Mayor of Corinth, Giorgos Ioannis, and Assistant Bishop Agathios.

Deeb welcomed Patriarch Rai and the attendees, considering that the patriarchal visit constitutes additional support for the Maronite presence in Greece and a gateway to deepening relations with the Orthodox Church.

In turn, Patriarch Rai thanked Deeb for his initiative and interest, which reflect his love and commitment.

Note that Patriarch Rai and the accompanying delegation returned to Lebanon today, concluding the first visit by a Maronite Patriarch to Greece. They were seen off by Ambassador Al-Hajjal, Consul Salameh, and the manager of the East Bureau office in Athens, Ghassan Shiti, who accompanied Rai until the entrance of the aircraft.