The Ecumenical Patriarchate speaks of “acts insulting to Christianity and the Holy Gospel”, commenting on the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
In the aforementioned announcement, it is highlighted, among other things, that blasphemy against God is not progress, nor is it a right to insult religious beliefs.
The announcement
In detail, in its announcement, the Ecumenical Patriarchate states:
“The Olympic Games are a premier sporting event that attracts the interest of millions of our fellow citizens from all corners of the globe, and its opening ceremony is of great importance as it serves to highlight the history and culture of the host country and spread positive messages globally.
It was with great sadness that we witnessed, during the ceremony in Paris, the offensive performances by Christianity and the holy Gospel, but also by every civilized person, who recognizes the right to faith and respect for religious symbols.
These images Not only did they not brighten up the ceremony, they actually ruined it.. It is not progress to blaspheme against God, nor is it a right to insult the religious beliefs of our fellow men. We hope that the spontaneous expression of disgust and disapproval by the world has sent a strong enough message to decision-makers and is a source of hope to avoid similar actions in the future.”