Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew highlights the sacred role of Justice at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kilkis Courthouse
His Beatitude Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew underscored the sacred responsibility of upholding the rule of law and human rights during the sanctification ceremony for the new courthouse in Kilkis on Monday, 23 September 2024.
Greek Minister of Justice Mr. Giorgos Floridis, Mayor of Kilkis Mr. Dimitrios Kyriakidis, His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros, and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyana and Kilkis were also present during the ceremony.
In his remarks, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasised that the judiciary, protected by institutional independence, is primarily tasked with safeguarding justice and human rights. He stressed, “No concept of justice can be understood if it is not dictated by love for our fellow man.”
Drawing from classical philosophy, the Patriarch cited Plato’s view of justice as a harmony between wisdom, bravery, and prudence, underscoring the unity of these virtues in maintaining justice. He explained, “This demonstrates the sanctity of justice, which ensures that virtues function in unison, not in isolation.”
His All-Holiness further noted the biblical significance of justice, pointing out that in the New Testament, justice often represents all virtues, encompassing man’s duties to both God and fellow humans. He stressed that justice is not merely a matter of legal texts but is brought to life through the actions of those who serve in the judiciary.
Quoting Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, the Patriarch acknowledged that while human justice is fallible, it must always strive toward truth and morality. “Justice,” he stated, “as it springs from the essence of God, demands conscience and ethical responsibility from its practitioners.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew concluded by highlighting the importance of maintaining the judiciary’s independence and prestige through both symbolic and structural integrity, asserting that the physical space for administering justice should inspire, respect and ensure the proper functioning of the rule of law.
The Patriarch’s visit to Kilkis concluded with a departure to Lefkochori, Thessaloniki.
Source: ANA-MPA
