Announcement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games

The Ecumenical Patriarchate issued the following announcement regarding the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris:

“The Olympic Games are a top sporting event, which attracts the interest of millions of our fellow human beings from every corner of the globe, and their opening ceremony is of great importance, as it is offered to highlight the history and culture of the host country and spread positive messages on a global level.

It was with great sadness that we watched during the opening ceremony in Paris, offensive performances for Christianity and the holy Gospel, but also for every civilized person, who recognises the right to believe in God and respect religious symbols.

These images not only did not brighten the ceremony, but tarnished it. It is not progress to blaspheme God, nor is it a right to insult the religious beliefs of our fellow human beings. The spontaneous expression of disgust and disapproval from part of the world, we hope, has sent a sufficiently resounding message to the decision-makers and is a source of hope for avoiding similar actions in the future.”