Faithful rally in Thessaloniki in defense of traditional family

March in defense of family values in Thessaloniki. Photo: greekcitytimes.com

On June 13, 2026, a mass protest was held in Thessaloniki, Greece, under the slogan “Respect for the Greek Orthodox Family,” with participants speaking out against the destruction of traditional social foundations, UOJ in Greece reports.

The faithful marched solemnly from the monument to Alexander the Great through the city’s central streets to the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia, expressing firm disagreement with state policy in the sphere of family relations.

The organizers brought together representatives of the clergy, academia, and public organizations. Greetings to the demonstrators were sent by Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira, Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, and monks from the Holy Mountain Athos.

During the speeches, the speakers raised acute questions about the country’s demographic crisis and warned of the harmful consequences of gender transition and the destruction of the institution of marriage for young people.

At the end of the rally, those gathered unanimously adopted a resolution demanding that the Greek authorities immediately repeal the law on “marriage” for same-sex couples and ban gay pride parades in Thessaloniki.

The faithful also appealed to the Church administration not to honor political leaders at Church events if they voted for anti-Christian reforms or openly support LGBT events.

As the UOJ reported, in Greece, a priest rebuked an MP during the Liturgy for supporting the LGBT law.

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