Ieronymos

The Greek Orthodox Church would agree to baptize children of same-sex couples, if they so desire, Archbishop Ieronymos, the leader of the influential Orthodox Church of Greece, said on Thursday.

With the countdown to the submission of the government's bill on same-sex marriage having already begun, Kathimerini understands that of ruling New Democracy's 158 lawmakers, 94 are already moving toward voting in favor, 22 against, while nine expect that they will abstain.

The government has ruled out the possibility of conducting a referendum on the matter of marriage and childbearing for same-sex couples. 

In an interview on Skai radio on Friday, spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that while the government respects the role and views of the Church, it remains committed to implementing its policy program.

Archbishop Ieronymos, the leader of the influential Orthodox Church of Greece, which opposes government plans to permit same-sex civil marriages, suggested on Friday that a referendum could be conducted to address the issue.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, exchanged wished for the new year, state-run news agency AMNA reported on Tuesday.

Ieronymos called Bartholomew on New Year's Eve with both leaders expressing hope that the much-desired peace would prevail in the war-torn and conflict-ridden world in 2024. 

The leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, has described homosexuality as a "deviation." 

During a visit to Argolida in southern Greece on Wednesday, Ieronymos said, "The Church has its beliefs… Those who are in the Church and believe have a way of life. Whatever is outside this thing is a diversion from life," he said. 

The Church of Greece has said it will issue an opinion on the new identity cards this week.

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens has called for "judiciousness and prudence" on an issue that has energized conspiracists among the faithful, including some bishops, and which has already led to protest rallies and plans for more.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as prime minister for a second term on Monday afternoon, after his party achieved a big win on Sunday's general elections. 

A rare Greek icon named Axion Esti from Mount Athos was transported on Wednesday to Athens, where it will be exhibited for public veneration over the next two weeks.

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens sent a message for Greek Orthodox Easter to the country's clergy on Tuesday.

"We remain shocked by the tragedy at Tempe. A painful reflection of the many griefs we all carry with us, it has accompanied this year's path to Easter. It has sealed our conscience. It has led many to ponder the big questions," he said.