New Year's pie cutting ceremony at the Agricultural University of Athens with the presence of Bishop Theologos of Talantion & farmers’ representative Panagiotis Kalogiannis

In the presence of His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantion and Mr. Panagiotis Kalogiannis, agronomist and farmer from Chalki, Larissa, and active member of the farmers’ coordinating committee, the New Year’s pie cutting ceremony of the Agricultural University of Athens was held in the Ceremonial Hall.

The Rector, Spyridon Kintzios, welcomed His Grace, emphasizing that his presence honors the university community in a milestone year for AUA. As he noted, “Soon, within the current period, we will formally pursue the institutional transformation of the Foundation into a National Agricultural University—an initiative we decided upon some time ago, in the presence of the leadership of the Church, an institution that has historically been linked with the course of the Greek nation and, allow me, Your Eminence, that possesses the expertise to institutionally support all public bodies.”

His Grace Theologos expressed his joy at being present at the Agricultural University, conveying the blessings of His Beatitude Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos II, to the entire academic community, across all departments in Athens and the regions. He congratulated the faculty, staff, and students of AUA for their significant work.

He also referred to the pivotal work of Saint Philothei of Athens, who used her considerable fortune to purchase slaves and, through training them in agricultural work, offered them a remarkable second chance and hope for a dignified life. “Those who benefited were Christians, Muslims, Jews—anyone who came to Athens to be sold. That reference point, the then center of lifelong learning established by Saint Philothei, is for us a beautiful example of what you accomplish and strive to offer,” His Grace stated.

He made special mention of the importance of supporting primary agricultural and livestock production, greeting Mr. Kalogiannis as farmers’ representative and praising the consistently supportive role of the Agricultural University.

In closing, he referred to the highly significant primary production of monasteries throughout the country—particularly in beekeeping, livestock farming, and herb cultivation—expressing the need to support this activity to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of this long-standing tradition.

Welcoming Mr. Panagiotis Kalogiannis, Rector Kintzios placed special emphasis on the connection between the Agricultural University of Athens and the farmers’ struggle, as well as its decisive support, stating:

“Today’s dialogue between the University and the farmers demonstrates its role in the national dimension of cooperation between the primary producer and the consumer, and with all those who strive to safeguard the country’s food security. It is our duty—and our role—to stand beside those who toil daily and whose very existence depends both on the economic crisis and on agreements being concluded, as well as on the State’s neglect. We will strive to reverse this. We hope—and we are committed—to this purpose.”

“We begin this year with optimism, and I am certain we will succeed,” the Rector concluded, wishing all members of the AUA academic community health and, above all, optimism.

The Rectorate authorities presented His Grace Theologos with a bronze olive wreath—symbol of peace, prosperity, fertility, and abundance—designed by Angelos Panagiotidis and produced by the Museum of Cycladic Art. The cake-cutting ceremony followed.

Ms. Gogo Protekdikou, Deputy Head of Department B’ (Organization & Documentation), Directorate of Administrative Services, won the coin and the gift, which was an edition of the Benaki Museum: a porcelain plate featuring artwork by Yiannis Tsarouchis.