THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF GREECE

by Paul Hazelden and Karl Turner

I know a little Greek,' goes the old joke, 'he runs the newsagent near my house.' But the truth is that most of us know very little about the lifestyle and beliefs of Greeks today, or about the country we regard as the 'cradle of Western civilisation.'

Ironically, the nation which gave the world democracy holds most of its citizens in strict bondage to both the nation and the national religion. We associate this joining of secular and spiritual authority with Muslim countries, but the Greek state and the Greek Orthodox Church work together to influence the lives of their people in ways many of us find hard to imagine.

Being Greek means being Greek Orthodox. Of course, most Greeks do not attend their church each week, but they are faithful in celebrating the major festivals such as Good Friday (which is far more important than Christmas), Easter Sunday, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a major public holiday).

Most people are named after a saint, but this connection is far deeper than just sharing their name: it provides a real link with the saint. A Greek may recognise his birthday in some token fashion, but the real celebrations take place on his saint's day.

Many people also have a personal Patron Saint, perhaps one who specialises in something important to them, or who has a good track record. 'Why do you pray to this Saint?' often gets a reply along the lines of 'Because he answers my prayers. Last year he healed my mother!'

Most Greeks have no understanding of the gospel. Elaborate religious practices and dogmas take the place of a living relationship with God. For a Greek, the cost of following Jesus - and of leaving the Orthodox Church - is very high. It can mean losing his family, his friends, his culture and his national identity. Please pray that the Gospel will be preached, and that Greek people will have the courage to respond to it.