Your Eminence Ioustinos, Metropolitan of this God-preserved see, Venerable Fathers, and my beloved children, I would like to begin by saying that I’m not used to speaking at such gatherings, because my abilities to do so are limited. But, out of obedience and at the invitation of my greatly respected and beloved Chief Shepherd, I’ve summoned the courage to be with you today to say a few words which will, I hope, be constructive. To be honest, when His Eminence suggested this, I was surprised and tried to back out, justifying my reluctance by saying that there’s no lack of more able speakers and preachers. But with the blessing and good wishes of my venerable Elder and Abbot, Parthenios, I accepted the invitation, ...
