The inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission on the social issue of human trafficking, established between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece, took place on 13 May 2024 in Constantinople. The gathering was hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Patriarchal Residence’s Chamber of the Hierarchs, with the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Acharnes, and Petroupolis, representing the Church of Greece, served as co-chairmen for the meeting.
Key representatives from the Ecumenical Patriarchate included Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira, Rev. Patriarchal Deacon Hieronymos Sotirelis, Dr. Petre Breazu, and Ms. Katerina Pekridou. The Church of Greece was represented by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Rev. Archimandrite Spyridon Katramados, Rev. Deacon Nikodemos Malamatenios, and Mr. Dimitrios Anyfantakis.
The Joint Commission’s discussions centered on the importance of clergy training to identify victims of human trafficking and raise awareness in society about the prevalence of slavery. Emphasis was placed on recognizing various forms of trafficking beyond sex trafficking, including labor exploitation, organ trafficking, child abduction, and domestic servitude. The Commission proposed organizing educational seminars and conferences across different regions to combat human trafficking effectively.
To engage the Church’s faithful on this issue, the Commission suggested creating a toolkit and conducting seminars during Great Lent 2025. The sessions would incorporate theological and biblical perspectives to address contemporary slavery cases. Additionally, plans were made to hold conferences where trafficking victims could share their experiences and collaborate with influential figures to amplify the Church’s message against human trafficking.
The theological discussions of the Commission focused on viewing slavery as a consequence of sin and finding liberation through Christ’s Resurrection.
The session concluded with a closing prayer led by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion.
