The priests’ assembly was held on Tuesday morning, May 28, in the Cultural Center of the Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia in Edessa.
Bishop Symeon of Thespies and Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Athens was invited to speak about the role of the priest as a spiritual father and leader of the Eucharistic community.
Bishop Symeon of Thespies and Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Athens spoke about the two aspects of the priesthood, the spiritual father and the leader of the Eucharistic community, at an event of the Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia.
As Bishop Symeon pointed out, it is considered that the priest must fill the gaps of the state with regard to social and welfare issues and that he should be limited only to these duties.
“However, the priest is also a spiritual father. Spiritual paternity is not an office nor a reward. It is a commandment. The purpose is to combine priestly with charismatic paternity. This father can give birth, that is germinate new ideas, since he is reborn from above,” he said.
But spiritual “labor” is not painless. Spiritual means the presence of the Holy Spirit and taking advantage of your charisma in favor of others.
Moreover, as the leader of the Eucharistic community, the priest does not have the attributes of secular leaders. His power is the Cross. As a leader, he must be an example and model of spiritual struggle, characterized by distinction, prudence, humility, love, and responsibility.
