ilthy legislative initiative taken by the Greek Parliament regarding the tragicality of homosexuality and the reversal of human ontology, with the recognition of a non-existent other sexual orientation and the corrupting psychological and physical misuse of the organs of the human body ... is a devious mixture aiming at the demolition of the Nation’s ideals and faith, and the decomposition of the social tissue”.135 Even more recently, in 2013, Bishop of Thessaloniki Anthimos, in a press release regarding the Gay Pride of Thessaloniki, talked about an unacceptable, unpleasant and contemptible presence of homosexuals in Thessaloniki for the parade that took place on 14-15 June 2013, which he described as a carnival and a demonstration of passions. He maintained that it was a shame, a provocation and a symptom of corruption, and that the residents of Thessaloniki should avoid being exposed to such events, both them and their children, and that they should stress their ierce opposition to them.136 It is understood that in a country like Greece it is very hard for the Church to be positive towards homosexuality. There is a diference, though, between a condescending moral condemnation and an aggressive racist wording that places homosexuals on a lower level, both morally and socially. In essence, it implies their biological inferiority as well, thus adding to the creation of yet another moral panic. 9/ CHURCH AND GOLDEN DAWN: THE LAST LINK IN THE ULTRARIGHT CHAIN For those familiar with the neo-Nazi ield, Golden Dawn has never been a group with an Orthodox background and faith. A number of their older texts prove that they were more amenable to the ancient Greek religion of the Dodecatheon (twelve gods), and in some cases Northern pagan worship, than to the Orthodox Christian faith (Psarras 2012: 211-232). Of course, ater Golden Dawn entered the political stage, and clearly for reasons of canvassing, this past was forgotten. Through public statements and texts on the party’s website, an efort has been made for it to appear as a protector of Orthodox church and tradition. Like all political forces that get stronger, the neo-Nazis chose to latter some priests of the Church of Greece. And, instead of repelling them, the priests enjoyed it too... The irst and most important public attempt of this kind took place in the autumn of 2012, when Golden Dawn took the lead, along with circles of and around the Church, in the protests and violent episodes outside Chytirio theatre, prompted by Terence McNally’s play Corpus Christi, which was accused of blasphemy. The performances were inally canceled due to the constant rioting but also because 135. 136. 90 | See http://www.imp.gr/home-4/anakoino8enta-deltia-typoy/anakoino8enta-deltia-typoy2011/23-anakoino8enta-deltia-typoy-2011/156-anakoinw8en-xwrismos-ekklhseiase8noys.html. See http://www.imth.gr/default.aspx?lang=el-GR&loc=1&&page=176&newsid=670. ROSA LUXEMBURG STIFTUNG