Marist mission marked by ecumenism

On Saturday, Jan. 28, a Mass was celebrated in the Orthodox church of Saint Denis in Athens, in which the brothers of the two Greek communities took part, all members of the educational, administrative and technical staff as well as the retired teachers of the two schools and the Marist social works of Greece.

In an ecumenical context, the participants, both Catholic and Orthodox, prayed for the intercession of Saint Marcellin Champagnat and thanked him and the first Brothers for the service provided to children and young people, as well as for the charism linked to the brothers and lay people who continue their mission throughout the world.

The President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, was present at the Eucharist, presided by the Orthodox bishop, Bishop Theodoritos Polyzogopoulos of Nazianzos, in recognition of the education and social work that the Marists have offered since arriving to the country and that they continue to offer. 

In addition to the honor of receiving the Head of State, the Marists had the joy of the participation of the Provincial of L'Hermitage, Brother Pere Ferré. During the reception, Br Pere thanked all the Marist Brothers of Greece for their commitment to the mission. Bishop Théodorète congratulated the brothers and lay Marists of Greece for what they do every day, educating children and young people and for their witnessing of respect to all Christian churches and all men, independent of their race or religion.