A new and important chapter is beginning for SYNYPARXIS, the non-profit organization of the Church of Greece, with the opening of its new offices in Thessaloniki.
The new, multi-storey building, modern and functional, reflects the growth and expansion of SYNYPARXIS’ activities, which has been consistently and continuously serving our vulnerable fellow citizens since 1978. The new premises, which will house the administrative services, will enable the more effective implementation and support of the organization’s programs throughout Northern Greece, strengthening the ability to provide quality social services to even more people in need.
Scientists, employees, and collaborators will continue to bear witness to the ministry of the Church of Greece in the world, confirming its steady presence with meaningful and targeted work that responds to diverse human problems and concerns.
The blessing of the inauguration was performed by His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, in whose province the new offices are located.
Then, in front of the distinguished guests, His Eminence, the President, Metropolitan of Ilion, of Acharnes and Petroupolis, together with Saint Neapolis, cut the ribbon, marking the start of the festive event, which took place on the ground floor of the new facilities.
In his opening speech, His Eminence the President gave a brief overview of the 48-year history of SYNYPARXIS, emphasizing the importance of the organization’s presence in the region. He stressed that SYNYPARXIS is not limited to activities within Attica, but is expanding dynamically in Northern Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki, embracing and addressing the social issues of the region in a meaningful way, providing support to immigrants, refugees, repatriated persons, vulnerable persons, and ultimately society itself.
This was followed by a video presentation of the most important milestones in the history of SYNYPARXIS and the actions that have made it a reliable and essential partner of the State. At the same time, the organization’s significant collaborations with national and European organizations to address contemporary social challenges, such as supporting vulnerable groups, social inclusion, and promoting solidarity, were presented.
His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis then took the floor and referred to the important work carried out by the Church, noting:
“The word ‘existence’ means to exist; each of us exists, with our own face, our own life, and our own ministry. But ‘coexistence’ (synyparxis) means that I exist as part of a community. Today, with the new circumstances, it seems that our Church is listening to the course of history and the needs that arise.”
Greetings were also given by members of the Greek Parliament, the Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Thessaloniki, and local government officials.
The event concluded with a speech by the General Director of SYNYPARXIS, Venerable Archimandrite Panteleimon Papasynéfakis, who, after briefly presenting the organization’s programs, he placed particular emphasis on the actions being implemented and planned in Northern Greece, especially Thessaloniki, with the aim of supporting vulnerable groups in the region.
In closing, he expressed his warm thanks to all those who have contributed and continue to contribute greatly to the development of the SYNYPARXIS project, the State, the local government, and especially His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis, who, as he noted, with his paternal love, his constant presence, and his multifaceted assistance and intervention, has contributed both to the success and acceptance of the project by the local community.
He also expressed his gratitude to the other members of the Board of Directors, Their Eminences the Metropolitans of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalkidon, Mr. Gabriel, and Thessaliotis and Fanariofersalon, Mr. Timotheos, for their significant contribution to the work of SYNYPARXIS.
The event was honored by the presence of, among others, Member of Parliament Mr. Stratos Simopoulos, the Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Thessaloniki Mr. Ioannis Papageorgiou, the Secretary General of Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia, Mr. Ioannis Savvas, the Deputy Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Ms. Melina Demertzopoulou, representatives of the Mayors of Thessaloniki, Menemeni, and Oreokastro, the president of “ΦΑΑΘ”, Mr. G. Konstantinidis, representatives of the Ministry of Migration, and civil society organizations.
* The presentation took place in the framework of the project “COMPASS- Supplementary Support Mechanism for the National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors in Greece” with the project code 6010542 and funded by TAMEY 2021-2027.
