The Spirit of the Effort
By common confession, we Greeks are going through an unprecedented crisis with unpredictable consequences for the future. Our pain is great to see our people, endowed with so many gifts from God, having lost their way; and our young people, without values and ideals, faltering in the darkness of their passions and ultimately being destroyed. “They perished because of iniquity,” as the prophet says, and it is natural, because sin according to the spiritual law brings destruction.
Unfortunately, in this situation, apart from our consolation and our fervent prayer, we are unable to offer anything more. Despite this, in the midst of the widespread crisis, one can easily see that there is repentance and that there are many worthy people with spiritual life, with abilities, with influential positions and a willingness to help for the greater good, who want to help, but do not know what to do.
Because this thought has occupied us for years, we discussed it and held some meetings with clergy and laity. We thought that if it were possible for those who believe in the values and love our Church and Nation to cooperate, it would be possible, with God, for our general mentality and course to change. Everyone is looking for this united effort, but how will it become a reality?
Our effort is twofold:
First, to study and promote our values through every medium (radio, television, publications, internet, events), giving hope, ideals and vision to modern Greeks through education and proper information with the family and youth as the central goal.
The second is unity and cooperation with other similar associations, foundations, clubs, radio and television stations, magazines and newspapers.
This effort of ours is made by the people themselves and is legal, democratic and spiritual and must remain so forever. It is supported and established by monks and clergy and stays away from politics. Political parties divide the people. The Association aims at the desired unity, which God also wants, since he “called us all to unity”.
This is the special characteristic of the Association. It will serve the unity of the Orthodox Greeks and will promote and help every good effort. We will rely more on the collective effort, which is more certain, than on a person with abilities. Let the work of the Association, the united effort, and not the persons who administer it, be seen more, so that it remains far from ambitions and selfishness. Another major difficulty, as was evident in previous meetings and almost thwarted our efforts, is cooperation among ourselves. In order to avoid useless discussions and disputes over unimportant issues, it is essential that everyone respects the opinion of others. We do not want to impose our opinion, however correct we may consider it. We certainly seek the opinion of all members. Many see things better and more comprehensively. Please simply state your opinion and it will be evaluated by the Board of Directors.
We are touched by the fact that you are sacrificing your personal and family obligations to engage in the greater good. We thank you for your willing participation in this effort and wish you good success. May God, who sees the pain, sincerity and anxiety of all of us, guide us to do His will and may whatever happens be for the good of our Nation and His glory. Amen.