Grand Master of Order of Malta in Greece to ‘strengthen humanitarian co-operation’
The Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, is in Greece on an Official Visit. He was received yesterday (Friday 18 October) by the President of the Hellenic Republic Aikaterini Sakellaropoulou. The visit was marked by a mutual intent of strengthening ties and cooperation in the social and medical field. Diplomatic relations between the Order of Malta and Greece were officially established in 2021, nevertheless the relationship has deep historical ties, dating back to when the Knights of St. John established their stronghold on Rhodes in 1310.
The inaugural official visit of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta solidifies this relationship. “Our bilateral relations have grown fast and stronger these past three years. This visit and planned future joint activities will give impetus to their further development” stated the Grand Master highlighting the shared values and intentions to cooperate in the humanitarian sphere.
“I wish to thank you, Madam President for the thoughtful exchange of views, which I am sure will further consolidate our shared visions and common values, which include the three pillars of Greek International Policy: Dialogue-Diplomacy-Democracy”.
“All over the world, your Order is dedicated to preserving human dignity and caring for all those in need, regardless of origin and religion. In these difficult times, the Order, mobilizing its remarkable global volunteer force, provides valuable medical, social and humanitarian assistance, distributing medicine and basic survival equipment to our fellow human being affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters, and especially to the most vulnerable, such as the socially excluded refugees, and the sick” stated the President of Greece.
“We do not forget the Order’s support to the Greek people during the peak of the migration crisis in 2015, as well as during the devastating fires in 2018” added President Sakellaropoulou.
The Order has plans for further integration within Greece, including discussions around a Cooperation Agreement and a Postal Agreement to facilitate humanitarian operations and medical assistance.
The Order of Malta has been active in humanitarian efforts within Greece since before formal diplomatic relations. Notable initiatives included the Aegean Search and Rescue mission, the donation of minibuses and support for a soup kitchen managed by Caritas Greece. Most recently, in 2023, Malteser International, alongside volunteers from Athens, provided assistance to wildfire victims on the island of Evia and began outreach programs for homeless individuals and drug addicts in Athens.
During the stay the Order of Malta’s delegation will visit “The Grand Master’s Palace” which has been home to a permanent exhibition on the Order of Malta for the past 25 years, and which has recently undergone major renovation in collaboration with the Directorate of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Dodecanese.
In 2024, the exhibition was reopened to the public after a complete renovation. The new exhibition – which will be inaugurated in the presence of the Grand Master today (Saturday 19 October), after a meeting with the Mayor of Rhodes and with the Governor of South Aegean – aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Order’s history, from its origins to the present day, along with its special connection to the island of Rhodes and Greece.
The exhibition features four rooms with screens, wall projections, significant objects and documents to narrate the history of the Order. It also includes exclusive reproductions such as the Deed of Donation by Charles V granting Malta to the Knights of St. John in 1530 and the revered icon of Our Lady of Philermos, as well as a 3D model of the Syrian medieval castle “Krak des Chevaliers”.
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The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.
Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.
It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.