Archbishop Makarios expressed his “profound disappointment” and condemnation over the controversial scenes presented at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.
In a statement the Archbishop highlighted the offensive nature of certain performances, which he deemed disrespectful to Christianity and the Church.
“We watched with utter disappointment a spectacle that was clearly beneath the occasion. It featured scenes of irreverence that were offensive to Christianity and the Church,” Archbishop Makarios wrote on social media.
He further highlighted that while everyone has the right to their personal beliefs, including atheism, mocking or ridiculing the Christian faith, particularly the truth of the Gospel, crosses a line of respect. He noted, “Everyone has the right to be an atheist, but no one has the right to mock or ridicule my faith, especially the truth of the Gospel for which blood has been shed.”
Archbishop Makarios also addressed the issue of LGBTQ+ pride, asserting that while individuals have the freedom to live as they choose, they should not impose their lifestyles on society.
“You have the right to be homosexual, but you do not have the right to impose your way of life on our society. If you want to hold pride parades, you must understand what you are proud of. Be proud of your accomplishments, your hard work, your education, your successes, your history, and your culture. But do not take pride in your sexuality.”
He expressed concern over what he perceives as a mockery of human dignity and a distortion of reality.
“We are tired of this. The dignity of the human person is being mocked. Reality is being distorted. Our ability to reason is being challenged.”
Archbishop Makarios went on to wish for the enlightenment for those who seek to undermine the value of faith and declared it unacceptable for such ideologies to be promoted in prestigious institutions like the Olympic Games.
“We pray that God will enlighten those who seek to undermine the value of faith, and we assert that it is unacceptable for such ideologies to be promoted in institutions as prestigious as the Olympic Games,” he concluded.
