Archbishop Jerome at the Synod: the demographic crisis threatens the physical survival of the nation

In Athens the work of the Hierarchy of the Greek Church began. In the welcoming speech Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Jerome connected the international agenda with the country’s internal challenges, especially highlighting the demographics and spiritual state of society.

Speaking about the international situation, the Primate noted that “the overall geopolitical situation from Gaza to Syria and Ukraine remains extremely critical and painful” For Gaza, Jerome called “directly involved and other strengths» manifest prudence, sincere desire and good will to a negotiated settlement, compliance with norms international humanitarian law and protection of civilians: “The circle of blood never solved international problems, but only exacerbated them“

The Archbishop expressed concern about growing persecution of Christiansespecially in Nigeria, and also due to forced exodus Armenians from Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, which, according to him, is followed by “systematic destruction of culture“, reminiscent of the situation in the occupied territories of Cyprus after 1974. He expressed hope for fair resolution question between Holy Mount Sinai and the Egyptian state, emphasizing the need to respect the rights of the monastery and brethren.

The Archbishop moved on to the internal agenda with a harsh assessment: “Our Motherland is facing existential challenges – demographic, spiritual, cultural. The demographic crisis is becoming dangerous even for the physical survival of our ancient and glorious people” He emphasized that “without exaggeration, the overall population literally collapsed“, A half of the country’s inhabitants concentrated in AtticaWhat not sustainable and exacerbates problems – from infrastructural to psychological.

According to the Primate, attempts to treat symptoms without correct diagnosis of causes will not lead to results. “The deep essence of many problems is spiritual: the crisis of living faith and values ​​associated with secularization” This is where he sees the root: demographic decline, decomposition of the family institution, intra-family violenceteenage aggression, addictions and “acquisitiveness“

Within the framework of the demographic topic, Jerome touched upon migration: The reduction of the autochthonous Greek Orthodox population and the permanent settlement of foreigners may, over time, create more problems than they solve, economic and insurance. Social cohesionhe emphasized, is formed not only by horizontal, material factors, but by many parameters; otherwise, societies face ruptures and polarization.

Archbishop described modernity as “pendulum state“between passivity, zeal without reasoning and the search for meaning in the perishable: this applies to both the individual and international levels, where “entire nations“suffer under the leadership of those who chose hatred over responsibility. “Behind everything there is one deep reason – oblivion of God“, he said, calling to look for the meaning of life is in the knowledge of the One True God.

Moving on to church building, Jerome introduced three strategic directions:

• Support for priestly families — spiritual and practical, as conditions for the education of future shepherds and the preservation of tradition;
• Schools for the Apprenticeship of Candidates to the Clergy (ΣΜΥΚ) – as schools of practice and service, with free accommodation and meals, practice in the structures of the metropolises;
• Continuing education of clerics through the state-recognized Foundation for Pastoral Advanced Training: free, certified courses, cooperation with the academic community, adaptation of programs to the needs of dioceses.

In conclusion, the Archbishop announced the agenda: reports of the synodal commissions for 2024–2025, replenishment of the list of those elected to the bishopric, discussion and voting on regulations, as well as reports on topics “Monasticism in the tradition and life of the Church” And “Artificial Intelligence – The Church before the New Anthropology” followed by discussion and elections of metropolitans and bishops.

“If we want to have vibrant parishes and effective pastors tomorrow, we need to invest today,” – Jerome concluded, calling on the Hierarchs to unity and decisions “for the good of the Holy Church“

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