Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni - Greek Christians are also Jews.

Source: globalgreeks_

Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni, who has spoken out against antisemitism, has sparked discussion after saying that Greek Christians are also Jews.

The Metropolitan’s statement has drawn attention because of its striking wording and has prompted debate over the historical and theological relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

Chrysostomos has previously taken a strong position against antisemitism and has highlighted the persecution of Jewish communities during the Holocaust. He has also spoken about the historic rescue of Zakynthos’ Jewish community during the German occupation, when the island’s Jewish population was protected from deportation.

His remarks appear to reflect the theological connection between Christianity and Judaism, with Christianity emerging from the Jewish religious tradition and the Old Testament forming an integral part of Christian Scripture.

However, the phrase “Greek Christians are also Jews” has generated particular interest because it can be understood in different ways, depending on whether it is interpreted from a theological, historical or ethnic perspective.

The comments have reignited discussion over the relationship between Greek Orthodoxy, Judaism and the origins of Christianity, while drawing renewed attention to the Metropolitan’s longstanding opposition to antisemitism.