Written by Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden
Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden was entrusted by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Joining him in this task were His Grace Bishop Emmanuel of Christoupolis and Mr. George Pilihos, author of the study “Auschwitz: Greeks – Number of Those Condemned to Die.”
The ceremony, held on January 27, 2025, was attended by 50 Holocaust survivors and Polish President Andrzej Duda, who laid wreaths at the “Wall of Death” in memory of the victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Among the victims were over 66,000 Greeks and a total of six million Jewish individuals who perished in the Holocaust.
The event, which lasted over two hours, was attended by 54 international delegations, including kings, heads of state, and religious leaders. The camp, initially established in 1940 in occupied Poland, was liberated on January 27, 1945, by the Red Army, revealing the horrors of the “Final Solution.”
Metropolitan Cleopas highlighted the importance of remembering the Holocaust and the dangers of rising extremism, echoing the sentiments of survivors and museum officials. He also referenced the courageous actions of spiritual leaders during the Holocaust, emphasizing the need to resist hatred and intolerance.
Reflecting on his visit to Auschwitz on the anniversary of its liberation, Metropolitan Cleopas emphasized the importance of historical memory and learning from the past to prevent similar atrocities in the future. He also mentioned Elie Wiesel’s book “Night” as a powerful account of the Holocaust’s legacy and the need for remembrance.
The agonizing struggle of a boy before his death, amid the already deceased adults, prompted a prisoner to question the whereabouts of God. The response he received was profound, indicating that God was present even in the darkest moments. This dilemma brings forth the age-old question of theodicy – the reconciliation of evil in the world with the justice and mercy of God.
Various biblical figures like Jeremiah, David, and Job grappled with the concept of theodicy, showcasing faith in the face of adversity. The Apostle Paul also shared his experiences of persecution and hardship, emphasizing the strength found in weakness through faith.
The ultimate example of theodicy is seen in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating divine love and humility. The cries of those who suffered in atrocities like Auschwitz echo the questioning of God’s existence amidst immense suffering.
The death of God is a paradoxical concept, embodied in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Through this sacrifice, God shares in the suffering of humanity, offering hope and companionship in times of trial.
In a speech to the Council of Europe, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the importance of solidarity and peace among diverse cultures and religions. The message of creating a better world for future generations resonates with the need to remember past atrocities like Auschwitz, transforming suffering into unity and compassion.
The call to remember and learn from history, to embrace diversity and love as the foundation of humanity, serves as a guiding principle towards a more compassionate and responsible world. Let us embrace our shared likeness to God and strive for a more peaceful and understanding existence.
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