Intervention of Hieronymos for the «Ark of the World»

In a statement on the case of Fr. Antonios Papanikolaou and the «Ark of the World», the Primate of the Greek Church made a statement in which he points out, among other things, that yesterday afternoon he ordered «the conduct of regular interrogations, following anonymous complaints before the competent authorities, against the clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens Fr. Antonios Papanikolaou, on whom I imposed, by my decision, a ban on priestly activities until the case is heard».

In addition, it stresses that «the Holy Archdiocese of Athens had or has no connection with the NGO ‘Ark of the World’, which is not part of it». Finally, he stresses that «the Church and I personally will render the absolute degree of ecclesiastical justice on earth».».

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece made the following statement:

«Yesterday afternoon I ordered the conduct of regular interrogations, following anonymous complaints before the competent authorities, against the clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, Fr. Antonios Papanikolaou, on whom I imposed, by my decision, the ban on priestly activities until the trial of the case.

The Holy Archdiocese of Athens had or has no connection with the NGO ‘Ark of the World’, which is not affiliated with it. The only person responsible for the administration, management and the entire operation of the NGO is the above mentioned clergyman, who has never accepted to place the structures of the NGO under the supervision of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, or to cooperate with its staff in the areas of social welfare and solidarity in any way.

Both we in the Church and the entire Greek society are shocked to the utmost degree. In any case, however, the Church will not tolerate, let alone cover up, shameful and abominable behaviour and acts that stain the sacred robe. The sacred robe, soaked with the blood of Saints and Heroes, cannot be worn and worn by those who use it unabashedly and lewdly, without fear of God and man, to cover their iniquities and to commit crimes that indelibly and forever stain the lives and souls of innocent children.

The words love, affection and care can be neither mental fireworks, nor communication tools for manipulating people, especially minors, and for satisfying all kinds of perversions that are generated by sick and rotten brains. In the name of the protection of children, their crucifixion cannot take place, especially by ‘clerics’ who exploit and abuse them in every way, having otherwise convinced the nation of their ‘pure’ intentions. Such a thing is frankly beyond the reach of the human mind...

As the Church, we are at the disposal of the authorities in order to contribute in every way possible to the full clarification of this nightmare case. If the truth of the accusations attributed to this clergyman is proven, the Church and I personally will render the full measure of earthly ecclesiastical justice.».