Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece conveyed a heartfelt message during the ceremonial cutting of the New Year’s Vasilopita at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, advocating for unity between the Church and State.
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
