The Church of Crete condemned the persecution of Christians and called for a crackdown on violence in society

The Holy Synod of the Cretan Orthodox Church expressed deep concern over the escalation of persecution of Christians on the grounds of religious hatred and the growth of aggression in modern society. During the meeting, held on April 28, 2026 in Heraklion, the hierarchs stressed the need to protect believers and sacred sites, and called for a rethinking of social values against the backdrop of increasing tragic events.

According to Greek news agency Romfea.gr, the Synod strongly condemned the recent desecration of the statue of the Crucified Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. Amid ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, with innocent people and children being victimized, the Church of Crete calls on the world community to ensure the safety of the Christian population under persecution.

In an official statement, the hierarchy noted the increasing processes of «de-Christianization» and the growth of manifestations of Christianophobia. The Church also drew attention to acute internal problems: the growth of crime, the culture of revenge and threats to human life, as well as addiction to various substances that become «substitutes for true joy.» According to the Synod, the tragic incidents of the last days in Greece should prompt society to analyze the erroneous priorities. In this regard, a Synodal message will soon be issued, which will be read out in all the churches on the island.

At the end of the session, the Synod addressed the young people preparing for the upcoming school and all-Greek exams. Synod members wished the students «divine enlightenment and the power of the Holy Spirit» to successfully achieve their goals.