PRESIDENT OF GREECE VISITS BALAMAND
His Excellency President Konstantinos Stephanopoulos and a high ranking Greek delegation comprised of Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos; Constantin Ailianos, Director-general of the Presidency of the Republic; Gergios Gennimatas, Secretary-General; and Alexandros Millaressis, Director of the Foreign Ministry who were accompanied by George Gabrielides, Greece’s Ambassador to Lebanon, visited the University of Balamand. During his visit, His Excellency went first to the University Administration Building where he established a center for Environmental Studies for the University through funds from the Greek Government.
Afterwards he visited the Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand where he was greeted by the Dean, Faculty, Staff and students of the Institute of Theology, in the presence of the Deans, Board of Trustees, and President of the University. His special visit to the Institute of Theology was truly a historic moment in the life of the University and the Institute of Theology.
President Stephanopoulos was accorded a warm welcome by the University President Dr. Elie Salem
President Stephanopoulos unveiled the foundation
stone of the Institute of Environmental Studies before touring the
campus, which was decorated with Greek and Lebanese flags,
as well as welcoming placards in Arabic, English and Greek.
Bishop JOHN Yazigi Welcoming His Excellency at the Gate of the School. Behind His Excellency Stands Minister Loverdos
Bishop JOHN Introduces
the Faculty and Staff to His Excellency
At the Entrance the Choir Sung "Axion Estin" Welcoming His Excellency
His Excellency resting in the Salon. To his left, Dr. Elie Salem,
President of the University
Lunch in the occasion: Mrs. Gennimata, Metropolitan Paul Yazigi of Aleppo, Dr. Elie Salem, Mr. Ailianos, Metropolitan Elias Kurban of Tripoli, Ambassador Gabrialidis, President, Bishop John Yazigi, Minister Loverdos, Minister Michel Moussa representing the President of Lebanon, Mr. Gennimata, Metropolitan Goerge Khodre, Mrs. Ailianos, Ambassador W. Habib.
Bishop JOHN addressing His Excellency, thanking him for the Visit and for his continuing support of the Insititue Read the Speech of His Grace
The President of Greece Thanking the Dean
for His Warm Welcome
The Dean Present an Icon of St. John of Damascus to His Excellency
And a Cedar of Lebanon
Some of the University Deans during Lunch
The Choir Sung in the Occasion, hymns and Songs in Arabic and Greek
His Excellency Writes
a Note in the Golden Book of Honor
Greek President Visits the Library and Manuscripts Section
A Group Picture with the President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Stephanopoulos