Abp. Ieronymos Blesses Opening of New Greek Parliamentary Session

ATHENS, GREECE — Abp. Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over a traditional blessing ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament marking the opening of the Fourth Session of the current parliamentary term.

Members of the Standing Holy Synod of the Church of Greece joined the Archbishop for the service, which was attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, government ministers, political party leaders and members of Parliament. Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis had earlier announced the Presidential Decree concluding the previous session.

Addressing lawmakers, Abp. Ieronymos conveyed the wishes of the Holy Synod and the Church of Greece for health, strength, unity, and patience in facing difficulties. “We would like to wish each and every one of you, first of all, health and strength, and I would add something that we all need: a great deal of patience,” he said.

The Archbishop also stressed the need for cooperation when confronting common challenges: “Patience in dealing with problems and difficulties, including the difficulties we face in understanding one another and confronting our problems together,” he said.

He extended his wishes to Parliament’s leadership and lawmakers, particularly those with greater responsibilities. “To all of you, we wholeheartedly wish strength, above all unity, courage and patience. May this be a good year for everyone, from the President to every member of Parliament, so that we may achieve better results,” Abp. Ieronymos concluded.

Following the blessing, Parliament held the first plenary sitting of the new session.

Previously, the UOJ reported that that Abp. Ieronymos reflected on 18 years leading the Church of Greece.