His position on a point of the recent announcement of the Holy Metropolis of Kythera and Antikythera, concerning the ownership and administrative status of the Holy Shrines, is expressed in a written statement by the head of the major opposition in the Municipality of Kythera, Zacharias Souris.
Mr.Souris expresses his concern about the use of the phrase «at present» and raises questions about the intentions it may conceal, while stressing the need to respect the final decisions of the Judiciary. At the same time, it refers to the circumstances under which the removal of the marble plaques from the Holy Shrines could be reconsidered.
The full text of his statement follows.
Statement by Zacharias Souris, head of the major opposition in the Municipality of Kythera.
With respect to the institutions of the State and the Church and with a sense of responsibility towards the local society, I must publicly express a legitimate concern regarding the phrase contained in the recent press release of the Holy Metropolis of Kythera and Antikythera (29/3/2025), which states:
«Because they arbitrarily and unjustifiably claim that the Holy Shrines are their property and property, while only the Home, at present, has the administration and management of them according to the current law.»
Of course, it is not arbitrary what they claim, but in accordance with the final decisions of the Council of State, which completely cover the will of the overwhelming majority of Kytherians and Antikytherians, and which will never change.
The wording «currently», in an official church document, is not a rhetorical figure. On the contrary, it clearly indicates a future intention to challenge the current legal regime and raises legitimate questions:
- Is a new legal action against the Domestic Estate being prepared?;
- Is the final judgment of the Court implicitly challenged?;
- Is there a possibility of a future change in the administration of the Holy Shrines?;
This formulation simply confirms the correctness of the decision to place the plaques, as an expression of the institutional responsibility of the Domestic Property and the constitutionally guaranteed administration of the Holy Shrines. It leaves no room for a different decision, as the contested «currently» does not promote reconciliation and does not serve peace, but on the contrary warns of new legal confrontations, which, apart from the serious financial burdens, will only bring about division in our country. And this cannot be accepted.
As head of the major opposition in the Municipality of Kythera, with a sense of responsibility and duty to serve the public interest and social cohesion, I declare the following:
Provided that the Holy Metropolis of Kythera and Antikythera, as well as the priests of our island, declare explicitly and publicly that they respect the final decisions of Justice and do not intend to reintroduce legal issues that have been definitively decided, then I will personally make every possible effort so that, as far as possible and in cooperation with the competent bodies, to consider the removal of the marble plaques, in order to restore the normalcy and full operation of the Holy Shrines.
Panagia Myrtidiotissa belongs to all of us, regardless of our position and role.
We are united by common faith, not by rivalry.
Silence and questioning create scandals. Clarity of speech creates peace.
With respect
Zacharias I. Souris
Head of Municipal Party
«ALL TOGETHER KYTHERA - ANTI-KYTHERA»
