Holy Synod of Greece Calls Wildfires a Spiritual and Social Crisis

Photo: Orthodox Times

ATHENS — Amid widespread wildfires across Greece, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has issued a message framing the ecological crisis as both a spiritual and social challenge.

The hierarchs emphasized that humanity is not the “owner” but the “steward” of creation, warning that exploitation and indifference toward the environment lead to self-destruction. They described the burning of forests as not only ecological and economic loss but also a spiritual wound, calling respect for nature a Eucharistic act — recognition of the world as God’s gift.

The Synod urged citizens to avoid careless behaviors that spark fires and expressed gratitude to firefighters, volunteers, and local communities risking their lives to battle the flames. Protecting the environment, the statement stressed, is a collective mission shared by the state, the Church, and every citizen.

Recalling recent ecological initiatives, the Synod called on authorities to strengthen fire prevention and reforestation measures, while encouraging public support through volunteerism. It also highlighted Greece’s heightened vulnerability due to its Mediterranean climate and biodiversity.

Several hierarchs described the devastation as a “national tragedy” that must awaken society, with some pointing to Pat. Bartholomew’s teaching that the ecological crisis is, above all, a spiritual crisis.

The Synod concluded that Greece has the potential to become a model in natural resource stewardship if Church, state, and society work together, stressing that ecological awareness must flow from faith into daily acts of respect, moderation, and responsibility.

Previously, UOJ reported that a large wildfire burning out of control in northern Chios is endangering inhabited areas and valuable forest ecosystems.

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