Athens, December 27 (RHC-Minrex)-- Representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Archbishop Athenagoras, praised Cuba as an example of religious freedom, during a meeting held at the Club of Athens, with the presence of numerous Greek businessmen and political figures, and attended by the Ambassador of Cuba, Zelmys María Domínguez Cortina.

His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Athenagoras from Mexico, ruling hierarchy of the Greek Orthodox church in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (Orthodox jurisdiction that serves Cuba), underscored the attention given by the government and the Communist Party of Cuba to his faith. 

As an example of the support of the island, he highlighted the presence of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, at the consecration ceremony of the temple of San Nicolas, by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartolomeo, which took place on January 25, 2004 in Havana.

In an emotional reference to the Cuban leader, he thanked him for the donation of the emblematic building in the historic center of Havana, for the creation of a seminar of the Orthodox Church. He said that in Cuba the Church and the State work together for the good of the people, each one following his own mission.

The Cuba ambassador in Greece thanked those present, and referred to the good state of bilateral relations. In addition, she emphasized opportunities to increase cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.