Small blasphemies

Athens, April 8, 2015

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has made a statement in connection with the fact that shoes with a depiction of the Holy Cross on the soles has entered the market in Greece, reports the Romfea portal. The footgear with the Cross on its soles must disappear from the market – this demand has been put forward in the statement of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

The Synod has stated that such use of an image of the Holy Cross ‘is a sheer blasphemy, outrage upon and violation of the sanctity of the Expiatory Symbol of our Orthodox faith.’ The Synod has also expressed its ‘discontent, protest and loathing in connection with this blasphemous action committed, furthermore, on the great days of the Holy Week, and the Synod is requiring removal of the above-mentioned footwear from sale.’

It should be noted that the Synod has issued this statement and expressed its protest following the publication on the internet of photographs advertising these shoes with the Cross pictured on them.

I don’t pretend to understand why people should be so childish and proffer such petty blasphemies to the Lord, who is not moved to anything but pity for them, while our churchly leaders expose themselves to greater ridicule by challenging them.

You are not to be childish in your outlook. You can be babies as far as wickedness is concerned, but mentally you must be adult.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Now, for some history…

When Francis of Assisi was ushered into the presence of the Sultan of Egypt and was told he must walk across a carpet that was covered with images of the cross, he did not hesitate, much to the surprise of the Muslim onlookers. After he crossed the carpet, walking naturally and not trying to avoid treading on the crosses, he said, ‘I have walked on these crosses because they are the cross of the bad thief, which you may keep. I will, on the other hand, keep the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ.’ This unexpected outcome so impressed the Sultan that he admitted Francis into his intimate company, and allowed him to evangelize. Though it may be only a legend, there is a tradition that the Sultan told Francis, ‘I know that yours is the true faith, and that Jesus is the Lord, but if I openly confess Him here and now, we shall both be put to the sword. Living for Him in secret will allow me to work for Him openly.’ And before his repose, the Sultan sent for two Franciscan brothers to attend him at death, and they baptised him into life eternal.

Our love must be as mighty and fearless as Christ's, and then every blasphemy, every attack, every unfounded hatred and mockery shall be under the soles of our feet, just as the cross of the bad thief was under the feet of Francis of Assisi on that day.