The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-18

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Hierarchy Convenes Time for Holy Catharsis

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Hierarchy is convening since early morning over the crisis in the Church. In his opening speech, Archbishop Christodoulos humbly apologized to the clergy and laity and admitted that everyone is held responsible for what is happening. "We are accountable because we have hidden ourselves behind formalities and ignored the meaning," stressed the Archbishop. At the same time, he accused the Metropolitan Bishop of Attica, underlining that "as if the tapes werent enough, there are also revelations about huge bank deposits in times of poverty and unemployment." Mr Christodoulos went on to attack the deputy government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros, who had implied there are intentional delays in the process of clean up. In the meantime, Metropolitan Bishop Germanos of Ilia submitted a motion of censure against the Archbishop requesting his resignation. His motion was overruled.

Measures Proposed by the Archbishop

The Church's greatest responsibility is corrupt clergymen, whose basic crimes are salaciousness and greed, said the Archbishop. As for his responsibilities, he stressed, "if there is something I blame myself for is that I did not use a hard language for improprieties and deviations out of consideration. I admit that I was not aware of many of what's being going on," concluded Mr Christodoulos. In his speech, the Archbishop opposed the separation of the Church and the State and suggested a series of measures, including:

Formation of a council consisting of five clergymen next to metropolitan bishops. Submission of a copy of the E9 by each Hierarch. Enactment of a reform regarding the declaration of assets, simplicity in the prelatic appearance, while tips are forbidden. Quick trial of clergymen misdemeanour cases. Counsels will be accepted in trials. Establishment of judicial consultants in synodical courts. Strict age limit of priests to be ordained. Creation of a school to educate Church executives.

There was tension in the meeting, as the metropolitan bishop Germanos of Ilia submitted a motion of censure against the Archbishop requesting his resignation, as he held him responsible for the scandals that are afflicting the Church. The motion was overruled by the overwhelming majority, as 67 Hierarchs voted against it.

At the same time, revelations continue creating new shake-ups in the Church. Apostolos Vavilis reappeared with yet another letter, in which he said he was both fortunate and unfortunate to have met the Archbishop, while he claimed to have possession of documents and other evidence which back up his allegations for Patriarch Eirinaios.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

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Attica Bishop Launches Threats

Internet Attack and Retraction

[02] Known British Habit Banned by Law Fox Hunting is Past Tense

By Viki Keleri

A tradition that has lasted for centuries in Great Britain finally came to its official end. Lovers of fox hunting lost their last chance yesterday in the Appellate Court to suspend the Act of Parliament which provided for the cease of this British habit. So, as of today, the law applies as per normal and violators will suffer the consequences. These last include a fine, which could reach as high as 9,000 dollars, while the judge trying fox hunting cases has the right to order the confiscation of cars and hunting equipment. However, hunting clubs have warned that almost 5,000 people are willing to ignore the law and go on with their hobby "being aware that they might get arrested."

Wanna Play Hide and Seek?

Fox hunting is a tradition which goes as far back as the 17th century. It was only reasonable that its present prohibition would trigger the hunters' harsh reactions. As for the police, they have implied that they will maintain a neutral position in several areas and will not give priority to tracking down illegal hunters. However, organisations which oppose this brutal tradition welcomed the law and announced to undertake the mission of monitoring the situation and inform authorities on the outlaws.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Discussed in Parliament Today Farmers Issues in Epicentre

By Viki Keleri

The discussion of the agenda on farmers issues, which was asked by the party of Synaspismos, commenced today in Parliament with the Prime Ministers speech. The Prime Minister spoke of a provocative insufficiency of the state mechanism during the previous years and noted that after 25 years of a common agricultural policy and funding, many Greek farmers live in poverty while the agricultural population is shrinking. He also stated that the government, even though it inherited debts and chaos, managed to ensure positive adjustments for Mediterranean products, important raises in European funds while it adjusted the issue of farmers debts. The PM also stated that the government is configuring a new strategy for rural development and is in continuous dialogue with all the relevant bodies involved. From his side, SYN President Alekos Alavanos accused the government of lack of programming and central planning. PASOK President Giorgos Papandreou, at this time is delivering his speech.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Awaiting Decision Credit Limit of Gratuity Unconstitutional

By Viki Keleri

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

The Plenary Session of the Supreme Court ruled that the credit limit to bank pensioners gratuity of the Public Sector and Public Utility Organizations, accepting Prosecutors Dimitris Linos proposal. The case is still pending in the Plenary Session of the Supreme Administrative Court and in the case of an opposing decision it will be committed to the Special Supreme Court. However, the Professor of Labour Law Alexis Mitropoulos speaking to NET Radio 105.8 stated that this is a national confirmation, which means it is an immediate enforceable decision with which the banks should conform.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] 55 Dead By Floods and Landslides Tragic Situation in Colombia

By Vivian Papastefanou

Over the past week Colombia is at the mercy of floods and landslides. The situation is tragic, especially at the northeast of the country, where the number of victims increases nonstop and has reached 55 so far, most of which are children. According to the Red Cross, 14 bodies were recovered from the Lebrija river in the Shadader province, four more from the ruins of a house crushed under mud and rocks, while there are fears that the number will increase even more. The water level in rivers has risen because of the torrential rains afflicting Colombia since last Friday, while most of them have overflowed washing away houses, bridges and roads.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Olympiacos Ahead in Qualifying to 16

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A goal scored by Giannis Okkas in 29 was enough to give both victory and a clear lead to Olympiacos to qualify to the next round of the UEFA Cup. Olympiacos put on a great performance in the first half and could have scored even more goals, which could have cleared matters up from the outset. They didnt manage to, and in the second half, the French team was clearly much more threatening, but they were unable to achieve a draw, which means that Dusan Bajevics team scored the necessary win.

Great Start

Olympiacos started out well in the first half. With speed and a lot of passion, they took control of the game from the first few minutes, and in fact in just five minutes they missed a great opportunity to open the score. Vallas took the ball on the penalty line, after a pass from Rivaldo and took a shot, but was unlucky to see it hit off the crossbar.

As the game went on, the red and white team entirely dominated the action, as the French team were unable to stand up to the pressure. The next good point for the host team came in 21, when Rimbo took a foul, the ball went towards the net, but Richert knocked it away just before it reached Kafes, who was ready to score.

In 29, however, the red team saw results. The Brazilian star of Olympiacos passed the ball to Okkas, who dribbled amazingly to get the ball past the Sochaux defenders, and alone against the goalkeeper, he had no trouble in scoring: 1-0. Wild celebrations broke out all around the pitch.

Nightmarish Minutes

This goal appears to have slightly relaxed Dusan Bajevics players and the French team almost took advantage of this. First in 33, Santos was in the right place, but Nikopolidis came out quickly before there was a chance to score, and two minutes later, with the same players, the Brazilian striker for the guest team came in from a clear place to shoot, but the Greek goalkeeper said no once again, knocking the ball out to a corner.

From then on, Olympiacos took the reins again and was under no particular threat. In fact, the last good phase was for the host team, with Maric catching a good pass in the goal area, but the ball went slightly out. This was the last phase of the first half, with Olympiacos going to the break with 1-0 in their favour.

A Good Ten Minutes

Olympiacos started out strongly in the second half too. In just 50 Kafes passed anyone who was in front of him and was just left of the penalty spot together with Djordjevic. The Serbian player shot, but to no avail.

The great opportunity was missed in 54, when Rivaldo caught a header near the goal, but the ball just went out, as Stoltidis was not there in time for it.

Natural Effort and Luck

From 55 onwards, Dusan Bajevics players started to show signs of tiredness, as well as calm.

Sochaux therefore started to attack with greater strength and go for a draw. The first good moment for the French team in the second half came in 59 when Zairi was by himself on the right hand side and preferred to shoot rather than pass to two free teammates, but his shot was weak and easily blocked by Nikopolidis.

Sochaux continued its pressure and by 70 they had missed another two good opportunities to draw. Firstly in 65 with Santos unable to get past Nikopolidis, and the second came in 70, when Zairi was alone in facing Olympiacos goalkeeper, but the Greek player blocked it impressively.

Sochauxs pressure led Bajevic to put Pantos in place of Djordjevic, who was tired, in order to reinforce defence.

This managed to balance Olympiacos somewhat and in fact in 78 they had a good opportunity from Rivaldos pass to Kafes, but the Greek player was unable to shoot.

The last ten minutes were full of tension for everyone. No great opportunities were created, and Olympiacos scored a difficult win and took the lead to qualify to the round of 16.

Teams

Olympiacos: Nikopolidis, Kafes, Rivaldo, Stoltidis, Maric, Okkas (88 Castillo), Djordjevic (74 Pantos), Mavrogenidis, Kostoulas, Georgatos (87 Taralidis), Vallas

Sochaux: Richert, Monsoreau, Potillon, Boudar&#232;ne, Santos (83 Regnier), Isabey, Pitau, Diawara, Mathieu, Menez, Zairi

Translated by Millie Williams

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