The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece issued a circular outlining its position on the issue of marriage equality, officially declaring its disagreement.
On Monday, December 18, the Holy Synod sent to all metropolitan areas an encyclical signed personally by Archbishop Jerome, which sets out his brief position on issues of marriage and adoption in favor of same-sex couples.
It is noted that The Holy Synod opposes civil marriage in general, not just civil marriage for same-sex couples. The encyclical speaks of the disagreement of the Greek Church”with same-sex parenting, since it does not satisfy the right of children to have a father and mother, and, secondly, about disagreement with same-sex marriage, since it leads to same-sex parenthood.”
The Church of Greece also emphasizes that children should not be used as a tool… for activist pressure, and that “Children are not pets for those who want to feel like caregivers, nor are they ‘accessories’ that formalize or make socially acceptable same-sex partnerships.”
The encyclical of the Holy Synod also notes that, “As the European Court of Human Rights has explained in relation to the institution of adoption, the state must provide the child with a suitable family for his upbringing, and not give children to anyone who wants to become a parent.” In the context of adoption, the priority is the best interests of the child who does not have a parent or a suitable parent, rather than the opinion of an adult who considers himself or herself a suitable parent.”
Mount Athos: “No” to same-sex marriage and adoption
In his statement Mount Athos community expresses its opposition to same-sex marriage. The community notes that same-sex marriage is “contrary to the teaching of the gospel and the long tradition of our godly people and race.”
In a statement from Mount Athos, the community expressed strong concern about this and called on the government not to pass “proclaimed anti-evangelical legislation.”
Statement from the Mount Athos community:
“In connection with the recent announcements of the Greek government’s intention to legislate for the marriage of ‘same-sex couples’, as well as the adoption of children by them, our Holy Community expresses the immediate concern and concern of all Holy Fathers. Mount Athos, as a place of prayer and exercise, humbly wishes that all people were images of God. We therefore express our concern and deep regret about the proposed legislation, – the statement says. – By this communication we are bound to make it clear that any form of marriage or procreation which is contrary not only to the teaching of the Gospel, but also to the long tradition of our pious people and race as regards the sacred institution of the family, is absolutely repugnant to us.
“We ardently urge the Greek government not to continue with the declared anti-Gospel legislation, praying that the Patroness of our country and Ephora of the Holy Land, the Blessed Virgin Mary, will intercede with our Lord Jesus Christ to guide everyone to repentance and life in the light of the Gospel and His teachings,” – the statement says.
Statement by Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus on same-sex marriage.
Vatican blesses same-sex unions
As it became known on December 18, the Vatican approved a historic decree, which allows Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The document was approved by Pope Francis, writes Reuters.
The resolution states that blessing such couples is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage, but will be a sign that God accepts everyone. Priests must make decisions on a case-by-case basis and “should not hinder or prohibit the closeness of the Church to people” in every situation in which they can turn to God for help through blessing”says the Vatican.
Vatican News clarifies that the Vatican’s declaration of Fiducia supplicans exclusively allows the blessing of same-sex couples, without any imitation of rites or imitation of traditional marriage. The doctrine of marriage does not change, so the blessing does not mean approval of the LGBT union.
In November, the Vatican allowed transgender people to be godparents at Roman Catholic baptisms and witnesses at weddings, as well as to receive baptisms.
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