Athens, October 13, 2016
Metropolitan Jeremiah of Gortys has supported Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineia and Kynouria who was to appear before the court for his criticism of sodomy, reports AgionOros.ru.
Metropolitan Jeremiah has characterized the prosecution of Metropolitan Alexander as “disgraceful” saying: “How have we come down to this? Instead of rising against disgraceful sodomy which disparages human dignity and public morals, a bishop of the Most High God is being summoned before a judge for calling things by their proper names. The hierarch called homosexuality ‘a spiritual disease’ and as a good pastor expressed his regret and sorrow for those who are suffering from this illness. So what is he guilty of? He is guilty of calling sodomy ‘a spiritual disorder’? But it’s true! The Holy Scriptures describe any sin as ‘a sickness’ and sinners as ‘the sick.’”
“Thus the words used by Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineia are Biblical and theological… We thank him for this excellent example of pastoral words. All of us, hierarchs and priests, should act in the same way. This is our pastoral mission, our duty. Therefore, the judicial proceedings against Metropolitan Alexander means that all of us hierarchs now stand trial. I want to tell those who have initiated the trial proceedings against Metropolitan Alexander that I fully support his stand and associate myself with his statement. I suggest that they bring me to justice too.”
In April 2016 the metropolitan of Mantineia spoke out sharply against the passage of the law on free cohabitation by the Greek Parliament: “The worst thing is that the Parliament is voting for the laws which call perversion and union of perverted individuals of the same sex ‘marriages.’”
Speaking of sodomites, Vladyka said in particular: “They are an anomaly which is condemned by society and life itself. I feel bad for them. I pray for the Lord to forgive them and that they would repent and change themselves to become honest members of our society. The Church is guided by God’s law and natural order. No one who has some weaknesses should display them publicly without any shame.” According to the metropolitan, persons of untraditional orientation are sick and in need of healing. In response to a journalist’s question: “Are there active representatives of sexual minorities amongst the members of the Church?” Vladyka answered: “I don’t know, but if we do have them, we should distance ourselves from them.”
