Education, Freedom and Youth According to the Three Hierarchs

 By Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople

From the Great Fathers we are taught how demanding the work of education, both Classical and Christian, is for the teacher and the student. This is particularly relevant today, when pervasive pedagogical humanism regards educational intervention, guidance and discipline as the abolition of freedom and an obstacle to the happiness of children. The words self-realization, autonomy, self, individual rights, success, satisfaction of needs and the like dominate, while responsibility, offering, duty, the common good and solidarity are absent.

Eight Year Old Myrto And Her Wise Teacher

I remember Myrto, a charming little girl. She developed acute leukemia. With unparalleled silence and patience she braved the most aggressive treatments given to her, with a sweet expression constantly lighting up her pale little face.

The more she patiently endured, the more her parents broke down, and together with their hopes they gradually lost the last traces of their faith. They were not particularly religious to begin with, but some small seed was in them.