On Saturday afternoon, in the presence of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, there took place the event of the Free University of the People at Aliartos, with main speaker the Bishop Symeon of Thespies, whose topic was the role of Church in the economic crisis.
Archbishop Ieronymos in his opening address praised the events and the attempts of the Free University and expressed his wish that any difficulties shall be overcome so that similar events shall be organised in the future as well.
On his part, Bishop of Thespies said that “Everyday the Church, through its work, sends the message of reconciliation and unity regardless of party politics, historical mistakes, or political views”.
Next, bishop of Thespies referred to whether the Church should promote its activities or not. “Should the Church carry all along and use cameras to promote its work? We have to deal with this weird tendency as well. On the one hand they accuse the Church for being silent and on the other hand, if the Church speaks its mind, they accuse it of promotion. Well, let them make up their mind. Our Archbishop has intentionally chosen silence”, he characteristically noted.
Bishop of Thespies stressed that “the Church substitutes neither the State nor the Local Authorities or any other agent”, and concluded that “the Church’s love does not spring from legal or constitutional reasons”.