The Catholic Church in Greece
A Religious Minority
Greek Catholics number about 50,000, or 0.5% of the population, and are a religious and not an ethnic minority. They are mainly concentrated in the islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and Crete, as well as in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki.
A History of Persecution
The Catholic Church in Greece has faced persecution throughout its history. In the 19th century, the Greek government banned the public practice of Catholicism. This ban was lifted in 1923, but the Catholic Church continued to face discrimination. In the 1960s, the Greek military junta arrested and tortured Catholic priests and nuns.
A New Era
Since the fall of the junta in 1974, the Catholic Church in Greece has enjoyed greater freedom. However, it still faces some challenges. The Greek Orthodox Church remains the dominant religion in Greece, and the Catholic Church is often seen as a foreign institution.
Conclusion
The Catholic Church in Greece is a small but vibrant community. It has faced persecution throughout its history, but it has survived and continues to grow. The Catholic Church in Greece is a testament to the resilience of faith and the power of the human spirit.
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