Greek Church Denounces Same-Sex Marriage Bill, Vows Unified Response

 

OCP News Service – 25/01/2024

Athens- Greece: The Holy Synod of the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece convened in an extraordinary session on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, to address the proposed new law legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption in the country. The highly anticipated meeting, presided over by His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, drew widespread attention due to the Church’s significant influence and the sensitive nature of the topic.

The session began with a divine liturgy at the Holy Monastery of the Incorporeal Petrakis, followed by a formal gathering in the Conference Hall of the Holy Synod. After confirming quorum, Archbishop Ieronymos delivered a brief opening address outlining the purpose of the extraordinary session. He emphasized the new legislation’s potential impact on Greek society, highlighting concerns about altering social cohesion, introducing “new forms of family,” and normalizing same-sex relationships. He further expressed concern about potential challenges to the “sacred and great mystery of marriage,” traditional parent roles, and established family law.

Appreciating the public theological stances of various Metropolitans, Ieronymos declared the need for a unified response from the Holy Synod. He expressed his desire to maintain the body’s unity and offered prayers for guidance in making difficult decisions.

Following the Archbishop’s opening remarks, Metropolitan Seraphim of Karystos and Skyros, acting as Vice President of the Hierarchy, raised an objection on behalf of several Hierarchs. The session then proceeded with Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki presenting a comprehensive introductory analysis titled “Church and the establishment of marriage between persons of the same sex.” This presentation explored various aspects of the issue, including:

• The current social and legal landscape in Greece.
• The Church’s right and obligation to address the matter.
• The biological and theological foundations of marriage.
• Potential consequences of the proposed law.
• Legal and ethical considerations.
• Concluding thoughts and comments on the government’s actions.

After a break, a thorough discussion ensued among the participating Hierarchs, with many sharing their perspectives and contributing to the formulation of a communal response. The specific details of this discussion and the final communiqué issued by the Holy Synod remain confidential at this time.

News of the session ignited further public debate on the sensitive issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Greece. The Church’s stance carries significant weight within the country, and its official position towards the proposed law is likely to influence the ongoing discourse and potentially impact legislative outcomes. As details of the Holy Synod’s communiqué emerge in the coming days, the public can expect even more intense discussions and political maneuvering surrounding this highly polarizing topic.

Source:

OCP News Service and ecclesia.gr