Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki addressed various issues, including the role of women in modern society, the concerning rise of juvenile delinquency, the perception of the Church as conservative, and reactions to same-sex marriage.
In an interview with voria.gr, Metropolitan Philotheos highlighted his approach to interacting with the faithful. He stated, “Every issue has its place. When I preach, I delve into the Gospel and provide instruction, but when I socialize over coffee, I engage with people in their everyday lives.”
He refuted the idea that the Church is inherently conservative while society progresses. He expressed, “I prefer not to use labels as they can be misleading. While there are conservative individuals within the Church, the Church as the Body of Christ is not conservative because it does not aim to ‘preserve.’ Christ is not a figure of the past but heralds from the future, as the ultimate conqueror in the history of the world and humanity.”
Regarding same-sex marriage and the extreme reactions from some clergy, he stressed the importance of inclusivity within the Church. He stated, “A bishop’s duty is to love all and not condemn anyone. Even with those whose lifestyles he may disagree with, he should strive to embrace them, stand by them, and never push them away. Maintaining balance is crucial, and that is what I aim for – not just to be a mediator but to embody balance.”
On the issue of juvenile delinquency, particularly among minors, he emphasized the Church’s stance against violence in any form.
“Christ does not force or crucify – he was crucified. He invites individuals to follow him willingly. Problems cannot be solved through violence or oppression but through reconciliation and dialogue. Each person is a reflection of the living God. When people learn to honor God, they learn to respect their fellow beings,” he remarked.
His perspective on the role of women in contemporary society is significant, as some clergy have associated juvenile delinquency with women’s empowerment, advocating for women to stay at home and prioritize household duties and childcare.
“The Church does not align with this perspective. Today, women are active in the workforce and engage in social and political spheres. Christianity has made substantial progress in this regard. The Apostle Paul was the first to assert that there is no distinction between male and female; all are equal in the eyes of God,” Metropolitan Philotheos clarified, adding:
“These beliefs do not align with the official stance of the Church, as evident in real-life scenarios. We have women serving in the metropolises. While there are no female priests, we do not view priesthood as a symbol of authority. For the Church, a woman’s priesthood lies in her motherhood. Although our tradition does not include the ordination of women, it does not imply that women are inferior to men. Women play crucial roles in various aspects of church life.”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou