Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece reiterated the Church's steadfast commitment to its principles, asserting that it will not be swayed by political influence or directives from figures such as Kyriakos Velopoulos.
Speaking from Delesi in Boeotia, where he was joined by Prime Minister Mitsotakis for a visit to structures of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasised the unwavering adherence to the Gospel and the Word of God as the guiding force behind the Church's actions.
"We have our firm lines, and our firm lines are the Gospel, the Word of God, the positions of the Church. We cannot move beyond these positions. Therefore, we neither do what Mr Velopoulos will tell us, nor what any politician will tell us," he asserted.
In response to inquiries about the existence of a "Christianometer," Archbishop Ieronymos dismissed the notion, advocating instead for love, forgiveness, cooperation, and collaboration.
Highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in Greece, particularly in challenging times, the Archbishop underscored the necessity of moving forward together despite differences.
"We cannot go to things that the Gospel does not say either, and let any prime minister say them, I look at what the Gospel says," he affirmed, emphasising the primacy of Gospel teachings over personal interests or transient political positions.
Addressing questions regarding the Church's plans for Easter encyclicals, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasised continuity with past practices, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Gospel and the Word of God.
"As always, we do what we do every year. We do not move on the basis of tomorrow, today, or yesterday; we move on the basis of what the Gospel and the word of God tell us," he concluded.
(Source: Amna)
