“We are convinced that the future of humanity is interwoven with the ‘culture of solidarity,’ which guarantees the effective functioning of institutions and promotes peaceful coexistence and prosperity,” emphasised Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his message for the opening of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
The Patriarchal message was read by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki on Saturday, 6 September, after the blessing of the inauguration of the T.I.F., in the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, along with many other political representatives of the state and local government.
Here is the full message of the Ecumenical Patriarch:
To the Most Honoured gentlemen Anastasios Tzikas, President, and Dr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, Chief Executive Officer of the Thessaloniki International Fair, beloved children of our Humility in the Lord, grace and peace from God.
We greet from the Phanar the opening of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, this established and internationally recognised institution, which contributes to commercial interaction and to the creative meeting of peoples and cultures. Throughout the duration of the Fair, the Bride of the Thermaic Gulf, the city of Saint Dimitrios, is filled with visitors from all over the world and becomes a centre of significant initiatives and activities.
This year’s event coincides with the centenary anniversary of the founding of the National Exhibition and Conference Organisation, which since 1925 has been at the service of society by promoting creative activity, entrepreneurial initiative, and cultural advancement. Under the care of this institution, the Thessaloniki International Fair has substantially contributed to the growth of entrepreneurship within a framework of encounter, cooperation, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas, understanding, and mutual respect, in a historic city where innovation meets memory and tradition meets pioneering.
The Orthodox Church, proclaiming at all times and in every place that “man shall not live by bread alone” (Matt. 4:4), commends economic activity when it is carried out in truth, serving humanity, justice, and the integrity of creation. Our Humility has at times emphasised that the economy has a moral dimension. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, which convened at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in 2016, wisely declared that the economy “must be based on moral principles” (§3), combining “efficiency with justice and social solidarity” (The Mission of the Orthodox Church in the Contemporary World, VI, §§3–4).
We do not accept the cynical claim that “there is no alternative” in the economy other than conforming to the dictates of unbridled economism and the principle of maximising profit. We reject the assertion that any departure from these principles necessarily leads to uncontrollable developments and social conflicts. The progress of societies is not identical with technological and economic growth, but is founded on the absolute respect for the human person, on social justice, and on environmental sustainability.
Humanity is in need of consensus on a core of common fundamental values, which, despite political, social, religious, and cultural differences, functions as the basis for the common good. The axis of these values is solidarity. We are convinced that the future of humanity is interwoven with the “culture of solidarity,” which guarantees the effective functioning of institutions and promotes peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
In this spirit, we greet the opening of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, and we wish for its every success. We bestow upon its organisers and visitors our Patriarchal blessing and invoke upon all of you, and upon the beloved Greek people, the grace and mercy of the God of wisdom, justice, and love.
