A two-week summer camp for children from Ukraine is organized by the Metropolitanate of Kitros, Katerini and Platamona as part of its pastoral and charitable mission. From July 23, for fifteen days, children from the country, which has been at war for four years, were welcomed to the Metropolitanate complex in the village of Svoronos, 3 km west of the town of Katerini. The Metropolitanate states that the goal is to provide children and their mothers with moments of carefree and relaxation in a safe and hospitable environment. During their stay in Pieria, the guests visit religious and archaeological monuments, landmarks on Mount Olympus, coastal areas and places of historical and cultural importance, while also participating in recreational activities and exploring the area.
“This initiative is part of the solidarity and support activities of our church towards suffering people, especially children who have experienced traumatic events due to the war,” the organizers state. On Saturday, July 26, the children, accompanied by their mothers and the priests in charge, visited Metropolitan George of Kitros, Katerinis and Platamona, who welcomed them warmly. The children and their companions expressed their gratitude for the hospitality and support they have received during this difficult period of their lives.
Many Greek metropolitanates have been hosting children from the most war-affected areas of Ukraine during the summer months, organizing special shifts in their camps.
In July, the Ecumenical Patriarchate also hosted eighty children from Ukraine, some of whom have lost their parents or are fighting, and others are in captivity. In his address to the children and their companions, Patriarch Bartholomew said: “From the very first moment of this horrific war, I stood before the whole world and said: this is evil, this is injustice, this is diabolical. No one has the right to take children away from their parents, to break up families, to sow death and pain. War is always a defeat for humanity, it is against the will of God, Who created us for love, for peace, for joy. Therefore, I continue to say and will say until my last breath: “No to war! Yes to peace!”. Every day I pray that this tragedy will end as soon as possible, that all families will be reunited, that all children will live with their parents in peace.” In another part of his speech, he emphasized: “When I look at you, dear children, I see true little heroes. Each of you has your own special story, your own path, full of trials that no child should have to go through. Some of you have fathers and mothers who are currently fighting for the freedom of your homeland. Others are waiting for their loved ones who are in captivity. And some of you have lost your dearest people, who have become heroes and are now in heaven. Despite everything, your hearts remain strong, your souls – bright.”
Illustration: At the Metropolitanate of Kitros, Katerini and Platamona.
