ATHENS, Greece — Kimberly Guilfoyle, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Greece and a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, met Thursday with Archbishop Ieronymos II, emphasizing the spiritual connection she felt upon entering her diplomatic role.

Guilfoyle, 56, said the archbishop was the first person she contacted following her nomination, calling their early conversation a source of “support” and “spiritual connection.”

The meeting comes just over a week after she assumed her post, following the presentation of her credentials to Greece’s president on Nov. 4.

Guilfoyle’s appointment marks a significant moment for U.S.-Greece relations, as Washington continues to deepen its security, defense and energy partnerships with Athens. The two nations have expanded defense cooperation in recent years, including updated agreements allowing U.S. forces broader access to Greek bases at a time of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The former California prosecutor and Fox News host, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., praised the opportunity to serve in Athens.

“It’s wonderful to be here and I’m just very grateful that President Trump has blessed me with the opportunity to serve the United States here in Greece, for the relationship that we have and for that growing and blossoming going forward,” she said.

Archbishop Ieronymos, 87, thanked the ambassador and “the president for the opportunity that he gave us today. May God bless these relations.”

The Orthodox Church remains one of Greece’s most influential institutions, frequently weighing in on social debates and maintaining strong ties with political leaders. U.S. ambassadors routinely engage with the Church as part of broader outreach to key pillars of Greek society.

Guilfoyle also thanked the archbishop “for agreeing to pray for President Trump,” adding that their early phone call left a lasting impression.

“I just want to tell your beatitude I was very touched when I first got the nomination, we were able to speak on the phone, you were the first person that I called and it was just a very special experience,” she said. “It made me feel connected spiritually and supported and blessed by the relationship that I know we will continue going forward together to accomplish great things.”

Her visit follows a tradition where newly appointed U.S. ambassadors often include cultural and religious leaders among their first meetings, signaling respect for institutions that hold deep historical and social influence in Greece. Guilfoyle’s stop at the archbishop’s residence underscores her intention to blend traditional diplomacy with personal outreach.

The AP contributed to this report.