The changing role of the church – Diaconia of the Orthodox Church in Greece during the years of the economic crisis 2010–2018

Authors

• Vasiliki Mitropoulou
• Niki Papageorgiou
• Esko Ryökäs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37448/dt.76051

Abstract

The economic crisis in Greece in 2010–2018 caused a deep recession there. Unemployment rose to very high levels, and social distress increased. In this study, we use publically available internet material to present the many auxiliary activities the Greek Orthodox Church used to respond to the situation. Many of them were typical forms of diaconal activity, but new types of work for the church can also be seen in diocesan activities. The Orthodox Church in Greece does not present all the auxiliary activities in public. However, based on the material available, the article hypothesizes that the role of the Orthodox Church in Greek society has changed during the economic crisis. The church became a supporting factor in society.