Greek Vox Pop on the Referendum and Social Justice

HH with Metropolitan Amvrosios Lenis of Kalavrita and Aigialeia, one of the more-senior Greek hierarchs

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A friend sent me this:

In general, the Church of Greece maintained a low profile during the pre-referendum period. Only very few bishops, clergy, and monastic communities expressed their personal electoral views publicly. Amongst them was Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, who called for unity among the people of Greece against “the poison of division”. He spoke also in favour of the protection of “the hard-earned achievements that our country’s visionaries fought for. This is non-negotiable”; a statement that many interpreted as support for “Yes”. However, others, like the community of the famous Koutloumousi Monastery of Mount Athos, called the faithful to vote without fear, without submitting to the speculators, the moneylenders of Europe, and the global financial oligarchy. Finally, I’d like to note that one could find strong disagreements also in the more progressive parts of the Church. It seems that this referendum exposed our theological views about social and economic justice and our different understandings and priorities.

I need add nothing (for I know little of the Greek Orthodox situation, save where it influences the Russian Orthodox world).

BMD