Opening Ceremony of the Charity Shop

Duration: November 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (New Style)

On Sunday, November 3, 2025 (Old Style), for the fifteenth consecutive year, the opening ceremony of the Charity Shop took place, organized annually as a fundraising activity by the St. Philaret the Merciful Guild for the strengthening of its manifold philanthropic work. It was held under the protection of the Holy Patrons of our Metropolis: the Mother of God “Surety of Sinners” and the Three Holy New Hierarchs, whose Synaxis, by a blessed concurrence, was solemnly celebrated on that same day (the first Sunday of November).

Friends and supporters came to the shop in Ano Liosa (Municipality of Phyle) and were present for the service of the Small Blessing of the Waters and a special prayer for the inauguration of the Charity Shop, which was served by His Eminence, Metropolitan Cyprian of Oropos and Phyle, assisted by Archimandrite Theodosios, Abbot of the Monastery of Sts Cyprian and Justina, and Hierodeacon Father Gabriel Hagiokyprianites.

Also persent were the Reverend Fathers Konstantinos Soteriades and Soterios Gioulis; the Honorable Deputy Mayors Ms. Eleni Liakou and Mr Stauros Katsilas; and the former Mayor of the Municipality of Phyle, Mr. Demetrios Bouraimis.

Representatives of monastic communities belonging to our Metropolis, as well as other members of our Local Church, were also in prayerful attendance at this annual endeavor of our charitable Guild.

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After the Blessing of the Waters, Metropolitan Cyprian gave thanks to God, by Whose good pleasure the charity shop was or ganized once again this year.

He also thanked the Deputy Mayors Mrs. Eleni Liakou and Mr. Stavros Katsilas, as well as the former Mayor of Phyle, Mr. Dimitrios Bouraimis, for their presence and their support of the social work of our Church, and expressed the prayerful wish that this year’s effort may have a good outcome, so that our fellow human beings might be helped.

“Let us glorify God, for despite whatever difficulties we may encounter in our lives, we have what is necessary and do not experience the anxiety and distress which many people in our Homeland and throughout the world endure, on account of economic crisis, conditions of war, migration, natural disasters, and the like. Let us also offer prayer for Christians under persecution throughout the world, since the Christian Faith—regardless of confession—is the most persecuted religious community across the globe. Our Charity Shop does not have as its purpose only the purchase of certain items for the benefit of the poor, but also to awaken in us a broader sensitivity to the pain and needs of those who suffer, to show compassion, and to pray for them. We Christians bear a great responsibility: if we cannot materially assist the poor, at the very least we must include them in our daily prayer. May our journey toward the Feast of Christmas be blessed, and may we arrive at the Manger of our Lord radiant, with our hearts renewed.”

His Eminence also thanked the Board of Directors of the Guild and their helpers for the organizion of this event.

The President of the Guild, Mrs. Athena Choriatopoulos Tounta, expressed her gratitude to our Most Reverend Shepherd, the local authorities, and to all those who contributed to the realization of the Charity Shop.

The visitors then had the opportunity to browse the shop and choose from a variety of ecclesiastical and decorative items, icons, household objects, and clothing, etc., which are being sold at very affordable prices. Volunteers of the Guild offered refreshments at the entrance to the shop.

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The Board of Directors of the St. Philaret the Merciful Guild extend their heartfelt prayers that our All-Good God bestow every blessing upon all those who have offered or continue to offer various items for the Charity Shop, upon those who serve it, and upon all who will visit it, each contributing in his or her own way to the philanthropic work of our Holy Metropolis.

God willing, the Charity Shop will remain open until January 31, 2026 (New Style), during the usual store hours.