Greek Prosecutor to investigate case of Athonites opposing vaccinations
Monks could be tried for speaking out against vaccines. Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
The Prosecutor's Office of Thessaloniki has initiated a case against the monks of Mount Athos who oppose vaccinations against coronavirus, reports Vima Orthodoxias.
The intervention of the Prosecutor's Office of Thessaloniki was caused by the statements of the Athos monk Joseph, who reported about the monks urging Christians not to be vaccinated.
According to the hieromonk, “these monks who go out and confess have killed many people,” as they “advise people not to get vaccinated and claim that the coronavirus is just a flu”.
Based on these allegations, the head of the Prosecutor's Office of Thessaloniki initiated an investigation to identify the anti-vaccination monks and determine whether their actions constituted a crime.
It should be noted that in the course of the investigation, the applicant, hieromonk Joseph, will be asked to name specific individuals and indicate when and what they said in order to open a criminal investigation against them.
Earlier, the Greek media reported about the position of famous Athonites regarding vaccinations.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.