Official Opening of the “Archbishop Ieronymos II” Historical Archive in Oinofyta, Boeotia
On Monday afternoon, coinciding with his name day, His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece inaugurated the “Archbishop Ieronymos II” Historical Archive in his birthplace, Oinofyta.
The event was opened by Dr Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, Director of the Library of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, who welcomed the distinguished guests and presented the content and significance of the Historical Archive for the Archbishop’s hometown and for Greece as a whole.
Mr Athanasios Martinos, Archon Exarch of the Great Church of Christ, then addressed the gathering. He emphasised that in this project, as in many others, he sees the person of the Archbishop himself and is inspired by his vision for the Church and the Nation. He expressed his gratitude to his associates for completing, within a short period of time, a state-of-the-art facility distinguished by both its functionality and aesthetic excellence.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr Nikolaos Papaioannou, speaking on behalf of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, described the Archive as a centre of spiritual radiance and symbolism that reflects the spirit, character and life journey of the Archbishop himself, a spirit of reconciliation, cohesion and social service. He further stressed that the Ministry’s goal is to maintain a relationship between Church and State founded upon meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation.
Archbishop Ieronymos then addressed the gathering with visible emotion, taking those present on a journey through the history of the region and, in particular, of the very site on which the Historical Archive now stands. He recalled memories from his childhood, his neighbourhood and the place where he was born and raised, reflecting on its transformation over the years. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Athanasios and Mrs Marina Martinos for their unwavering support of worthy initiatives, and also thanked all those who worked tirelessly to establish and staff the Archive.
Following the speeches, guests toured the Archive and its facilities under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantion, Director of the Foundation for Pastoral Training, who presented the physical, photographic and digital collections housed therein. The Foundation contributed its entire photographic and digital archive to the institution. In addition, the Archive contains Archbishop Ieronymos’ personal records from his service as Metropolitan of Thebes and Livadeia and later as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, as well as part of his personal library.
The Archive serves as an important source of historical and ecclesiastical documentation, highlighting the life, ministry and contribution of the Archbishop to the Church, society and culture of Greece. It is envisioned as a new spiritual and cultural centre preserving valuable records of the Primate’s ministry and offering a place of memory, learning and inspiration.
Its establishment aims not only to safeguard significant historical materials but also to promote the values of education, service and dedication to humanity. It operates in close cooperation with the Archbishop Ieronymos II Library and the Centre for Ecclesiastical Ministry, forming together a vibrant hub of knowledge and culture.
The modern institution was generously funded by Athanasios and Marina Martinos, whose philanthropy made possible both the construction and equipping of the building.
Among those attending the inauguration were numerous hierarchs of the Church of Greece and other Orthodox Churches, academics and university professors, members of parliament, representatives of the Region of Central Greece, mayors, directors of services of the Holy Synod and the Archdiocese of Athens, representatives of various organisations, and a large number of faithful.
Guests also toured the Centre for Ecclesiastical Ministry and the Archbishop Ieronymos II Library, experiencing what has become a unique trilogy of culture, education and spirituality for the region.
Following the event, Archbishop Ieronymos responded to journalists’ questions regarding proposed legislation concerning the remuneration of the Archbishop, Metropolitans, Titular Metropolitans and Auxiliary Bishops. Expressing surprise at what he described as the “distortion of the whole matter,” he stated that “what the State has received from the Church is incomparably greater than what is being discussed,” adding that the dimensions given to the issue “do not correspond to the truth.”
For his part, Deputy Minister Nikolaos Papaioannou stressed that “one must first look at the real picture and the actual situation and stop creating impressions without reason.” He added: “Let us recognise the work carried out by the hierarchs of our Orthodox Church and focus on the essence, namely that, as shepherds, they help all of us work towards a better tomorrow and a better world.”
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