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Ecumenical Patriarch: "Technology has value when it serves man" - Message for the opening of the 90th TIFtranslated

September 6, 2026 · 1 min read

"The rapid development of technology in our time undoubtedly offers enormous potential for the improvement of human life. Its value, however, is not judged only by the speed of developments, nor by the economic efficiency of its applications, but primarily by whether it serves man, promotes peace and justice and respects the integrity of creation".

The above is emphasized, among others, by His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr. Bartholomeus, in his Message for the opening of the 90th Thessaloniki International Exhibition. The Patriarchal Message was read on Saturday, September 5, by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Mr. Philotheo, during the consecration of the opening of the Exhibition, which was held in the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and many state and local government officials.

In detail, the Ecumenical Patriarch states in his Message:

"We therefore send the present Patriarchal greeting at the beginning of the 90th International Exhibition of Thessaloniki, which this year takes on a special anniversary character, as it marks the centenary of the first...

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💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Show original

Ксения Соловьёва

Technology can truly both help and harm. The main thing is that it serves man, and not vice versa, as the Patriarch said. In our hospital, new devices have made life a lot easier, but when everything is only on screens and without a soul, it’s of little use.

Юлія Гончар

Yes, Ksenia, I agree. Our school also bought new tablets for lessons, the children became more interested in drawing and reading, but when the teacher only looks at the screen and not at the children, it is of little use. The main thing is that the technology really serves people, as the Patriarch said.

Javier López

Technology helps a lot, that's true. In the office where I work as an accountant, the new programs save us hours with invoices and balance sheets. But as Patriarch Bartholomew says, the important thing is that it serves human beings and not the other way around; Sometimes I miss dealing with customers face to face instead of just on screen.

Alejandro Romero

Yes, Javier, I agree with you. When I was young in Seville I also missed the personal treatment when everything started to be done by phone. Now I see the same thing with my grandchildren: they use apps for everything, but nothing replaces a chat in the park while we take care of the plants. Do you think that in your office you could combine the two things again?