The Greek Orthodox Church is expressing outrage over the government's decision to legalize same-sex marriage, labelling it as a "demonic" move. Clergy members are now demanding punitive actions against lawmakers who supported this landmark legislation.
In response to what they deem an "immoral" decision, ecclesiastical authorities in Corfu have banned two local MPs from participating in any religious rites, with clerics urging the ostracism of MPs supporting the law from the church.
The island's bishopric has called on them to repent and warns that failure to do so will lead to exclusion from communion and other church events.
Greece recently became the first Orthodox Christian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, with 175 MPs voting in favour last month. Despite the endorsement from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Orthodox Church, led by Archbishop Ieronymos, has vehemently opposed the legislation, describing it as "pure evil." Ieronymos proposed a referendum, suggesting the divisive nature of the issue within Greek society.
In a symbolic protest, the Holy Synod, the church's governing body, announced changes to the traditional Orthodox Sunday service on March 24, excluding the president and relocating the event to a smaller church. The church leaders, including Ieronymos, also declined an invitation to a meal with the president on the same day.
The dissent within the church escalated with an open letter from Bishop Ambrosios calling for the excommunication of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and all MPs supporting the legislation. He views the church as under siege and calls for a moral revolution against those diluting the law of God.
This ecclesiastical fury emerged publicly soon after the first same-sex marriage took place in Athens, with Archbishop Ieronymos expressing his displeasure with the law and expressing hope that reporters would not enter into such marriages.
