Church of Greece head voices support for Trump’s presidency

Archbishop Ieronymos speaking at the U.S. Embassy. Photo: MICHAEL VARAKLAS/POOL/AFP

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, in an interview with Breitbart News, spoke positively about Donald Trump’s election victory and his political course.

“The election of President Trump was a positive development,” stated the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Greece. “I would like to tell him that we need change, such as the reforms he is trying to implement, but reforms that we can and should understand.”

Addressing cultural issues, the hierarch touched on same-sex marriage and gender policy. “In Greece same-sex marriage hasn’t been accepted by a large portion of society. We believe in human freedom, but that doesn’t mean extreme actions and demonstrations or activism that largely provokes people,” the archbishop explained.

He specifically highlighted Trump’s influence on public discourse regarding gender issues: “Then Trump’s victory came and the President made it clear that there are only two genders and we noticed that many global leaders and EU leaders started to repeat the same argument.”

“In many ways, I commend him and I believe he is benefiting the world,” Ieronymos II continued, while also calling for Trump to show restraint. “President Trump needs to be aware of the needs of the average person and he plays well this role. But also, I want to remind him that the Church is a force that always can offer support and strength to the people.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Trump had issued an official message for Holy Week.

Read also

In Verkhnі Stanivtsі, persecuted community celebrates saint patron feast

Hundreds of believers prayed during the festive Liturgy on a weekday.

In Chernivtsi, believers manage to prevent seizure of UOC cathedral

The Orthodox thanked everyone who came to pray.