The crisis between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate appears to be defusing. It looks like the two sides are close to an agreement putting an end to the dispute concerning the Metropolites of the so-called "new countries".
Minister of Education and Religion Marietta Giannakou appeared very optimistic regarding the course of the conflict in the Church. Mrs. Giannakou expressed the belief that there will be a solution soon, stating characteristically that the government initiative continues and there will be a happy ending.
Church circles characterize this week as crucial because even though there is a solution framework between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate there are still disagreements on the concessions the two sides will have to make.
The Hierarchy of the Church of Greece in its meeting is expected to accept in its entirety the 1928 Act and then Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece will announce the decision.
On its part, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is expected to lift the penalties and accept the election of the three Metropolites in Thessaloniki, Eleftheroupolis and Kozani.