March 18, 2005

Greek churchgoers snub prayer plea for end to Orthodox Church troubles

GREECE
Houston Voice

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s embattled Orthodox Church leader led nationwide prayers last week for an end to sex-and-corruption scandals facing his bishops — but just 250 worshippers turned up to attend his service at Athens Cathedral. Archbishop Christodoulos had called on churchgoers and clergymen to pray to “cure the disease” of scandals that have shaken the foundation of Greece’s official church. A clergyman was expelled for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with other men, and another priest suspended following pedophilia allegations. Nightlong vigils were planned across Greece, but it was not immediately clear how many people attended church services elsewhere in the country or whether plans for a second prayer vigil would be kept.

Posted by kshaw at March 18, 2005 08:04 AM