Archbishop Demetrios Ignatios: "Nothing Can Replace the True Friend"translated

"Nothing can replace the true, the real friend; nothing can fill us with the joy of communication and sharing with others," stresses Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Almuryios K. Ignatios in his message for the start of the school year. Archbishop Demetrios notes that more and more people today, young and old, believe they have found a kind of digital friend who is always at their fingertips. However, he points out that "these devices can never become our friends."

At the end, with paternal concern, he informs the students: "On this wonderful journey you are starting today, know that I, as your Metropolitan and spiritual father, together with all the priests, will be by your side, always ready to support and advise you."

The full message of the Most Reverend:

My dear children,

Though the joys of summer may have ended, new joys await you within the halls of your school, which today opens its doors to you. Soon you will step into your new classrooms, meet your new teachers, and greet the old ones...