Greek Church condemns exhibition after vandalism attack by ultraconservative MP
The governing Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church has condemned the content of an exhibition at the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum in Athens, following a vandalism attack by an ultraconservative lawmaker.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Holy Synod said it “expressed its regret for the content of certain works” on display and had decided “to take appropriate action towards the Greek government.” It did not specify what steps it intends to take.
On Monday, Nikolaos Papadopoulos, a lawmaker from the small right-wing, ultra-religious Niki party, attacked four paintings in the exhibition “The Allure of the Bizarre,” which showcases works by Greek artists. He threw the paintings to the floor, shattering the glass frames.
Police detained Papadopoulos for several hours before releasing him. The museum temporarily shut down following the attack, turning visitors away.
The exhibition, running alongside a display of 80 engravings by Spanish master Francisco Goya, includes works that caricature religious icons and themes. Papadopoulos had previously denounced one of the Greek paintings in Parliament, claiming it was offensive to Orthodox Christianity, particularly its depiction of the Virgin Mary and Christ.
“I took down four icons, four blasphemous icons, and in two of those … the glass pane broke, nothing else,” Papadopoulos told reporters after his release. He said the works “insult the Virgin Mary, St George … the archangels that we in our homes were taught to worship and respect.”
The Culture Ministry said that it acts “with the aim of protecting the country’s cultural and artistic heritage in general” and that it “never engages in acts of censorship.”
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the gallery’s board of directors said it “unreservedly condemn(s) every act of vandalism, violence and censorship which violate the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.”
Founded in 2019, Niki (Greek for Victory) first entered Parliament in 2023, promoting a blend of Orthodox Christian traditionalism and nationalism. It currently holds 10 seats in the 300-member Parliament.
[Kathimerini, AP]
