“BΡΑΔΥΝΗ της Κυριακής, I apply Christianity in practice.”

“I APPLY CHRISTIANITY IN PRACTICE”
by Alexis Adam	27. 05. 2001

The interview with the MEP of PASOK, Anna Karamanou, the person of the week that just passed, considering the noise created by her opinion on the Mount Athos ban, started somewhat… backwards. That is, instead of me asking the first question and starting the conversation, Anna Karamanou beat me to it right from the “good morning” and asked me excitedly, “Do you know who hosted me yesterday (Thursday)?” My information was incomplete, so I didn’t know, and I also couldn’t imagine the “where.”

“At the Orthodox Foundation of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki!” And without taking a breath, the PASOK MEP was telling me how important the work of the Holy Metropolis is and what social contributions it has made in the city. “Incredible and amazing work,” she added. Then followed my first question:

Why all this fuss about the ban, all of a sudden?

Tell ‘suddenly’ to your colleagues in the media, who have shown a slow-burning interest in my opinion, which was voted on March 21—over two months ago—and which addresses ‘Women and Fundamentalism’ and how religious and political fanaticism undermines women’s rights. My opinion was approved by the committee with a very large majority. So, it’s not just the views of Anna Karamanou, but the view of the European Parliament.

What does this opinion say, then?

Women’s rights must be recognized everywhere. Women should have access to all areas of economic, social policy, and cultural life, and their access should not be prohibited in any geographical area of the world. That is, Mount Athos is not explicitly mentioned, but many assumed that in this phrase—paragraph 13—Mount Athos is included.

So, all the fuss about Mount Athos started by mistake?

In the media, there is no such thing as a mistake. You created it.

I have the opinion in my hands since the end of March. I see many other important issues, but I see society focused on the ban.

My report is more comprehensive, having been approved with praise by the relevant committee. What does it essentially address? That religion and doctrines should not be used as an excuse for violating fundamental freedoms and women’s rights. This is what it refers to. It wasn’t Anna Karamanou who stirred up a storm; she has her opinions and supports them. The same goes for the European Parliament. In democratic societies, citizens think with their own minds. And of course, we respect traditions, but when these traditions conflict with modern reality, they must be re-evaluated.

Now we are talking about the ban…

The ban on Mount Athos is an administrative decision. A decision made, as it is said, by Emperor Comnenus. It does not concern the doctrine of our religion. It pertains to an administrative decision, which I believe violates fundamental rights of women and conflicts with Christian teaching itself.

Could you explain that a bit more…

Christ said in His teaching, and it is known to all, that there is neither man nor woman! Did Christ make distinctions? Therefore, this discrimination, this treatment that allows men, half of humanity, to visit Mount Athos while prohibiting women, has no legal basis today, nor is it Christian.

What was the impact of this opinion in the rest of Europe?

First of all, many opinions are issued, so don’t expect a single opinion to create an issue. Mine had a significant impact in Germany, where a reputable German newspaper published an article titled “Athos for All.” Moreover, the issue has been raised in the past by Melina Mercouri. It was also raised by Fotini Pipili. Even Virginia Tsouderou argued that the ban should be lifted, at least for women scientists and researchers. So, this topic is not new; it keeps coming up. However, this issue concerns the community of Mount Athos.

I imagine that the Church’s referendum on identity cards also falls within the same framework.

The opinion of the European Parliament is that an individual’s identity cannot be defined by their party, political, or religious affiliation.

With all this, we see the Church coming into conflict with the state.

The Church must learn to engage in dialogue. It is time for a modern breeze to enter the Church, because life moves forward when people look ahead and use critical thinking.

What is the opinion that other Europeans have of Greece today?

The country’s prestige and credibility have significantly increased in recent years. However, this image of Greece is often tarnished by protests organized, for example, against the Pope or by events regarding the listing of religion on identity cards. These images provide a contradictory view of what is happening in Greece. On one hand, we have modern Greece, which is a member of the eurozone, a country with the highest standard of living in the Balkans, and on the other hand, we have the survival of elements with medieval views.

For Anna Karamanou, as a woman and as a person, how important is the Christian faith?

I try to apply Christian teachings in practice in my life. I believe that Christ was a revolutionary for His time. The core of this wonderful teaching is love. To love your enemies. That is what I strive to practice. To not harm anyone, to help others, and to be a useful part of society. I think this is the essence of Christian teaching, not the rosaries, the crosses, and fanaticism.

I would like your comment on the image presented today by the PASOK government.

Greeks have enjoyed a wonderful standard of living in recent years. We live in one of the most privileged countries in the world. Now, if there are problems, they are meant to be solved through democratic processes. The government has both the power and the will to address these issues.