A Greek Orthodox ex-bishop recently appeared on national television to confirm the Church’s stance against abortion and then went on to make comments about rape that have sparked outrage throughout the Southeastern European country.
Eighty-three-year-old Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni, Greek Orthodox Bishop from 1976 to 2011, appeared on Skai TV on September 2. After confirming the Church’s stance against abortion, he explained why there should be no exceptions for rape.
According to the ex-bishop, “A woman does not sit and get raped without wanting it. A woman is not raped unless she wants to be.” He went on to say that there is no way a woman can conceive without “participation,” so it would be impossible for a woman to become pregnant in this manner.
The Greek church is highly conservative and all-male. They have opposed pre-marital sex, same-sex relations, and abortion but swiftly condemned the religious leader’s comments. The Church of Greece stated that his comments are “unacceptable for an Orthodox cleric and offensive for human beings and especially for women and victims of rape. The treatment of women, without exception, as equal to men in their protection from any abuse are the Church of Greece’s official position.”
Joining the Church’s condemnation, Niki Kerameus, Education and Religious Affairs Minister, called the remarks “unthinkable and reprehensible.” Government spokesman Yannis Oikonomou responded that victims of rape have the state’s unconditional support. Politicians from all parties voiced their objections as well. The Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilais, also responded to the cleric’s comments, saying “it is a shame for all of us and slanderous for the Orthodox Christian faith and our Church.”
Aside from the official reactions, the Greek people were infuriated and took to social media to express their opinions. On Twitter, he received heaps of insults, including “rotten, psycho, Christian-Taliban, misanthrope,” and more. Some Twitter users shared their desire for him to “kick the bucket” and “drop dead.”
"No woman is raped without consent," claims Greek Bishop and triggers outrage also among ministers of conservative gov't of #Greece #meToo #rape #Δωδωνης #βιασμος https://t.co/vkokV8CRWJ
— Keep Talking Greece (@keeptalkingGR) September 2, 2022
According to state TV, Archbishop Ieronymos has been briefed on the situation, and his response is awaited.
