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A message of hope, of solidarity with the needy, and a new beginning, symbolising the birth of the Son of God, was sent for Christmas by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos.

The Supreme Clergyman emphasised that the Greek people know how to survive in tough times and the church will help, as much as possible, to support its fellow human beings.

The Archbishop wants the government to allow the use of church property for the benefit of the people and it will provide land to those who want to cultivate it or engage in farming.

2013 was declared the Year of Universal Solidarity by Oecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who, in his Christmas message, spoke about the economic crisis, greed, poverty and the need to support disadvantaged people.

Archbishop Ieronymos's message

"Christ is born! Glorify Him."

Christ is Come From Heaven!

Receive Him!

Brethren beloved of the Lord,

"Christ is on Earth! Be Ye Lifted Up!"

This song has been sung by our nation for centuries, even in sad and difficult periods of our history. "Christ is born", and the light which directs our steps rises again, so that we can meet hope and our expectations acquire essence, meaning and purpose.

"Christ is born" means to understand that God became a man and took the path of humility and self-sacrifice, so that mankind could find the beginning of a new life. So that everybody could find the way, right and ability to change themselves and the world around them.

The way that Christ opens up before us is the path of salvation, hope and aspirations, while at the same time it is a call to awaken our consciousness so that our life, the world and tomorrow could become better and lighter.

Our country is experiencing severe and painful moments of anxiety and uncertainty for the daily bread of the people and for tomorrow. The period we are experiencing is a period of testing faith, our Christian values, but also our lives so far.

We call on all, each according to their knowledge, skills and talents, to help save the homeland, and support our fellow human beings in need, in our neighbourhood, at work or on the street. And, firstly, let's help those who don't have a job and shelter. Those who need food and some warmth. Today, more than ever in the past, the need to further show our generosity, solidarity and voluntary support is an urgent one.

Thanks to the noble efforts of all of us, solidarity and mutual support have already started gaining flesh and blood, with impressive results, by having revived the Christian experience of the community of love. It is about time that we rediscovered the church as a community of people whose way of life is love.

"Christ is born" among us, in a world which is obviously collapsing and looking for some light, such as the Star of Bethlehem, which can show it how to make a fresh start and where to go.

The Greek people know how to survive in tough times by utilising their abilities and the country’s natural resources. They know how to utilise effectively workers' labour, scholars' wisdom and knowledge of universities and research centres, provided that they are supported in their struggle and have hopes and dreams.

And the Church knows it very well. Therefore, it has always supported, and will continue to support, both spiritually and in practice, the efforts of the people for a new beginning. It is time to remove the obstacles and may the church be allowed to use its property for the benefit of the people. Therefore, whoever wants to work on the Greek land, and thus help feed the nation, as well as the development of modern export plant and animal products, should know that the land of the church is at their disposal.

"Christ is born" and the meaning of Christmas gives us the right to ask the Greek government to turn to our fellow citizens, and, in these difficult moments, let's turn our backs on political bias which favours the minority to the detriment of the majority. This also gives us the right to ask those who have wealth to use it to support the needy. It is an urgent need for everyone to show solidarity, humanity, love and compassion. Supporting in any way the health care system, education and survival of the Greeks as a whole is also vital.

Therefore, let Christmas this year become the starting point for a new beginning and progress of the country in general and each of us individually. Let us not forget that God is with us, He was and always will be.

"Happy and Blessed Christmas."

Oecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's Message

"Economic competition is intensifying all over the world and the pursuit of quick profit is presented as a primary goal. The lamentable consequences of over-concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and economic misery of large masses of people are neglected. This imbalance, which is represented worldwide as the economic crisis, is actually a consequence of the moral crisis of people," said the Oecumenical Patriarch in his Christmas message.

"Love and peace are features of the apostles and disciples of God and every Christian. Therefore, we call on all, during this Year of Universal Solidarity, to make conscious efforts, as people and nations, in order to mitigate the inhuman consequences of the great inequalities. Also, may everyone recognise the right of the weaker to enjoy the goods that are the most essential for human life," emphasised the Oecumenical Patriarch.