On Saturday, September 7, 2024, during the inauguration of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki had the distinct honor of representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He delivered the Patriarchal Message and Greeting to the Fair’s President, Anastasios Tzikas, the CEO, Kyriakos Pozrikidis, and all attendees, highlighting the significance of this esteemed event for Thessaloniki.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the crucial link between the economy and core values such as justice, sustainability, and respect for humanity. He noted that while the Church supports economic activities that benefit society, it condemns irresponsible economism that jeopardizes ecological balance. The Patriarch stated: “The Orthodox Church rejects unaccountable economism, the cynical and shortsighted absolutization of speculation that harms society and ecological balance. The accumulation of material wealth, akin to the ‘foolish rich man’ in the Gospel parable (Luke 12:17-21), is a futile attempt to address profound spiritual poverty. Humanity is not merely a citizen of the world but also a ‘citizen of heaven,’ seeking meaning and reference beyond earthly existence, politics, economics, science, and technology.”
The Patriarch also underscored Germany’s role in advancing Europe and extended his blessings for the opening of the Fair. He concluded: “In this spirit, we warmly welcome the opening of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, wishing it every success. We bless its organizers and visitors with our Patriarchal blessing and invoke upon you and the beloved Greek people the grace and mercy of the great God of wisdom, justice, and love.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch’s Message follows in Greek:
