Corfu Metropolis: Over €3.46 Million Dedicated to Charitable and Missionary Work in 2025
Corfu, January 30 – The Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia Islands presented its comprehensive report on charitable and missionary work for the year 2025 during a clergy-laity assembly held on Thursday evening, January 29, 2026. His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia Islands announced that the local Church expended €3,463,280.51 in supporting its extensive philanthropic, social, and missionary endeavors throughout the past year. Approximately 70 individuals are employed within the Metropolis’s various structures.
Presentation of the Report and Appointments
The assembly, which took place at the Amphitheater of the Foundation for the Chronically Ill in Corfu, saw the Metropolitan bless the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake) before addressing the priests and parish collaborators. Metropolitan Nektarios expressed his joy and emotion at their presence, especially given the difficult weather conditions. During the event, appointments were also made for the new ecclesiastical councils for the triennium 2026-2028, as well as for the ladies of the Philoptochos Funds of the parishes.
Emphasis on Accountability and Love in an Individualistic Era
Metropolitan Nektarios underscored that the clergy-laity assembly serves as an act of accountability for the local Church, a practice advocated by the late Archbishop Christodoulos. He highlighted the invaluable nature of the testimony of love in an era marked by individualism, where people are self-centered and trapped in a nihilistic perception of existence. The Church, he stated, resists this trend by offering help. He reminded attendees that “We are all the Church,” and that the testimony of love also signifies the hope of resurrection and eternity. “We offer because Christ teaches us that in the person of our least brother, we offer to Him, and He will repay us in eternity,” the Metropolitan emphasized.
Missionary Work for the New Generation and Modern Communication
The Metropolitan further stressed that the testimony of love encompasses missionary work directed at the new generation. This includes various structures such as the Nursery School, the Creative Activity Center for Children, catechetical schools, and summer camps. Additionally, the Communication and Educational Foundation, through its radio station, internet presence, publications, concerts, and support for the Metropolis’s work, demonstrates the Church’s ability to speak the language of the times and organize lasting projects that enable people to hear about Christ.
Challenges of a De-sacralized Society
Metropolitan Nektarios acknowledged the challenging context in which the Church operates, noting that society is increasingly de-sacralized. He spoke of a prevalent religious de-coloring, hostility towards faith, the mutation of values, and political and social corruption that suggests ethics no longer matter. He also referred to broader global upheavals in the past year, which have led to a feeling that “the world is not only in evil but also moving in evil, without beginning, middle, or end.” He observed that individuals often act according to their interests and passions. However, these circumstances, he concluded, necessitate that the Church stands firm on its feet, grounded in faith in Christ and the full mobilization of all, clergy and laity alike, to avoid losing hope, as “our citizenship is in heaven.”
Guidance for Collaborators and Detailed Report Highlights
Finally, Metropolitan Nektarios provided instructions to the trustees and members of the Parish Philoptochos Funds, who serve as direct collaborators for both himself and the priests. Subsequently, specific details of the report were presented, covering the Foundation for the Chronically Ill, which is currently undergoing renovation and hosts 50 residents, the Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Spyridon, the General Philoptochos Fund, hospital pastoral care, voluntary blood donation, as well as the four Social Grocery Stores and three parish soup kitchens. The detailed report has been published on the local Church’s website.
“Charity Fundraiser” Raises €40,000
Metropolitan Nektarios also extended his gratitude to all who contributed to the “Charity Fundraiser,” which successfully raised €40,000. These funds are allocated to families in need, student allowances, covering electricity and water bills, assisting the sick, and addressing other urgent needs.
Source: Corfu TV News
