During the enthronement of Metropolitan Symeon of Fthiotida at the Metropolis Cathedral of the Annunciation in Lamia, he expressed his willingness to serve in the Metropolis of Fthiotida.
In particular, Metropolitan Symeon said, “I’m not willing to enter your lives as a symbolic part of the existing balance of powers that will remain idle. I will come here for the sake of the poor, the weak, the unhappy, and the outcasts of this world. I welcome everybody from the bottom of my heart despite their origins, provided that they will be abiding by the canonical rules of our Church.”
The new Metropolitan added that he would not speak of his future plans nor would he present the objectives of his future pastoral work. He was content to simply address his flock and express his love; “Open your hearts, my dear children. I address all of you. I do not follow my head today but my heart and therefore I will not talk about my romantic aspirations. From the depths of my heart, I welcome you all here. That is all of those who are present or absent today.”
The new Metropolitan of Fthiotida also expressed his gratitude to God, “I thank God who entrusted me with the task of being the shepherd of an industrious, willing, and honest people, who respect the traditions, who continue to make good progress, who are civilised, who love their homeland, and who are hospitable and open-minded.”
Finally, the Metropolitan of Fthiotida referred to the Archbishop of Athens, “I humbly ask for the blessing of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece, who is the most significant role model of good archpriesthood and pastoral service.”
