Freemasonry: The Grand Lodge of Greece, the secrets and scandals

Antonis Schroiter took a “dive” into the inner sanctum of Greek Freemasonry by getting to know the Tectonians. For the first time, a TV camera went into the Grand Lodge of Greece, which is in the center of Athens, and recorded all of its spaces and talked to people.

The initiation ceremonies, the symbols, the rare documents, and the dress code. What is Freemasonry? Why is it riddled with secrecy? Why do some people blame Freemasons? Why does the Orthodox Church label it a heresy? These were some of the questions posed to the Freemasons with whom the show spoke.

The “Doorman”

The Grand Lodge of Greece has strict security measures. high fencing, cameras, and sealed doors. This is mostly to avoid those prying, according to their testimony. At the entrance, the one who decides who gets in and who doesn’t is the “Healer,” who performs the role of a doorman. Therefore, anyone who is not a member of the lodge is forbidden to enter, and there is a dress code, as a suit is required for entry.

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The secrets, symbols, and rituals in the Great Hall

Dean Andreas Kyriazis welcomed Antonis Schroiter to the Grand Hall of the Lodge. This is the space that is the heart of the Lodge and is where essentially all the ceremonies take place. “The role of the dean is an administrative role as he supports the work of the Grand Lodge and the second important part is the spiritual directions to advise the brethren,” he claimed.

Regarding who sits at the highest level of the hall, the dean responded: “This seat is for the Venerable (president) and former Venerables.” Next to him is a New Testament book and a gnomon, which he explains symbolizes “the moral conduct of every Mason, evolution, and self-discipline.”

As for the… famous eye, he says it is the “all-seeing eye. It represents divine power, the one that sees everything, and nothing can escape its grasp.” He then explains other symbols before mentioning the Greek flag, stating that everyone sings the national anthem after each ceremony.

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What Greek Masons believe

Heading over to the office of the leader of the Greek Masons, Michael Matte, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Greece, discussed the history of the Masons and the origins of its philosophy. “We appeal to everyone,” he said. “The request to enter the lodge is made by the interested person who, to be initiated, will go through tests and trials. They ask to join. We ensure they are a person of good standing.”

There are no women in the Masonic lodges, and as he clarifies, “We do not consider women inferior, but according to tradition, it is a male tradition.”

“We wouldn’t want someone seeking to join to take advantage of anything. We don’t want someone who has committed offenses or who has done wrong. Furthermore, we don’t want someone who has a bad relationship with their family,” Michael Matte also states.

Regarding a member’s activities once they enter the lodge, he says, “Initially, they will come once a week to attend assignments and participate in our activities.”

Financial scandals, and lobbying

The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge discussed the finances, stating, “In 2015, I requested financial audits, which uncovered embezzlement. The legal process was followed, resulting in the accountant’s conviction just last year. We now conduct daily audits and employ chartered accountants to ensure this never happens again.” Mr. Matte also mentioned the split of the Lodges in 1986.

The head of the Greek Masons was asked whether Masons influenced developments. He responded, “This idea stems purely from the imagination of some people. The truth is, there are no conspiracies. However, our members include significant personalities such as businessmen and politicians, with brothers in various positions. There is, of course, excess everywhere.”

A young Mason had no problem revealing their identity and referred to the so-called “secrecy” surrounding Freemasonry, stating that they had never had any issues with their social environment because of this choice.

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The most important processes of the tectonic megalith are taking place in the… restaurant

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Initiation into the Society of Friends and its activities where historian Aris Katopodis talks about the Society of Friends and its relationship with Freemasonry, presenting a relevant initiation document:

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