Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece issued a call for unity within the church and among politicians, during the opening session on Tuesday of the Holy Synod at Petraki Monastery in Athens.

Addressing to 75 archbishops, he first thanked them for their efforts to help Greek people overcome the difficult times during the crisis and stressed the need for political unity.

He clarified that church’s role is not a political one and should not get involved in political clashes. However, he stressed that “It cannot however ignore political events, shutting its eyes before social problems. On the contrary, its mission is to be witness in action against political authorities when these act at the expense of the people and in its absence,”.

The archbishop added that “as in the past church conflicts contributed to subsequent national catastrophes. Allow me to express the opinion that at this critical junction the country cannot tolerate further imbalances. It has a need for political stability, at least for the coming years.”

He also warned that “Without our politicians’ unity and stability of deputy institutions, there is a danger of having the sacrifices of the Greek people go to waste,”.