Saint Gregory Kallides: the shepherd of sacrificial love and living hopetranslated

July 25 – Commemoration of Saint Gregory Kallides, Archbishop of Heraklion and Raidestos

Of the chief Makariou Tsimeris

Our Church honors the memory of Saint Gregory Kallides, one of the brightest Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in recent times. His life was a testimony of faith, humility and sacrificial love. As a shepherd, he did not seek human glory, but devoted himself entirely to the ministry of his flock, putting into practice the word of the Lord:

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his soul for the sheep." (John 10,11)

Saint Gregory was indeed a "good shepherd". His philanthropy, concern for education, support of the poor, orphans and refugees, but also the spiritual guidance of the people of Thrace and later of Thessaloniki, are a practical application of the apostolic order:

"Take heed... they are shepherding the Church of God, which he prepared with his own blood." (Acts 20,28)

The Church always perceives the high priesthood as a ministry and not as an authority. Christ Himself taught:

"But let the elder among you be like the younger, and the abbot like the deacon." (Luke...