Cuba and Greek Orthodox Church Strengthen Ties

HAVANA – Cuba and the Greek Orthodox Church have strengthened their ties, it was revealed here today following a meeting between President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Archbishop Iakovos, Exarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and the Caribbean.

The conversation, characterized by cordiality and mutual respect, took place at the Palace of the Revolution. The Head of State expressed his pleasure at receiving the visit, which "once again demonstrates the historical bonds that unite us, and the entire relationship that has existed of joint work, recognition, friendship, and also mutual respect."

The Cuban leader welcomed and expressed Cuba's support for a proposal made by Archbishop Iakovos to organize an International Conference on Religious Freedom in 2026, according to a publication on the website of the Caribbean nation's presidency.

This event would coincide with three significant anniversaries: the Centenary of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, the 30th anniversary of the Metropolis, and the 35th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Díaz-Canel extended, through the Archbishop, a formal invitation to Patriarch Bartholomew to visit the island at his convenience, assuring him that he would be received "with full appreciation."

A moment of special emotion was the President's gratitude for the replica of the Order of Saint Andrew—the highest distinction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate—which was awarded to the Commander in Chief and which the Archbishop delivered to the Fidel Castro Center, the presidential note reported.

Similarly, the President recalled with gratitude the words dedicated by the Archbishop to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution and to the Historian of Havana, Eusebio Leal, during a liturgy.

For his part, Archbishop Iakovos thanked the warm welcome and underscored the honor of being in Cuba, a nation he always stands with. He revealed that in his homilies he also includes the name of President Díaz-Canel, for the way he has continued the relationship.

He highlighted the constant support of the Cuban state, particularly from Caridad Diego, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and head of its Office of Attention to Religious Affairs—who was present at the meeting—and from the entire government team and the political organization, for the work of the Orthodox Church on the island.

"We are happy that our Church and our faithful here in this people have a President who knows our struggles and our ideas," he stated.

Archbishop Iakovos's visit is part of a pastoral program linked to the celebrations of Saint Nicholas of Myra.

As part of his agenda, he held meetings with Orthodox communities in the provinces of Holguín, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba.