To the Holy Clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Attica

Fellow brethren and children in Christ, the nation wide dissemination of information regarding current affairs on ideological and cosmo-theory orientation is indubitably one of the most, if not the most, significant areas of our social existence. The well known means of communication at our disposal (mass media) printed or electronic, influence and moved public opinion, unfortunately not always objectively and nutrally, because usually they are controlled and directed by a complex web of self interests, which are not only motivated by material gain and as a result they have lost to a great extend their credibility. Instead of informing they create confusion rather than enlightening, they cultivate suspicion and doubt towards everything and everyone.

The stance of the mass media and especially that of television towards the church, apart from a few outstanding exceptions, is characterized by a proness to scandal-mongering, slander and miss-information, skillfully and systematically implemented through the strategy of half truth. The unavoidable harm caused by the latter for the institution of the church, is generalized, magnified, reproduced and projected in every way, whereas all laudable matters are minimized and stifled. All that Sacred and Holly is sacrificed on the altar of profit and increased viewership.

A tragic and dangerous result of these tactics is the shaking of the trustworthy image of the clergy, in the consciousness of a large portion of our people and especially that of the youth, thereby erecting impenetrable walls between God and human beings, destroying the bridges of communication between the church and modern society, which views with suspicion and doubt whatever pertains to the institution of the church, exactly at a time when it's metaphysical needs and internal conflicts have reached a peak, and the only answer to it's existential anguish lies in the sanctuary of the church. The above distressing verifications obligate the church to acquire it's own autonomous and self-sufficient voice in the world of information dissemination in order to preach eternal and invincible truths to project it's immense spiritual social and missionary work, and to defend itself effectively against its enemies. In order for this goal of autonomy to materialize printed material and church radio stations are not sufficient. It is of vital importance to the church to penetrate the area of television which comprises the most significant means of information spreading and influencing people due to the combination of visual and aural aids. For this reason our Metropolis took the initiative of establishing an orthodox television station, which will function according to the provisions of the relevant law, and will be controlled by an anonymous company with the title, missionary and educational anonymous company "O PATROKOSMAS".

Experimental programs have already started (channel 48 UHF), and it is expected that the specific frequencies and permit will be provided for the realization of this big project. This television station will comprise a broadness and variety of topics which will cover the interests of the serious minded viewer who requires from television information, education, entertainment and an answer to their spiritual queries. We acknowledge that this project is vast, the difficulties many and weight hard to bear. But we believe in the might of God and in the material help and moral support of God's believers, so that the endeavor will succeed and bear fruit.

To day with the celebration of the Pentecost and blessing of the people's souls by the Holy Spirit, as well as the start of the Church's missionary work, a collection tray will be circulated in all the churches under the jurisdiction of our Metropolis in aid of the television station.

I appeal to you to kindly support generously and with enthusiasm, the establishment of this project with the certainty that your contribution whether it be great or small will kindle the flames of a new Pentecost in these afflicted and crisis-ridden times. For those who wish to support in other ways our television station, there is the possibility of buying shares in the missionary and educational anonymous company "O PATROKOSMAS" , as well as depositing a donation in the company's bank account (Bank Account No 34/60816/60, ERGO BANK). You can obtain information about these ways of supporting the television station from your parish priest or from the Holy Metropolis. With the assuredness that this paternal request and appeal will meet with an appreciative response, I thank you from the depth of my heart and I invoke the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit for all of you.

 

The Metropolitan of Attica Panteleymon