Speech by Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis for the start of the catechetical season 2026-27translated

On the afternoon of Sporeos Sunday, October 11, 2026, in the hall of the Spiritual Center of our Diocese, the Sanctification of the new catechetical season took place and the beginning of the established sermons in the Diocese of Alexandroupolis, which will be held on the basis of a relevant program on Sundays in the Spiritual Center, the Christian Home and the Youth Center in our city. Immediately after the Consecration, the first, opening speech was given by the Most Reverend Metropolitan Mr. Anthimos, on the topic: "The misunderstood words of the Gospel that misinterpret the face of God".

Developing the matter, Metropolitan Mr. Anthimos, referred to passages and events of both the Old and the New Testament, which have been misunderstood, have a wrong interpretation or a different image has prevailed than the one that is actually described, resulting in a misinterpretation of the face of God himself. In this way we have come to the point where God's attitude is interpreted in many cases as a "punishing God", which is in no way true of our God, who is merciful to the last moment. He is firm in his judgment, which is based on ours…