Orthodox Faithful Protest Planned Papal Visit to Greece

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In modern times, the Vatican is often accused of trying to extend its influence in the Orthodox heartland through Eastern Rite churches, which follow many Orthodox traditions but are loyal to the pope.

Caught in the middle of the growing storm is the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos.

Christodoulos, in fact, helped give the Orthodox fringe unity and credibility last year. He led huge rallies in opposition to the government's plans to strip religious affiliation from identity cards.

Now, the mix of faith and ultra-patriotism he brewed threatens to spill over during the papal visit.

``We are trying to control things. We are telling them to stay calm,'' Christodoulos said. ``This has wider ecclesiastical dimensions. Can you imagine the image of people holding up and waving crosses?''

He said the church's governing body agonized for nearly a year before taking its decision to welcome a pilgrimage by John Paul II.

``We had torturous meetings to decide,'' Christodoulos said. ``We decided we could not say no. A bad image of the church - that we are fundamentalists, non-Europeans - would take root.''

Among the 16 Orthodox churches, the Greek branch had been one of the Vatican's foremost critics.

``Fringe ecclesiastical organizations, with the silent support of a segment of the clergy, are already on a war footing, deeming the papal visit a religious sacrilege,'' columnist Petros Papaconstantinou wrote in the daily Kathimerini. ``Regrettably, Archbishop Christodoulos himself has provided ideological grounds for this religious fanaticism.''

``He's on a tightrope,'' said Metropolitan Chrisostomos of Zakinthos, who supports the papal visit.

Christodoulos has tried to appease critics by saying he will discuss concerns about the Eastern Rite churches with the pope. This could become a central issue during the pope's planned June visit to Ukraine, a predominantly Orthodox country where the Eastern Rite church is well established.