Official Presentation of the Exhibition:
“Journey into the Sea of Life”
On the way to the grand celebration of Christmas, our Youth Office of the Holy Metropolis presented on Tuesday, December 19th, at 6:30 pm, in the event hall of its Cultural Center, the exhibition of paintings and photographs by unaccompanied refugee children, who are cared for by the Church of Greece through its “SYNYPARXIS – Ecumenical Refugee Program,” entitled: “Journey into the Sea of Life.” The warm participation of the President of “SYNYPARXIS,” Metropolitan of Iliou, Acharnes, and Petroupolis, His Eminence Athinagoras, and the General Director, Archimandrite Father Panteleimon Papasynephakis, was an exceptional honor and feeling invited to the event.
The event was opened with a greeting by His Eminence, Metropolitan Hariton, who welcomed the officials of “SYNYPARXIS” and other guests. He referred to the initiative of organizing the Exhibition by the Metropolis of Elasona, the first among the Metropolises of Greece to host it, and the third as an event after its presentation in Athens and Thessaloniki. He emphasized the lively connection of the Exhibition’s reflection with the celebration of Christmas, as a rediscovery through pain, anger, and disappointment of the refugee experience, with the profound meaning of humanity and Christ’s migration from heaven to earth, His refugee flight to Egypt to escape from Herod’s wrath, and His Cross-bearing sacrifice as a stranger. He underscored the value of every neighbour as our brother in the name of Christ.
Following the screening of a video about the hosting facilities of “SYNYPARXIS,” the President of the organization, Metropolitan Athinagoras, addressed the audience. He referred to its historical journey from a refugee reception office to its present role, caring for unaccompanied and often mistreated children on their journey.
Following him, the Very Reverend General Director of “SYNYPARXIS,” Archimandrite Father Panteleimon, took the floor, their care, and the Church’s vision for them. He spoke about their progress through the programs of “SYNYPARXIS,” the discovery of their talents, the relationships being built, and the sense of a new homeland in the souls of the children.
Then, greetings were given by the new Deputy Regional Governor of Larissa, Mrs. Maria Galiou, who expressed her admiration for the unknown but substantial work of the Church. The new Mayor of Deskati, Mr. Dimitrios Kottas, shared his experience as a police officer from the borders. Finally, the Mayor of Elassona, Mr. Nikolaos Gatsas, referred to the past stories of refugee integration in our area, expressed his admiration for the work being done, and enthusiastically agreed to the prospect of hosting and welcoming some children in our Province.
A tour of the Exhibition followed, while school visits participating in an educational program on the theme of refugees is currently underway.
From the Holy Metropolis
