Corfu, May 16 – The Metropolis of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia Islands successfully concluded its 2025-2026 catechetical year with an Archieratic Divine Liturgy. The service, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia Islands, was held at the Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Spyridon. Originally scheduled for Saint George’s Church in the Old Fortress, the liturgy was relocated due to adverse weather conditions.
Children and Catechists Gather for Divine Liturgy
Children and catechists from 17 parishes participated in the Divine Liturgy. The hymns were soulfully chanted by the Children’s and Youth Choir “AGIOS SPYRIDON,” under the direction of Ms. Christina Kalliari. Metropolitan Nektarios addressed the children with joy and emotion, emphasizing the crucial role of the local Church’s catechetical work.
“The catechetical work serves as a spiritual counterweight in an era where society and culture are driven by information, the internet, entertainment, and a reluctance to uphold our traditional values, faith, patriotism, and spiritual journey,” stated Metropolitan Nektarios.
The Church: A Guardian of Greek Identity
Metropolitan Nektarios highlighted the historical significance of the Church in preserving Greek identity during challenging times. He noted that the Church acted as a true school for the nation when conditions were difficult, maintaining moral values and patriotism even under foreign occupation, such as during the Ottoman and Venetian rules.
“The Church, through catechesis, preserved our ethos and patriotism when foreign conquerors, after conquering the land with weapons, sought to conquer it ideologically, politically, and religiously. The Church kept alive our unique identity, the identity of the Greek, during the years of Turkish rule and Venetian rule, when we were not free,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the contemporary challenges, suggesting that despite apparent freedom, there is a lack of spiritual liberty, leading to a “spiritual conquest.” Therefore, the Church’s catechetical ministry strives to prevent the alteration of children’s thinking, ensuring that authenticity and love for the homeland and tradition are instilled in their education. This, he believes, is essential for maintaining the culture and faith that ensure unity and cohesion.
Spiritual Joy and Hope Through Christ
The Metropolitan encouraged children and young people to live with two perspectives: that of true joy, which springs from a relationship with Christ, and that of hope, because Christ is the only one who will never betray humanity. He stressed that joy originates from the resurrected Christ, contrasting it with the disappointment and melancholy prevalent today due to people feeling that life lacks meaning and purpose.
“Joy is not found in entertainment, in clubs, in information, in drugs. The one and only God became man. He taught us the truth and entrusted it to us in His person, because He is the way and the truth and the life. Christ is our hope. He has never disappointed anyone, because He gives us the ability not to be afraid, but to move forward even in the difficulties of life,” Metropolitan Nektarios affirmed.
Acknowledgments and Future Plans
Metropolitan Nektarios extended his gratitude to Protopresbyter Georgios Bogdanos, head of the Youth Office, for his efforts, as well as to the priests, catechists, the “AGIOS SPYRIDON” choir, and its conductor, Ms. Christina Kalliari, for their contributions to the local Church’s work. He also thanked the parents and children who participated in the Divine Liturgy and encouraged everyone to continue their involvement in the life of the local Church and in the renovated camps in Kassiopi.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the “AGIOS SPYRIDON” choir presented a short artistic program. Metropolitan Nektarios noted that the celebration was dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the Corfiot first Governor of free Greece. Kapodistrias’s figure will serve as a role model for the local Church’s summer camps.
The Metropolitan blessed the children, and a rich breakfast was served. The children venerated the relic of Saint Spyridon before returning to their parishes.
Source: ekklisiaonline.gr
