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about the WCC conference. Christodoulos referred to the “vocal reactions of a segment of our Orthodox community against our decision to host this event.”
Meanwhile, the Greek church has faced a series of scandals recently, including accusations that suspected criminals were helped by a trial‑fixing ring composed of judges and churchmen.
Many Orthodox Christians in Greece and elsewhere harbor resentment about the destruction of Constantinople, the capital of the Orthodox world, by Western Christians during the Crusades. More recently, missionary activities in traditionally Orthodox countries by some other denominations have created deep suspicion among Orthodox church leaders.
Christodoulos said the Holy Synod of the (Orthodox) Church had invited the WCC to Greece ‘despite our past bitter experience (of) aggressive missionary activities and hostile actions against our people.”
“The historical wounds between churches, nations, smaller communities, even families, have to be treated in a spirit of humility and in an attempt of healing and reconciling people, as we look to the future,” he added.
“The growing effect of globalization ... the opening of the national frontiers and the increasing movement of populations from one place to another puts our Christian witness in a totally different situation,” Christodoulos said.
“Traditionally and historically mono‑religious societies are now becoming multi‑religious ... More and more people of other faiths live together with Christians and struggle with the same challenges of atheism, agnosticism and anti‑religious secularism.”
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