The announcement follows a controversial incident involving NIKI party MP Nikos Papadopoulos, who vandalized exhibits he deemed blasphemous.
In a press release issued on Tuesday (March 11), the Synod stated that it would take the necessary steps to address the issue with the Greek government.
Synod’s Official Statement
“Regarding the exhibition of paintings titled ‘The Allure of the Strange – The In-Between Space’ at the National Gallery, the Holy Synod has expressed its regret over the content of specific artworks and has decided to take appropriate action with the Greek government,” the statement read.
Controversy Over the Artworks
The artworks in question, created by artist Christoforos Katsadiotis, include “Icon 1” (2021), “Icon 17” (2021), and “Icon 16” (2021)—all of which incorporate etching, thread stitching, and metal elements.
Backlash Against MP’s Vandalism
Papadopoulos’ actions sparked widespread criticism after he forcibly removed pieces from the exhibition, citing religious offense. The artworks were part of a broader thematic exploration of Greek art, curated alongside a major Francisco Goya print exhibition.
Speaking to Kathimerini, Katsadiotis defended his work, stating, “The expression in this exhibition is poetic, not offensive. No one is obliged to agree with me ideologically or aesthetically, but art is meant to provoke thought and discussion.”
Political Reactions and Party Response
Despite distancing itself from Papadopoulos’ self-directed actions, the NIKI party stopped short of expelling him. Party leader Dimitris Natsios emphasized in a late-night post that “there is no question of his expulsion,” arguing that the real issue was his prolonged detention by authorities.
Papadopoulos, for his part, remained unapologetic. In a social media post, he doubled down on his stance, stating he felt “brutally offended as an Orthodox Christian” and condemning his detention as “an assault on democracy.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Holy Synod maintains its stance of addressing concerns over the exhibition through official channels, avoiding direct action akin to the MP’s vandalism.
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