19/01/19

[Maik]

Greeks bridle at historic deal to split Orthodox church from state

 The government of Greece and the Orthodox Church may be headed for breakup next month under a historic deal negotiated in secret between Archbishop Ieronymos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Next month, the country’s parliament is expected to vote on an agreement to make the Greek state neutral toward religion, ending the primacy of Greek Orthodoxy in the country’s constitution.

The state would become co-owner of church property, giving it the right to lease unused properties. Proceeds from those leases would be divided between the church and government.

Most importantly, the agreement would strip the country’s 8,000 clergy of their status as civil servants.

Many Orthodox Christian clergy are not happy about it.

https://religionnews.com/2019/01/18/greeks-bridle-at-historic-deal-to-split-orthodox-church-from-state/

[TonyKath]

Very interesting and helpful article , Maik, thanks for finding it.  I had no idea this was going on and nor did Greeks until last November apparently. I would have expected much more of kick back against it after the huge demonstrations against removing religious affiliation from ID cards in 2000. Maybe times have changed.

Religion is a big deal in Greece.  There was the Pew (LOL) research last year which said Greece was the second most religious country in Europe after Romania. Whenever there's a public event there are at least half a dozen priests in full beards and kit mumbling and doing all sorts of priestly things. 



It would be some change for that to go. Apparently it's all about the dosh.  At the moment all 8000 orthodox priests are civil servants and the state pays their salaries at €230M a year. Under the deal the state carries on paying the existing guys but not any new ones.  Surprisingly the head honcho of the Greek Orthodox, Bish Ieronymos has agreed as it could have been worse.


Tony

[Maik]

I did wonder about the article but a quick check showed the website as kosher. Have to wonder if Tsipras will be in power for much longer.

While we're on the subject:

Mount Athos monks call for referendum on Prespes Agreement

The Greek Orthodox monks of Mount Athos expressed their vehement opposition to the Prespes Agreement on the name dispute with FYROM in a statement released.

The Monastic Community in Athos convened an extraordinary meeting on Thursday and decided to participate in Sunday’s protest against the Prespes Agreement in Athens by sending a delegation of monks to Syntagma Square.

http://en.protothema.gr/mount-athos-monks-call-for-referendum-on-prespes-agreement/

 

[Maik]

Differences in GP access across England 'shocking'

The variation in the availability of GPs in different parts of England is shocking, doctors' leaders say.

A BBC analysis has found close to a threefold difference between the areas with the most and fewest doctors.

In one area - Swale in Kent - there is only one GP for every 3,300 patients, while in Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire it is just under one for every 1,200.

Worst areas (patients per GP)

1. Swale: 3,342
2. Horsham and Mid Sussex: 2,997
3. Bradford City: 2,587
4. Thanet: 2,520
5. Bexley: 2,479

Best areas (patients per GP)

1. Rushcliffe: 1,192
2. Camden: 1,227
3. Liverpool: 1,283
4. North Derbyshire: 1,286
5. Corby: 1,369

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46912055

One place we used to live you were either better or dead by time you got a GP appointment.

[Maik]

It Ain't Half Hot Mum actor Windsor Davies dies aged 88

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46931129

[Maik]

Crystal Palace to shelter homeless at Selhurst Park stadium

A Premier League club has offered part of its stadium as an emergency shelter for rough sleepers.

Crystal Palace FC will turn part of Selhurst Park in south London into a space where up to 10 homeless people can sleep when temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing.

They will also be given a hot meal, breakfast and washing facilities, said Croydon Council, who helped set it up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46920569

[Maik]

The incredible beauty of Greece is not only present in summer

The snowfall that covered Greece two weeks ago left behind some scenes of exquisite beauty.
A small stone bridge which once linked Epirus and Thessaly and the flora are covered in snow, while the rushing waterfalls complete the fantasy-like vista.

The incredible images were captured at the waterfalls of Paleokarya, in the prefecture of Trikala.

http://en.protothema.gr/are-these-elven-lands-or-greece-incredible-snow-covered-scenery-video/



https://youtu.be/fTxgKxEZFnk?t=1

[Maik]

‘It’s like hell here’: Australia bakes as record temperatures nudge 50C
Fears rise for homeless and vulnerable people as communities brace for another week of relentless hot weather

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/19/australia-swelters-as-relentless-hot-weather-smashes-records

[Maik]

From what I can make out, the Ionian Islands Regional Council has approved a proposal for the construction of a road from the airport to Krania with a budget of 10,035,.600 euros. The plan is to link up with the existing Argostoli-Poros/Skala road.