The Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate has released a statement concerning the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. The statement addresses the Church’s reservations about the content of the ceremony, which they believe goes against Christian values and the principles of the Olympic Games.
Preserving Christian Values in European Civilization
The Synod highlights the significant role Christianity has played in shaping European civilization for over two thousand years. Christian values, virtues, and the teachings of Jesus Christ have had a profound impact on all aspects of human life and culture, serving as inspiration for some of the greatest artistic achievements.
Concerns Regarding Christian Morality and Human Dignity
The Church expresses deep disappointment and offense at the artistic representations featured in the opening ceremony. Despite the organizers’ intentions, the Synod deems these representations incompatible with Christian moral principles, spiritual values, and basic human reasoning. The statement also criticizes the ceremony for deviating from longstanding European aesthetic standards and the classical ideal of a sound mind in a healthy body, which the Olympic Games aim to promote.
The Synod condemns the discriminatory and offensive nature of the ceremony towards Christian believers. Citing Christ’s words from the Gospel of Matthew, they caution against actions that may lead believers astray: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” (Matt. 18: 6-7).
Advocating for a Christian Europe
The statement acknowledges the numerous voices of dissent raised in response to the ceremony, affirming the enduring presence of Christian values in Europe. The Synod asserts that attempts to de-Christianize and dehumanize Europe are futile, as history has demonstrated that endeavors to oppose Christ and His Church have ultimately failed.
The Synod restates Bulgaria’s commitment to a European future grounded in Christian principles. They advocate for a Europe that upholds and celebrates its historical and cultural heritage, asserting that without a genuine faith in Christ and a steadfast adherence to timeless Christian values, Europe cannot thrive.
Source: bg-patriarshia.bg