Head of Phanar on Olympics opening: Blasphemy is not progress

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: glasove.com

The head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Bartholomew, condemned the Olympics opening ceremony that parodied Christ's 'Last Supper' with the twelve apostles, calling these performances an offense "not only against Christianity and the Holy Gospel but also against every civilized person who recognizes the right to believe and respect religious symbols," reports fosfanariou.gr.

"These images not only failed to embellish the ceremony but also cast a shadow over it. Blasphemy against God is not progress, nor is it a right to insult the religious beliefs of our fellow human beings. We hope that the spontaneous expression of disgust and disapproval from the public has sent a sufficiently loud signal to decision-makers and serves as a source of hope to prevent such actions in the future," wrote Patriarch Bartholomew.

As the UOJ reported, Trump criticized the Olympics opening ceremony for its parody of Christ, calling it a disgrace.

Read also

Pope expresses willingness to seek unified date for celebrating Easter

The Pontiff believes that differences in liturgical calendars "cause pastoral difficulties and weaken the credibility of our witness to the Gospel."

Moldovan authorities ban religious procession but okay gay parade

“What is happening in our days, and what awaits us in the future?” the Orthodox Church of Moldova wonders.