Archbishop

Published by The National Herald, January 14, 2005

INTERVIEW: Archbishop Christodoulos

BOSTON – In an interview to the National Herald, His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens, who presides over the Synod of the Church of Greece, made an appeal to the Greek Americans "to remain steadfast about their Greek Orthodox roots; that is, the Greek language, civilization and culture."

Archbishop Christodoulos emphasized that "the preservation and promotion of our roots is our inner strength, it is the true obligation of us all."

Archbishop Christodoulos also said he wants to visit with the Greek American community, adding that "it is not up to me only. It depends on other factors, as well."

Due to Church protocol, and to prevent possible controversy from escalating, Archbishop Demetrios of America and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople have blocked Christodoulos from visiting America twice during the past four years.

Christodoulos also took a very strong stand against the admission of Turkey into European Union and said cited an increasing de-Christianizing tendency in Europe these days.

The Archbishop of Athens also discussed topics ranging from the recent tsunami catastrophe to how clerics should dress in public. The text of the interview follows:

TNH: Your Beatitude, which are your wishes and thoughts for the Greek American community in the New Year?

CHRISTODOULOS: I would like to convey to all our Greek American brothers and sisters the best wishes of the Church of Greece, as well as my personal wishes for happiness, a New Year full of good health and blessings from God. Let 2005 be a creative and productive year for each and every one of us in all our peaceful endeavors, as well as in our efforts to promote our Orthodox faith and Hellenic Culture. I would also extend a warm appeal to Hellenism in America to remain steadfast in its Greek Orthodox roots; that is, the Greek language, civilization and culture, despite the fact that the omogeneia lives in a multicultural society and country. The preservation and promotion of our roots is our inner strength. It is the true obligation of us all.

TNH: Do you think Your Beatitude might possibly visit the United States in the year 2005?

CHRISTODOULOS: It is something that I long to do, but as you know, it is not up to me only. It would depend on other factors, as well. Let us hope that those factors will reach a state of agreement so that such a visit can materialize.

TNH: By factors, do you mean the Archdiocese of America and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople?

CHRISTODOULOS: Those who have enough mind to understand, let them understand.

TNH: Since the controversy regarding the New Lands was resolved a few months ago, have relations been between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate smoothed over?

CHRISTODOULOS: We have made every effort to make our relations with the Patriarchate smoother. Beyond that, it is not only our responsibility. All should realize that they are obligated to show concern, so that the good and peaceful climate which exists at this time may continue to prevail in the future, as well.

CHRISTODOULOS: Greece, as you know, is a small country, but with great dynamism. It has overcome its many problems and tries to be included among the developed and advanced countries of Europe. Our people are faithfully attached to their Greek Orthodox traditions. Our people and, among them, many in the younger generations participate actively in the life of the Church. The Hellenic family unit continues to hold up well. Polls show that young persons are believers in God and that, among their priorities and values, are the Church and family. These are very hopeful signs, in relation to what is going on Europe, where there is a tendency toward de-Christianization. Look at what happened today, on the feast day of Epiphany. All our churches were filled to capacity. Our people came to participate in the Liturgy, to receive agiasmo (holy water), and to observe the Blessings of the Waters in various seas, lakes and rivers.

CHRISTODOULOS: Despite the respect that I have for our neighboring country, Turkey, I believe that its culture is not compatible with the culture of European nations. It is true that the European Union is looking for a foundation upon which to build the unity of European nations, and that foundation is its very culture and civilization. In the event that Turkey enters the European Union, the whole principal of unity will be distorted, and instead of unity, we will have division within our European home. This by no means indicates that I undervalue Turkish or Islamic culture. But even geographically speaking, Turkey is an Asiatic country. It does not belong to the European continent. I do not think that Turkey should be accepted as a member of the European Union.

TNH: Wouldn’t you agree, however, that for the national security of Greece, it is preferable that Turkey becomes a member of the European Union?

CHRISTODOULOS: I’m not so sure. After all, during the days preceding the decision at the EU Summit on December 17th by the 25 member states on whether Turkey would acquire a date to start accession negotiations that could lead to its admittance into Europe, Turkey showed its worst self. That created much skepticism among many Greeks. The Greek people are a peaceful people. We do not threaten anybody. We support our country, and we do not want anybody to insult our integrity. I do not think it is proper for Turkey to become a member of European Union, and thus to be able to provoke Greece from within the European framework.

TNH: Do you think that, during your archiepiscopal tenure, traditional clerical attire like the cassock could be changed, or be replaced altogether with a gray or black suit?

CHRISTODOULOS: We have discussed the issue many times during Synodal meetings, but I see that our people want priests to wear cassocks. I am afraid that, if the Church decides priests should get rid of the cassock, there would be a negative reaction among the Greek people. You must realize also that it is a matter of prudence on the part of the Church leadership not to proceed with certain decisions that could lead to division among the people.

TNH: Even if you inform and educate people that the cassock was not always the official outfit of the clergy?

CHRISTODOULOS: It is a theoretical matter, which we have studied, but the people do not see that there is a necessity to change traditional clerical attire. We have also asked the priests themselves to tell us if they think the cassock is an obstacle in preventing them from carrying out their mission and ministry, and their answer is no.

TNH: Why has this immense catastrophe in Southeastern Asia taken place? Many people are questioning God’s role and asking if God is meting out punishment.

CHRISTODOULOS: No. God is Uncreated. Such disasters are natural phenomena attributed to geological movements in the created order. Many of these could be avoided if there is timely enough warning. What a wise man once said often rings true: "I can not prevent Heaven from raining, but I can give you an umbrella not to get wet."



Volume 7 Number 3 - Tuesday, January 18th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY