Full Breakdown
Greek Orthodox Priest-Musician Clarifies Homophobia and Fascism Allegations
8/27/2026, 10:41:36 PM
Controversy Over Past Remarks and Blessings
Father Dionysios Tabakis, a Greek Orthodox priest who has released the drone-metal album *Paradise Metal*, attracted renewed scrutiny after two 2024 blog posts resurfaced describing gay people as “Sodomites” and same-sex marriage as a “sodomitic monstrosity.” The posts coincided with Greece becoming the first Orthodox-majority nation to legalise same-sex marriage. In addition, a 2013 YouTube video showed Tabakis performing a sanctification ceremony at the offices of Golden Dawn, a neo-Nazi party that held parliamentary seats from 2015-2019 and was criminalised in 2020.
Tabakis’ Clarifications (August 25, 2026)
In a statement obtained by media outlets, Tabakis asserted that his view on homosexuality aligns with the Orthodox Church’s two-millennia-old teaching, while emphasizing “love and acceptance” for gay individuals who have faced rejection. Regarding the Golden Dawn ceremony, he explained that the party was a legal political entity in 2013 and that the blessing was performed at the request of his ecclesiastical superior, the Metropolis, as part of routine agiasmos services offered to various civic groups. He also reiterated opposition to nationalism, linking it to “blood and wars” and to the interests of weapons manufacturers.
Official Responses from Church and Record Label
Heat Crimes, the Greek label that released *Paradise Metal*, clarified that Greek Orthodox priests commonly perform agiasmos for homes, businesses, schools and political organisations, and that such rites do not constitute endorsement of the entities involved. The statement underscored the distinction between a religious blessing and a political statement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As can be seen from my musical expression, I am in favour of unity, love, empathy and help for every needy, wronged and suffering person in life,” — Father Dionysios Tabakis
- “My view on homosexuality is the same as that of the Orthodox Church for 2000 years, nothing more, nothing less. We owe homosexual people love and acceptance because many have at times experienced great rejection from their environment, especially from their families.” — Father Dionysios Tabakis
