Greek hierarch condemns harsh reactions of priests toward LGBT marriages

Metropolitan Philotheos. Photo: Orthodox Times

Metropolitan Philotheos. Photo: Orthodox Times

Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki from the Greek Orthodox Church commented on the Church's approach to same-sex marriages, reports Orthodox Times. He stated that the Church must not reject people, even if their way of life does not align with its teachings.

The Metropolitan emphasized, “A bishop must love everyone and send no one to damnation. Even with those whose way of life he may disagree with, he must strive to embrace them, to stay with them, and never to drive them away.” He noted that the role of clergy is to find a balance between the Church’s principles and its relationship with people, showing love and understanding, "and that is what I strive for – not only to be a balancer but to remain a balanced person."

Metropolitan Philotheos also rejected the extreme reactions of some clergy towards same-sex marriages, stressing that the Church’s primary mission is not condemnation but support and dialogue with each person, regardless of their beliefs or choices.

As previously reported, the Pope clarified whether the blessing of LGBT couples constitutes a departure from RCC teachings.

Read also

Lavra's empty Dormition Cathedral shown online during patronal vigil

Only about ten people attended the OCU service for the main feast of the Kyiv-Pechersk Dormition Lavra.

UOC Primate officiates Liturgy of the Lord's Cross Procession Feast in Lavra

After the service, Metropolitan Onuphry blessed honey and herbs, which the faithful traditionally bring to churches on this day.

Amsterdam: One phone call from Trump can end the trauma of UOC persecution

Republicans in the U.S. suspect that “if there was ever any newspaper coverage, or if there was ever a way to get at these people, Trump could be motivated to do something.”

Amsterdam: OCU and persecution of UOC was foisted by the U.S. government

An American lawyer has claimed that the idea to destroy the UOC originated with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt.

Ukrainian MPs urge Trump to stop persecution of the UOC

Oleksandr Dubinsky and Artem Dmytruk have appealed to the U.S. President to include the release of political prisoners as a condition of any peace agreement.

DESS announces “world’s largest pilgrimage of Jews”

Despite martial law and the ban on mass gatherings, 45,000 Jews are expected to come to Uman.