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GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
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Email: communications@goarch.org

February 27, 2004

Observations by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
On Mel Gibson's film THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

The recent release of Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ,"  has 
evoked significant reaction from people of all faiths across America and 
throughout the world.  In part, the controversy stems from the fact that 
the film, which focuses almost exclusively on the last hours of our Lord's 
earthy life, makes use of extremely graphic violence.  In addition, many 
have expressed concern that the film might create anti-Semitic 
feelings.  In light of these controversies, and in response to numerous 
inquiries, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America offers the following 
observations.

Already, some of our own Hierarchs have issued statements regarding Mr. 
Gibson's film.	One of these statements, from our Metropolis of Chicago, 
criticizes the film for including a significant amount of material not 
found in the Gospel accounts of Christ's arrest, trial and crucifixion, and 
expresses regret that the message of Jesus is apparently reduced to His 
sufferings. Another statement, from our Metropolis of Boston, acknowledges 
the possibility that the film may lead the viewer "to reflect deeply on the 
pain of Christ"s passion.  Elsewhere in the world, Orthodox Christian 
leaders have expressed dismay at the emotionalism produced by the film, 
which contrasts with the sobriety of the Orthodox hymnology and art of the 
Holy Week services.

With every passing hour, more and more Orthodox clergymen of various 
jurisdictions are registering their own approval or criticism on parish 
websites or personal weblogs or Orthodox Internet discussion 
groups.  Clearly, Orthodox Christians, like other persons from communities 
of faith throughout our country, have articulated a wide range of 
experiences and reactions to this work of cinematic art.

In the days and weeks to come, millions of people of every faith and people 
of no faith will experience this movie, and Christians in particular will 
be challenged to answer for themselves many questions, including the 
following:  Is the violence in the film appropriate or excessive?  Does it 
enhance faith, or does it detract from it?  Does the supplemental material 
used in the film, not present in any of the Gospels, create confusion and 
conflict within the minds and the hearts of the viewers?   Does the movie 
seem to single out a particular people for blame, or does it implicate all 
of humankind in the death of Christ?   Is the relentless focus on the 
physical sufferings of Christ excessive?

We have already heard many different answers to these and similar 
questions.  However, despite the lack of consensus, we rejoice in the fact 
that questions such as these are being discussed in a variety of forums, 
public and private.  Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of Mr. Gibson's 
film (which in the final analysis is a personal expression of a particular 
tradition of piety), it has raised to national and international attention 
matters of vital spiritual significance, bringing to mind the words of St. 
Paul to the Philippians: "Whether in pretense or in truth, in every way, 
Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice" (1:18).