Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has pledged that protecting Christian populations across the Middle East remains a core priority for Athens after a church attack in Jordan.
Dendias delivered the message during a telephone call with the Jordanian ambassador to Greece, Zouhair Ensour, after an armed assault on the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in the city of Karak left nine people dead.
The Greek defence minister expressed warm condolences for the victims of the attack and declared Greece's firm solidarity with Jordan and its people during what he described as a difficult moment.
He praised Jordan as an enduring example of peaceful coexistence between different religions, emphasizing that extremist elements must not be permitted to disrupt the country's centuries of interfaith harmony.
Arrests and grief in Karak
Jordanian security services have arrested three suspects in connection with the deadly assault at the church in Karak, where nine people lost their lives.
Survivors described harrowing moments inside the building during the bloodshed, with one woman recounting how she watched her cousin die before her eyes as gunfire broke out.
Queen Rania of Jordan travelled to Karak to meet in tears with the families of the victims at the Greek Orthodox parish, offering personal support to the mourning community.
Diplomatic contact with Jerusalem
The outreach from Dendias to Ambassador Ensour followed a separate telephone conversation that the Greek defence minister held with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
Patriarch Theophilos III serves as the head of the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the ancient Christian institution responsible for Orthodox holy places, monasteries, and congregations across Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.
Athens maintains historic and cultural ties with the Jerusalem Patriarchate, viewing the welfare of traditional Orthodox communities and the preservation of sacred sites in the Levant as key diplomatic priorities.
Christian heritage and security in Jordan
Jordan is home to one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, with Christians forming an established minority within the predominantly Muslim kingdom.
Under the Hashemite monarchy led by King Abdullah II, Jordan has cultivated a reputation for sectarian tolerance, providing legal protections for religious minorities and guaranteeing Christian representation in parliament.
The city of Karak, situated south of the capital Amman and celebrated for its medieval Crusader fortress, has previously faced security challenges from regional militant factions seeking to undermine civil stability.
Jordanian authorities are continuing their investigation following the arrest of the three suspects, while Greek officials plan to maintain diplomatic contact with Amman to support community safety and regional stability.
