On New Year’s Eve, in the evening, the Archbishop engaged in a phone conversation with the Ecumenical Patriarch, where they exchanged wishes. Both expressed the hope that in 2024, much-desired peace would prevail in our world troubled by wars and conflicts.

Emphasizing the significance of cooperation and collaboration between the two Churches, the two church leaders highlighted the importance of self-evident mutual understanding. This, they noted, is vital for the ongoing strengthening of pan-Orthodox unity and the spiritual support of God’s people.

The president was welcomed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, the newly-elected Regional Governor of Attiki, Nikos Hardalias, the newly-elected Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and the Protosyncellus of the Holy Synod, Archimandrite Varnavas Theocharis.

In his New Year’s message, the Archbishop of Athens expressed his wish for a creative and peaceful new year, one that guides us out of pitfalls and difficulties. The Archbishop stressed that the unique, the strongest, the most beautiful motto of this day and of the days to come, “let us all forget, either significant or trivial issues, what divides us, and choose to live and fight for all that unites us, which is abundant.”

Finally, he extended his wishes for a happy and bright New Year.

Ministers of the government, leaders and representatives of the parties, the heads of the armed forces and security forces, the president of the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court, the president of the Court of Auditors were present.

Following the Doxology, Archbishop Ieronymos proceeded to the Presidential Palace to extend his wishes for a happy New Year to the president.

Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos

The Representative of the Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens, Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, the Representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Athens, Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens, Archimandrite Raphael, many Metropolitans of the Church of Greece, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, Archimandrite Ioannis Karamouzis, the Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, Archimandrite Varnavas Theocharis, the secretaries of the Synodal Committees, clergy and lay employees of the Administrative Services of the Church were among the attendees.

In his speech, the Archbishop of Athens said: “In this gathering, as we mark the start of the new year, our hearts are heavy with the national sorrow over the tragic events of recent days. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with the affected families, seeking solace and comfort for their immense loss. May God grant our nation and its people love, resilience, good health, fortitude, unity, and enlightenment. It is our collective wish that each individual among us may play a part in advancing the endeavors of the Church for the betterment of all.”

Subsequently, the clergy and lay employees of the offices of the Holy Synod wished the Archbishop all the best.

The event drew the attendance of esteemed figures including hierarchs, ministers, deputies, regional governors, mayors, representatives from the Armed Forces and Security Forces, heads of Archdiocese services and institutions, along with clergy and laity. The gathering was warmly welcomed by Archimandrite Varnavas Theocharis, the Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese.

Following the blessing of the Vasilopita, Archbishop Ieronymos recalled recent unfortunate incidents, extending support to the affected families. He reflected on the concept of time, delineating its divisions into the past, present, and future. Emphasizing the essence of the present moment, he stressed the inability to alter the past and the unpredictability of the future. The present, therefore, holds significant importance, calling for collective progress through unity and collaboration.

“The Church and the State share a common mandate: to forget past divisions, focusing instead on shared values that unify us. Together, we must forge ahead toward our collective aspirations,” emphasized the Archbishop, extending his heartfelt wishes for the new year. He expressed hope in harnessing the opportunities the forthcoming year presents.

Photo credit: Christos Bonis / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

In his message, the Archbishop explains the true meaning of Christmas, stressing that “Christmas, a leading Christian holiday, is not just an occasion for exchanging wishes and gifts, family warmth, entertainment, which offers spiritual euphoria in social life. It is above all an inexhaustible source of multidimensional hope – for the value of every human person, for the course of humanity, for the meaning of life” and goes on to say “By His incarnation the Son and Word of God took upon Himself the whole of human nature, in its spiritual and material substance, and regenerated it. This is an Event that is the center of Christian revelation; “God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). This revelation of God’s love “in the flesh” constitutes the uniqueness of the Christian faith.”

At another point, Archbishop Anastasios says “The patience of hope that is radiated at Christmas does not constitute weakness, on the contrary, it indicates a mystical strength. It transforms even the greatest sorrows and weaknesses of the present life by strengthening endurance, fighting spirit, quality resistance, support for truth and justice.”

Finally, referring to the harsh wars in Ukraine and Palestine, the Archbishop stresses that “Every era has its turmoil, wars, disasters, tragedies, poverty, heartbreak, despair. And ours is also shaken by prolonged unimaginably cruel wars in many corners of the earth, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. Contradictions and rifts even plague church contexts.

Every person has their multifaceted problems. In every community, every person experiences hours of melancholy and pain. For all, the indispensable guide remains the patience of hope. Let us intensify our supplication for a cessation of the deadly conflicts and the various social crises, so that peace may prevail on earth.”

Read below the message of the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania

CHRISTMAS 2023
Patience of hope

†Anastasios
Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Heb 12:1)

Christ is born, glorify Him!

Christmas, a leading Christian holiday, is not just an occasion for exchanging wishes and gifts, for family warmth, for entertainment, or for entertainment that brings spiritual euphoria to social life. It is above all an inexhaustible source of multidimensional hope – for the value of every human person, for the course of humanity, for the meaning of life. The Nativity of Christ solemnly proclaims that “For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting” (Jn 3:16). We are not, therefore, alone in the adventure of this life.

By His incarnation, the Son and Word of God took upon Himself the whole of human nature, in its spiritual and material substance, and regenerated it. This is an Event that is the center of Christian revelation; “God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). This revelation of God’s love “in the flesh” constitutes the uniqueness of the Christian faith. Let us emphasize “again and again”: God, the Creator and Lord of the universe is not an impersonal energy, wisdom, or power. He is a personal God, who reveals Himself to man, who is in a constant relationship with Him. A relationship that is felt by the whole human being; “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16). This God has not abandoned the world, which is killed by selfishness, hatred, injustice, despair. The feast of Christmas invites us to reflect that the hope of His presence in our lives is the source of patience.

The various adversities and dead ends that occur in the earthly course of the Redeemer are always met with patience and hope. Already at His Birth, as depicted in Orthodox iconography, a serene patience full of radiance is reflected in the gaze of the Virgin Mother, Joseph, as well as the shepherds and the magi. Even in the gaze of the animals in the humble cave, who participated in the adventure of little Jesus’ foreign journey, a calm patience is revealed.

The patience of hope that is radiated at Christmas does not constitute weakness but rather indicates a mystical strength. It transforms even the greatest sorrows and weaknesses of the present life by strengthening endurance, fighting spirit, quality resistance, and support for truth and justice. From his personal experience, the Apostle Paul affirms: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-5). Through patience, the spiritual man makes better use of his mental and emotional powers. Patience united with calm perseverance opens passages in many impasses of human relationships, in health crises, in poverty, and in social turmoil. It leads human life to maturity “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4).

Hope sustains patience and patience strengthens hope, both drawing strength from faith. The Bible’s references to patience are multifaceted and insightful. They help us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Reflecting on the example of our Lord and the saints who followed him: “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2). With our eyes fixed on Him, we face soberly and vigorously all the trials that stand before us.

Every era has its turmoil, wars, disasters, tragedies, poverty, heartbreak, and despair. And ours is also shaken by prolonged unimaginably cruel wars in many corners of the earth, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. Contradictions and rifts even plague church contexts. Every person has their multifaceted problems. In every community, every person experiences hours of melancholy and pain. For all, the indispensable guide remains the patience of hope.

Let us intensify our plea for a cessation of the deadly conflicts and the various social crises, so that peace may prevail on earth. Let us strive “through the patience and prayer of the Scriptures” to strengthen our mutual understanding and harmonious cooperation, increasing hope within us. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13).

Christ is born, glorify Him! May the patience of hope, by the grace of the Triune God, fill our hearts with all-glorious joy and peace, especially during these Holy Days and throughout the coming New Year 2024.

Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou

Clarifying that it does not disagree with civil marriage between individuals of the same sex, as it emphasizes that civil marriage, in general, is indifferent to the sex of couples and is something that does not concern Orthodox Christian tradition, it highlights its disagreement on two issues.

Specifically, it “disagrees with same-sex parenting because it does not satisfy the rights of children to have both a father and a mother, and secondly, it disagrees with same-sex marriage because it leads to same-sex parenting (the extension of marriage to same-sex couples is not legally permissible, excluding them from the right to adoption that currently applies to married couples).”

The Church of Greece further emphasizes that children should not be used as a tool of activist pressure. It states, “Children are neither pets for anyone who wants to feel like a guardian, nor “accessories” that will legitimize or make socially acceptable a same-sex cohabitation.”

It sends a message to the government, underscoring that “the democratic state is not obliged to yield to the personal demands of individuals with political power, economic influence, or privileged access to the media, who believe they are entitled to raise a child with their same-sex partner, overlooking the issue of whether their private life choices ensure an environment of standards and roles that satisfy the needs of a child.”

The Encyclical of the Holy Synod also highlights that “as explained by the European Court of Human Rights, concerning adoption, the state must provide a suitable family environment for a child to grow up in, rather than provide children to anyone who wants to become a parent. In the context of adoption, the priority is the best interest of the child who lacks parents or suitable parents, not the opinion of the adult who believes they are suitable as a parent.”

Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou

In the letter, the primates refer to the people of Ukraine and the hardships of the war noting that “As the Primates of our Churches, we pray fervently for just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In our prayers, we especially remember those who have remained in their homeland in moments of distress, those who are defending the freedom of their country, their people, the dignity of life, and the future of their children and grandchildren. These brave and self-sacrificing individuals — men and women, young and old — are an example to all. Today, Ukraine, like Rachel in the Bible, mourns her children who are no longer present (Jer. 31:15; Matt. 2:18): the dead, the imprisoned, the forcibly displaced, the missing, and the millions who have had to leave their homeland and seek refuge in the diaspora”.

To the displaced due to the war Ukrainians that found refuge in Finland the two Primates say “Therefore, turn with confidence to the Orthodox Church of Finland. As an Autonomous Church within the Ecumenical Patriarchate, it always wants to be close to you, like a mother — praying to the Lord and serving with mercy. As the Primates of our Churches, we invite everyone to seek spiritual refuge in its communities, demonstrating that the richness of Orthodoxy lies in its diversity and beauty beyond language and cultural boundaries. We assure you that dozens of churches and chapels in various towns and villages throughout Finland are open to you. They want to welcome and embrace you, so that everyone may feel that the Church does not leave you and never forsakes you.”

Read below the joint pastoral letter:

The Archbishop welcomed the Ambassador and her colleagues. During their discussions, they addressed issues of common interest.

Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalcedon, performed the Vespers service, joined by a multitude of clergy from Nea Ionia’s local Church and various Holy Metropolises. One century after the relics’ translation, they were placed in a new silver casket (called “larnaka”).

But before this momentous occasion, the Metropolitan offered a heartfelt prayer for the well-being of the devout donors among the clergy and the faithful of the Holy Metropolis. In his homily, he illuminated the life of Saint Eleftherios, an illustrious figure revered as a symbol of Christian liberty. He expressed the hope that the venerable relic of the Saint will be safeguarded within the Holy Metropolis. These relics, borne by refugees from Asia Minor, stand as a singular spiritual legacy, an invaluable heirloom for both the parish and the local Church of Nea Ionia.

He extended warm greetings to the Consul General, introducing him to the Byzantine city of Veria, often referred to as “small Jerusalem” due to its abundance of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches. The Metropolitan expressed his hope that the founder of the local Church, Apostle Paul, would grant strength and guidance in the Consul’s endeavors. As a gesture of appreciation, he presented the Consul General with the book “Erateini Imathia” issued by the Holy Metropolis and other symbolic gifts.

Grateful for the hospitality, the Consul General reciprocated the warm welcome and engaged in a productive dialogue with the Metropolitan, discussing various current affairs and matters of mutual interest.