Vela de Jerusalén

Greek Church recognizes yoga as incompatible with Christianity

9 June 2020

Греческая церковь признала йогу несовместимой с христианством

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church called yoga an unacceptable practice for Christians. The highest ecclesiastical authority in Greece has deemed it necessary to speak out on this issue due to a media campaign promoting yoga as a way to escape stress during quarantine.

Photo: Adam Mahmoud — Photo: Adam Mahmoud

The decision of the Synod says that although the Church of Greece respects the right of people to freedom of religion, it cannot but take care of its flock: 90% of Greek citizens identify themselves as Orthodox Christians. Yoga, the text of the decision emphasizes, is not just a set of physical exercises, but a fundamental part of a fundamentally different religion - Hinduism. The fundamental practice for Christians at all times has been and remains prayer.
Let us remind you that about five years ago the Church of Greece tried to explain to compatriots the reasons according to which yoga “has no place” in the life of Christians. However, the coronavirus pandemic, during which millions of Greeks were forced into self-isolation, forced many to seek an outlet in areas of human activity that are incompatible with Orthodox Christianity.

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Возжечь свечу в святом месте

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in a sacred place

Заказать молебен в святом месте

Order a prayer service
in a sacred place

Написать молитвенное письмо

Write a prayer letter

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Greek Church recognizes yoga as incompatible with Christianity Greek Church recognizes yoga as incompatible with Christianity

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church called yoga an unacceptable practice for Christians. The highest ecclesiastical authority in Greece has deemed it necessary to speak out on this issue due to a media campaign promoting yoga as a way to escape stress during quarantine. Photo: Adam Mahmoud The decision of the Synod says that although the Church of Greece respects the right of people to freedom of religion, it cannot but take care of its flock: 90% of Greek citizens identify themselves as Orthodox Christians. Yoga, the text of the decision emphasizes, is not just a set of physical exercises, but a fundamental part of a fundamentally different religion - Hinduism. The fundamental practice for Christians at all times has been and remains prayer. Let us remind you that about five years ago the Church of Greece tried to explain to compatriots the reasons according to which yoga “has no place” in the life of Christians. However, the coronavirus pandemic, during which millions of Greeks were forced into self-isolation, forced many to seek an outlet in areas of human activity that are incompatible with Orthodox Christianity. Свеча Иерусалима -en

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church called yoga an unacceptable practice for Christians. The highest ecclesiastical authority in Greece has deemed it necessary to speak out on this issue due to a media campaign promoting yoga as a way to escape stress during quarantine. Photo: Adam Mahmoud The decision of the Synod says that although the Church of Greece respects the right of people to freedom of religion, it cannot but take care of its flock: 90% of Greek citizens identify themselves as Orthodox Christians. Yoga, the text of the decision emphasizes, is not just a set of physical exercises, but a fundamental part of a fundamentally different religion - Hinduism. The fundamental practice for Christians at all times has been and remains prayer. Let us remind you that about five years ago the Church of Greece tried to explain to compatriots the reasons according to which yoga “has no place” in the life of Christians. However, the coronavirus pandemic, during which millions of Greeks were forced into self-isolation, forced many to seek an outlet in areas of human activity that are incompatible with Orthodox Christianity.