An informal meeting of The Synod of Priests and Monks called for barring Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris from entering Mount Athos if he continues to support the organisation of the 4th Thessaloniki Pride on June 19 and 20.
According to the Greek holy orders, Boutaris’ support toward the Gay Pride conflicts with his institutional role as the Overseer of Mount Athos a responsibility held by Boutaris as part of his role of Mayor of Thessaloniki.
In a letter to sent to the Athos community Greek Orthodox priests and monks asked the Holy Community of Mount Athos to take action against the mayor’s support toward the “shameful sin of homosexuality” and the organization of the annual Gay Pride in the city of Thessaloniki.
That the mayor’s actions are in breach of his institutional role as, the letter claims and asks the Holy Community to express God’s disapproval of Boutaris’ actions. Should Mr Boutaris persists with his support of homosexuality the letter continues, a separation of the roles of Mayor of Thessaloniki and Overseer of Mount Athos should be considered “as a protest against his sinful acts.”
