ATHENS, GREECE - A Greek journalist, Dimitris Alikakos, has been acquitted of all charges following a lengthy legal battle that challenged a long-held belief within the Orthodox Church.
Alikakos's book, "Redemption - The Case of the Holy Fire," sparked controversy by questioning the miraculous nature of the Easter Holy Fire ceremony that takes place inside Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The annual ceremony sees the Patriarch of Jerusalem emerge from the church with a lit candle, symbolizing Christ's resurrection.
The trial, which concluded on March 29th, stemmed from lawsuits filed against Alikakos. The Jerusalem Patriarchate initially joined forces with two archbishops in accusing him of defamation, violating the confidentiality of conversations, and misusing personal data in his book.
Challenging the Narrative:
Alikakos's book included testimonies from the archbishops themselves, who allegedly admitted that the fire was ignited using an ordinary lighter. These video testimonies were presented in court, potentially exposing a different perspective on the origin of the Holy Fire.
Beyond Criminal Charges:
The legal battle extended beyond the initial lawsuits. The Jerusalem Patriarchate also sought to remove a controversial YouTube video featuring Archbishop Isidoros admitting the use of a lighter. The court, however, ruled in 2022 that the video was made with consent, dismissing the request.
The Significance of the Holy Fire:
The Holy Fire ritual is highly revered in Orthodox Christianity, particularly in Greece. The flame symbolizes Christ's resurrection and is transported to churches worldwide, including Greece, with great reverence. In 2023, the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister received the flame from the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
A Fight for Transparency:
The Patriarchate initially participated in the legal action, claiming that Alikakos's work damaged their reputation by causing believers to doubt their priests. Interestingly, the Patriarchate later withdrew from the case, leaving Archbishop Isidoros as the sole pursuer of the charges.
Despite facing criminal accusations for nearly half a decade, Alikakos was ultimately acquitted on Friday. His lawyer, Athanasios Anagnostopoulos, characterized the case as a "slander case" fueled by Isodoros's objection to the book's content.
Neither the Patriarchate nor Isodoros' legal team responded to requests for comment. Alikakos, however, welcomed the attention the trial brought to his investigation, stating his satisfaction at the video testimonies being presented in court.
A Complex Relationship:
Though Alikakos was ultimately acquitted, the case highlights the complex relationship between freedom of expression and religious traditions in Greece. The longevity of the legal battle reflects the powerful position the Orthodox Church still holds in the country, enshrined as the "prevailing religion" of the modern Greek state. This case demonstrates the potential challenges individuals face when questioning established beliefs, even if ultimately vindicated by the legal system.
