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The 4th Priestly Synod of the Edessa Metropolis with speaker Philotheos of Thessalonikitranslated

September 7, 2026 · 1 min read

On Monday, September 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., the 4th Priestly Assembly of the clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Edessa, Pelli and Almopia was held at the site of the Church Camps of Paikos. The speaker was the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Mr. Philotheos, who, accepting the invitation of the Pastor of the First Metropolis of Edessa, Mr. Ioel, developed the topic: "Self-knowledge as the main priestly gift".

He first emphasized that the main characteristics of the priest are the sacrament of ordination, the unity with his Bishop and the connection with his flock. However, the starting point of the priestly ministry and a necessary characteristic of the priest is self-knowledge, for which a constant struggle is needed. After all, self-knowledge is a prerequisite for the realization of the purpose of human existence, as it emerges from the Hagiographical and Patristic teaching. This leads to heterognosis, that is to know and understand the other, but also to the fullness of knowledge.

It is true that personal weaknesses and passions militate against the demands of priestly ministry. That is why the primary struggle for the pastor is the struggle for his personal purification and enlightenment, in order to...

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Дмитрий Соловьёв

It is interesting that Metropolitan Philotey put knowledge itself at the forefront. We also often say in Sunday school that without an honest look at one’s passions, no shepherd can really help. And about the connection with the bishop and the flock - that’s for sure, without this everything falls apart. Thanks for the review.

Степан Орлов

I agree, Dmitry, without an honest look at your passions, nothing really will come of it. In our Munich parish, we also often remember how Elder Paisios spoke about “know yourself so as not to harm others.” But I wonder, in your Sunday school, how exactly do you go through this with children - through examples from lives or through conversations?