My firm belief, which I have often repeated in recent decades, is that: the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church," to which we belong, does not live exclusively for itself. Whatever it is, whatever it possesses, whatever it offers, is intended for the entire humanity, for the upliftment and renewal of the world. Therefore, it must be vigilant, watchful, observing the course and evolution of the universe, studying the signs of the times. So that it is able to bear witness to the Gospel and share with all people the gifts of God: truth, love, peace, justice, reconciliation, the experience of the Cross and the Resurrection with the expectation of eternity.

In this perspective, the Orthodox conscience cannot remain indifferent to the social becoming, to spiritual fermentations that affect the human race. Those who hold responsible positions in the Church, as well as its conscious members in general, are called to be vigilant. Christ's exhortation "watch" (Matt. 26:38-41; Mark 13:35-37) is highly relevant. They must participate in the investigation of contemporary conditions and, with a critical, comforting, guiding word, contribute to the proper handling of emerging problems. Vigilance is a duty of the Orthodox.

The texts included in this collection aim to express an Orthodox view on critical contemporary issues. These are presentations and speeches at Assemblies, Pan-Orthodox, inter-Christian, interfaith Conferences, held in various cities (Belgrade, Bucharest, Porto Alegre Brazil, Athens, Lyon, Kolymbari Crete, Tirana). The topics addressed are of general interest, such as: Orthodoxy in the third millennium; Relations of Orthodoxy with the positive sciences; Orthodox Unity and Mission; Orthodox contribution to global issues; Contribution of Christianity to European culture; Balkan coexistence; Search for basic life values; Transformation of the world; Multireligious Europe and Orthodoxy; Dare to hope; Economic crisis; Persecution and martyrdom of Christians; World peace. Also published are texts on the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Churches and as an Epilogue its official Message - a timely symbol of Orthodox vigilance.