Greek Orthodox Church Hierarchs Excommunicate MPs Who Voted for Gay Marriage

OCP News Service – 01/03/2024

Athens- Greece: Following the Greek Parliament’s vote to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption earlier this month, members of parliament (MPs) who voted in favor of the bill have been excommunicated in at least two dioceses of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Excommunication in Piraeus and Kythira:

• Metropolis of Piraeus: An assembly of clergy decided to excommunicate MPs who voted for the bill and prohibit them from attending official events organized by the Metropolis.
• Metropolis of Kythira: In a letter, Metropolitan Seraphim declared MPs from his region excommunicated and barred from receiving Holy Communion within his churches. He compared the vote to historical tragedies and described it as a threat to society.

Church Officials’ Discontent:

Both officials expressed strong disapproval of the legislation, citing it as contrary to their faith and the teachings of the Church. They believe it violates Divine law and undermines traditional values.

Further Developments:

• Metropolitan Seraphim believes the issue requires further action by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.
• The Metropolis of Piraeus called for the legislation’s repeal as a condition for lifting the excommunication.

It is important to note that:

• These actions represent the decisions of individual dioceses, not the entire Greek Orthodox Church.
• Excommunication is a serious religious penalty that carries significant meaning within the Church.

Source:

OCP News Service