Archimandrite Philip Hamargias,
Protosyngellos of the Holy Metropolis of Messinia
Protosyngellos of the Holy Metropolis of Messinia
With sorrow and great surprise I read the news:
“An appeal to block Tsiknopempti in schools sent to the Minister of Education by the Federation,” and then the justification of the Panhellenic Federation NEMESIS, which, as stated on the same website, “sent letters to the Ministry of Education asking that a ‘brake’ be put on the now-established school events with grills and souvlaki.” Continuing in the article, we see the same Federation presenting the following reasons:
1) Tsiknopempti is not a school holiday and events of mass meat consumption within school premises are irregular and unlawful, with possible legal consequences for those who organize them,
2) it violates the pedagogical role of education,
3) it creates pressure and exclusion for students with different dietary choices,
4) it conflicts with the principles of inclusion, non-violence, and animal-welfare education.
At the same time, it calls on schools, parents, and animal-welfare groups to cooperate so the day may be used educationally, without meat consumption, with discussions and activities about respect for animals and the environment.
The truth is that up to this point their proposal would be acceptable — if it were not one-sided.
Because, if their request is considered fair, they should have acted similarly when, for the last three years, the Atheists’ Union has invited people on Great Friday to a so-called “Public Dinner,” in opposition to the Mystical Supper, in order to express its disagreement with the fasting of Great Lent, especially Great Friday.
Yet we saw no reaction to this action. Why?
Certainly, I did not put these thoughts to paper to defend souvlaki and meat-eating on Tsiknopempti.
What moved my pen was the obvious movement of a “new culture” aiming at the deconstruction of the customs and traditions of a country like Greece, which has built the identity of Greeks upon Culture and Tradition.
The observance of customs and respect for them constitute fundamental pillars of the cultural identity of every society.
Customs are not merely repeated habits or rituals; they are living expressions of a people’s history, collective memory, and values.
Through them, people connect with their past, understand their present, and shape their future.
Respect for customs does not mean attachment to something outdated, but recognition of their importance as carriers of meaning, social cohesion, and solidarity.
From antiquity to the present, customs have functioned as rules regulating collective life.
Feasts, weddings, baptisms, mourning practices, local festivals, and religious ceremonies form a network of practices that give rhythm to time and structure to human relationships.
Through them communities transmit values such as solidarity, charity, hospitality, respect for elders, and the importance of family.
Participation in customs strengthens our living relationship with them, cultivates bonds of friendship and cooperation, and creates shared memory among participants — all the more when schoolchildren participate, that is, the first society within society.
We must also not overlook the important role of family and education in transmitting customs.
From a young age, children learn through imitation and participation.
Grandparents’ stories, family meals during feasts, local festivals, and school cultural programs act as bridges between generations.
When young people understand the meaning of a custom, they do not treat it as a formal obligation but as an element of their identity —
an identity tending to be altered by groups that “work” guided by discord, supposed reaction, and imitation.
Moreover, respect for customs is directly linked to respect for the human person.
When we recognize and honor the traditions of others, we show understanding and acceptance of diversity.
In multicultural societies, mutual appreciation of customs contributes to peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different groups.
Contempt for or devaluation of customs can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and social exclusion.
It is now commonly observed that citizens of different beliefs participate in each other’s customs and celebrations, promoting a society of inclusion.
The importance of customs is also highlighted especially in times of crisis.
In difficult moments, people turn to simple yet meaningful actions for comfort and stability.
Customs offer a sense of continuity and hope, reminding us that despite adversity the community endures and through collective acts people find strength and meaning to face problems.
Finally, the observance and respect of customs contribute to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Every custom that disappears leaves a void in collective memory.
Conversely, every custom preserved and transmitted enriches humanity’s cultural mosaic.
This responsibility belongs to everyone: to the State that must support cultural activities, to local communities that keep traditions alive, and to individuals who consciously choose to participate.
Customs are not merely remnants of the past but living expressions of our collective identity.
Their observance and respect strengthen cohesion, promote mutual respect, and give meaning to modern life.
Through a balanced attitude that combines tradition with development, we can ensure that customs continue to illuminate our path, connecting roots with the wings of the future.
So… do not poison our roots and do not shoot down the wings of the future.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.