Konanos: I didn’t divorce Christ, I divorced a specific organization
Former cleric of the Greek Orthodox Church Andreas Konanos. Photo: a video screenshot from Konanos’s Youtube channel
On August 31, 2020, Andreas Konanos, a former cleric of the Greek Orthodox Church, recorded a video in which he spoke about the decision to leave the priesthood and responded to the public reaction.
“I did not divorce Christ. I did not divorce God. I divorced a particular organization,” Konanos said in a video on his Youtube channel, which he called “A New Beginning”. "You shouldn't judge so hasty about my "new" life on its first day until I said anything about myself, until I said anything about the details, causes, reasons, motives until I started talking at all."
Konanos did not name the reasons for leaving the GOC but urged not to make hasty conclusions and respect his choice.
“They write to me: “You betrayed your vows!” What vows? I am not tonsured, said the theologian. “The most difficult thing, of course, is the question of my priesthood. But this does not mean that I disown Christ, that I do not love Christ. Trust me, these days I feel the presence of Christ very well. I feel that He loves me, that He understands me. And believe me, I also understand Him very well. I understand how He felt at a time when no one understood Him, except for a few people."
Konanos promised that he would continue to write books and help people with his thoughts.
As reported, Greek theologian Andreas Konanos announced that he was resigning from the priesthood.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.