Archbishop Ieronymos dismisses reports of rift between church and state

Greek Archbishop Ieronymos said on Tuesday that relations between the Church and the state are "very good" and that they have "distinct roles."

Dismissing reports of a rift while speaking to journalists in the town of Makrinitsa in Serres, northern Greece, Ieronymos admitted there were problems but clarified there "are problems in families as well." "We frequently hear of a separation [between Church and state], but separate from what?" he asked.

He added that the "Church is a place of freedom, and whoever wants to leave is free to do so and if he/she regrets it they can always return."