The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-06

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] He speaks on all matters Archbishop Speaks in Anger

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Speaking from the pulpit of Pentelis Monastery, Archbishop Christodoulos spoke of a climate of blackmail, holding the Hierarchy and the Church hostage with the announcement and presentation of set-up and falsified scandals. The leader of the Church of Greece repeated that he will be the first to fight to purge the Church, and stressed that the attack on the Church aims to distract citizens from social problems. In the meantime, the crisis in the administration of the Church of Greece is deepening, as new revelations come to light every day, showing church leaders involved in an effort to affect Justice and in moral scandals, while pressure on the Archbishop himself is intensifying, aiming to purge the ranks of the Hierarchy.

Purging is Necessary

Archbishop Christodoulos also spoke of a "general, systematic and directed attack that resembles a charge and aims to destroy the institution of the Church." He admitted that there are perjurious clerics at all levels, but he added that a purging cannot take place by defaming them.

In the meantime, Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos of Thessaliotida stressed his innocence once again and called on the Holy Synod, before whom he will appear on Tuesday, to investigate his case thoroughly in order to prove that the accusations made against him regarding immoral behaviour and his connection with Iakovos Giosakis are false.

On the other hand, Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki blamed the attack suffered by the Church on the Media, calling on the faithful to turn off their televisions.

Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus stated that he was in favour of purging and peace in the Church.

Justice to Speak

In the meantime, Justice will speak again tomorrow, as the first formal charges will be read against justices and lawyers, while further revelations are expected. In fact, according to information, even more cassettes are expected to come to light, regarding the personal life and moral misdemeanours amongst the clergy

During the next week, an anti-corruption Bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament, regarding the Justice sector, as announced yesterday by the Minister of Justice Anastasios Papaligouras, while speaking on NET 105.8 the Minister of Education, Marietta Giannakou described it as necessary to modernize the operation of Justice and of the Church in order for there to be autocatharsis institutions as far as it is possible, although she expressed reservations about the separation of Church and State, saying that it is sufficient that there role should be totally discreet.

Foreign Media on the Scandals

In the meantime, many Media Organisations have focused on the scandals shaking the Church of Greece. On the webpage of British network BBC it reports that the Greek Church is rocked by scandals and adds that the Church wants to know of other suspicious acts by its clergy. In fact, it reports the case of Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimon of Attica, who has been given a six-month suspension, as well as Iakovos Giosakis.

The British newspaper The Independent speaks of a bribery scandal engulfing the Greek church, adding that the Holy Synod is investigating bribery amongst clergy and the judiciary. In fact, it underlines that the scandals have shaken the trust of the faithful. Moreover, the British newspaper adds that Archbishop Christodoulos made a desperate attempt to distance the Church from the furore, while the newspaper reports that sources close to Christodoulos describe him as "angry and disappointed."

Italian newspaper Il Quotidiano stresses that the Greek Orthodox Church is suffering greatly from the scandals, while recent events have shocked public opinion. In fact, it underlines that senior members of the clergy have come under the shadow of doubt.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

More Letters by Archbishop Published

[02] Problems Continue

By Despina Hristopoulou

Heavy snowfall and low temperatures are forecast until Monday by the Met Service, while the weather is expected to improve gradually from Tuesday afternoon. In the meantime, a number of mountainous villages remain isolated owing to the thick blizzards of the last few days, while snow-chains are required for vehicles traveling on a large part of the regional mountain road network of Central and Northern Greece. Parnithas Avenue remains closed from the funicular railway onwards, as does Filis-Dervenohorion Avenue after Kleiston Monastery. According to traffic police, in the remaining municipalities of Attica there are no significant problems in traffic circulation, although care should be taken by those traveling in the north of the Prefecture, who should make sure that they have snow-chains. Owing to the high winds over the sea, the only boats running from Piraeus are those heading for Argosaroniko, and from Rafina only to Marmari. Also closed are the ports of Kavala and Alexandroupoli.

Translated by Millie Williams

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