Greek Orthodox priest clarifies views on homosexuality and far-right ties

Father Dionysios Tabakis, a Greek Orthodox priest who has gained a cult following for his experimental music, has issued a public statement to clarify his positions on homosexuality and his past associations with the Greek radical right. His clarification comes amid scrutiny following Greece's legalization of same-sex marriage, a move that made it the first predominantly Christian Orthodox country to do so.

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As can be seen from my musical expression, I am in favour of unity, love, empathy and help for every needy, wronged and suffering person in life. Whoever they are, whatever they believe, whether they are a saint or a sinner.

In his statement, Tabakis asserted that his views on homosexuality are consistent with the Orthodox Church's doctrine, stating, "My view on homosexuality is the same as that of the Orthodox church for 2,000 years, nothing more, nothing less." He expressed a belief in offering love, empathy, and help to all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions, stating, "Whoever they are, whatever they believe, whether they are a saint or a sinner."

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My view on homosexuality is the same as that of the Orthodox church for 2,000 years, nothing more, nothing less.

Tabakis acknowledged that homosexual individuals have sometimes faced rejection and have sought him out for confession, which he has always offered with acceptance and love. However, he also appeared to refer to homosexuality as a sin, while emphasizing personal freedom, noting, "After all, with freedom we sin, and with freedom we repent. It is better to sin with freedom than to be virtuous with oppression."

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We owe homosexual people love and acceptance because many have at times experienced great rejection from their environment, especially from their families. Over the years, homosexual people have also come to me for confession, and I have always received them with acceptance and love.

Further addressing controversy, Tabakis also clarified his participation in a 2013 ceremony at the opening of an office for Golden Dawn, a neo-Nazi party. He explained that performing the sanctification was an official duty requested by his superior authority, and that he had performed similar blessings for various political and municipal groups. The musician-priest's debut album, "Paradise Metal," has received critical acclaim, with Pitchfork awarding it a score of 7.6.

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I also always respect the freedom of my fellow man. After all, with freedom we sin, and with freedom we repent. It is better to sin with freedom than to be virtuous with oppression.