Metropolitan of Philippi: Difficult times lie ahead

BY SOTIRIS LETSIOS*

The daily work of Metropolitan Stefanos of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos is important and multifaceted. Metropolitan Stefanos spoke about his pastoral ministry, his relationship with the faithful, and the stance of the Church on the challenges facing Greek society today in the following interview published in the newspaper Orthodoxi Alitheia.

Q: Soon it will mark ten years since you assumed your duties at the Holy Metropolis of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos. What assessment would you make of your ministry during this period?

A: This is a question that requires much reflection and careful thought before it can truly be answered. Yet there is one defining moment in our lives when we become fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to us and of everything taking place around us. For me, that moment was when I assumed the office of Bishop and Metropolitan of the Holy Apostolic Metropolis of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos, founded by Apostle Paul in the middle of the first century AD. Throughout these years, I feel deep gratitude to our Holy Triune God, who granted me health, strength, and worthy collaborators here in our region, so that together we…