Greek Orthodox metropolitan proposes eight measures to tackle loneliness through parish communities

The hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece discussed loneliness in contemporary society and its pastoral implications last week, with eight measures proposed to help address social isolation through communities of faith.

Metropolitan Dorotheos of Syros, Tinos, Andros, Kea, Milos, Delos and Mykonos presented a paper entitled The Pastoral Care of Loneliness and Psychological Exhaustion in Contemporary Society .

The first section explored the theological and patristic foundations of pastoral care for people experiencing loneliness.

The metropolitan emphasised that such ministry involves more than offering advice. It also requires restoring relationships, reintegrating people into a community of love and revealing the truth that no one is saved alone.

In the second section, entitled Loneliness and Psychological Exhaustion: A Contemporary Social and Pastoral Problem , the hierarch observed that loneliness affects every level of society and every age group, including families whose members often live together without experiencing genuine communion.

Eight proposals for overcoming loneliness To address the wounds caused by loneliness in contemporary society…