Greek Orthodox Church Council Bans Politicians from Religious Ceremonies
The Council of the Greek Orthodox Church has banned the attendance of political and state officials from religious ceremonies, including services on the special Sunday of Orthodox Christianity.
According to RENNA, the Council of the Greek Orthodox Church, in protest against the passage of a same-sex marriage law, has banned the presence of political and state officials from religious ceremonies, including the special Sunday service of Orthodox Christianity.
In recent months, Pope Francis had announced his approval of same-sex marriage, blessing such unions, and conducting their marriage ceremonies in the church, which triggered widespread reactions. Now, following a decision made by the Council of the Greek Orthodox Church, headed by Archbishop “Hieronymos II” of Greece, has resulted in the banning of political figures from attending church and participating in religious ceremonies. This issue reflects the disagreement between the church and the government on social matters, including same-sex marriage.
Hieronymos II provided clarifications on this decision, stating: “The church is a place for loving all people, but it will not accept changing the structure of the family and divine tradition. Children who are adopted by same-sex couples will be baptized, because they have no role in choosing their godparents.” Hieronymos does not recognize same-sex marriage and considers it contrary to divine tradition.
The Office of the President of Greece also issued a statement in response to the mentioned ban, stating: “The doors of the Presidency will always remain open for members of the Council of the Greek Orthodox Church and clergy. We respect the Council’s decision not to accept the invitation from the Presidency.”
The Greek government intends to maintain relations with the Greek Orthodox Church, but the Council of the Greek Orthodox Church had previously informed authorities that this year’s Orthodox Sunday service will be held at “Asmaton” in the Petraki temple instead of the “Metropolis” of Athens, and due to space limitations, will not be able to accommodate political figures and the president.
In 2013, the Greek government also sought to legalize same-sex marriage, but the Greek Orthodox Church opposed this plan and showed resistance. Ultimately, the plan was repealed due to widespread public opposition.
Additionally, two parliamentary representatives from the left-wing “Syriza” party were excommunicated by the Metropolis of the island of “Corfu” for voting in favor of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage. This ban faced severe criticism from these two representatives and other political figures.
According to analyses conducted by RENNA, the resulting tensions could lead in the long term to harm the ruling party and future elections, as well as increased division between traditional and modern society in Greece; because this ban reveals the deep disagreement between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek government on social issues.
