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Greek Referendum: Throw The Cross Into the Sea – Yes or No
Posted by keeptalkinggreece in Very Mix
It looks as if democratic procedures reached the Greek Orthodox Church. A priest in a church in Patras, Peloponnese, decided to hold a referendum among the community of believers. The faithful men and women had to decide whether the Epiphany ceremony should be held at the sea or not. The reason for the referendum was the heavy rainfall short before the ceremony of throwing the holy cross into the sea would start. The custom has it that priest and believers walk to the beach, the priest throws the cross into the sea, divers catch it and the waters are blessed.
The priest told the believers “I know that every time we throw the cross into the sea. But now it is raining like a waterfall. I personally have no problem to get wet for your shake, but the point is I do not want you to get wet for mt shake.” He proposed to solve the issue through a referendum. “Because I want to be fair and democratic, there can be a vote. Look outside the heavy rainfall and then those wishing to go to the sea for the ceremony should raise their hands.”
The referendum result? Only four believers raised their hands. The outcome was that the winning majority stayed in the shelter of the church and were not exposed to the rain.
“You see, there are no deadlocks in democracy. Due to rain we decided together not to go to the sea this year. We will wait until next year, wishing the weather will be better then,” stressed the priest before starting the blessing of the waters ceremony inside the church.
Popularity: 9% [?]
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