The Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate has issued a statement regarding the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. The statement highlights the Church’s concerns over the ceremony’s content, which they believe contradicts Christian values and the ideals of the Olympic Games.
Upholding Christian Values in European Civilization
The Synod emphasizes that Christianity has been the foundation of European civilization for over two millennia. Christian values, virtues, and the teachings of Jesus Christ have profoundly influenced all aspects of human life and culture, inspiring some of the greatest works of art.
Offense to Christian Morality and Human Dignity
The Church expressed its deep disappointment and offense at the artistic depictions presented during the opening ceremony. Despite the organizers’ declared motives, the Synod found these depictions to be incompatible with Christian evangelical morality, spiritual life, and common human reason. The statement also criticized the ceremony for violating centuries-old European aesthetic criteria and the classical ideal of “a healthy spirit in a healthy body” that the Olympic Games are meant to celebrate.
The Synod underscored the discriminatory and insulting nature of the ceremony towards Christian believers. Quoting Christ’s words from the Gospel of Matthew, they warned against causing believers to stumble in their faith: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” (Matt. 18: 6-7).
A Call for a Christian Europe
The statement noted the numerous critical voices that have emerged in response to the ceremony, affirming that Christian Europe remains vibrant. The Synod declared that efforts to de-Christianize and de-humanize Europe will not succeed, as history has shown that all attempts to fight against Christ and His Church have ultimately failed.
The Synod reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to a European path rooted in Christian values. They called for a Europe that respects and honors its historical and cultural roots, asserting that without a genuine, living faith in Christ and adherence to eternal Christian values, Europe cannot have a viable future.
Source: bg-patriarshia.bg
