“Apostoli” the charitable foundation of the Archdiocese of Athens and the Chatzigakis Foundation, join forces for the environment and society. The new initiative unites the long-standing humanitarian action of “Apostoli” with the educational, environmental, and cultural work of the Chatzigakis Foundation. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and the President of the Chatzigakis Cultural Foundation, Dr. Stelios M. Chatzigiakis, signed the cooperation agreement.

The two institutions agreed to collaborate on programs and initiatives in the axes of education (education of the new generation with special emphasis on remote and inaccessible areas), environment and climate resilience, social contribution, and solidarity. By using their know-how, experience, and capabilities, they aim to take actions that have a substantial social impact.

In addition, “Apostoli”, beyond its humanitarian action, places the environment at the core of its new initiatives, together with the Chatzigakis Foundation”, which is already implementing the “Education and Environment” program in 2022. The program of experiential environmental education is being implemented in the outlying islands of the South and North Aegean as well as in the prefecture of Evros – and will now be extended to more areas, including inaccessible mountainous and remote areas.

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens said: “One of the biggest problems of our weather is climate change. Protecting the environment is not just a slogan and word, but an obligation and action. It is the essential response to God’s call for harmonious coexistence with Him. Our Church, with its “Mission” as a vehicle, is called to act as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Through this new synergy with the Chatzigakis Foundation, we are giving impetus to environmental actions and educational initiatives that combine spiritual empowerment with practical social assistance.”

Stelios Chatzigakis stressed: “It is a great honour and pleasure for us at the Chatzigakis Foundation to have this collaboration as we firmly believe that it will be a milestone for many interesting projects aiming at solidarity, equal opportunities, and social cohesion. In a rapidly changing world, together we are creating a fertile ground to bring about targeted and substantial changes in our country for the new generation and for the people who need it”.

Constantine Dimtsas, Director General of Mission, added: “Our goal is to create actions that meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups, promoting innovative programs in the field of education and the environment, empowering the young generation. Our partnership brings together cultural poles and social and environmental empowerment actions, contributing to the development of local communities. Combining the resources and valuable experience of the two institutions creates the foundation for a new model of cooperation that will strengthen social and environmental work across the country.” Photo shows Archbishop Ieronymos, St. Chatzigakis, and K. Dimtsas at the signing of the cooperation agreement