In Malta’s capital, Valletta, the Greek Orthodox community remains vibrant, with a history dating back to the 16th century, when many Greeks sought refuge on the island due to Ottoman rule. Today, more than 1,000 Greeks live in Valletta.
The Patriarchal Exarchate of Melita was established by Patriarchal and Synodal Tome on 14 January 2021, having been separated from the former Metropolis of Italy and Melita.
The Greek Orthodox community of Valletta founded the Holy Church of Saint George on 2 July 1816. It stands as a landmark of the community’s long-standing presence in Malta and has also played a significant social role.
Since the previous century, the parish had established a charitable fund, an Orthodox cemetery, and a relief fund for Greek seafarers. After the 1950s, however, the church ceased to function, until restoration and renovation works began in 2018.
Today, it serves as the seat of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Melita and of the Greek community.