Giannis Kallianos is a 43 year old Greek presenter of meteorological bulletins, mathematician and politician, a member of the New Democracy in the Southern Sector of Athens II. Today, he works at Mega Channel.
On October 16, 2021, the MP became the target of an arson attack on his political office in Argyroupoli. The explosion of the incendiary device caused material damage to the entrance of the apartment building. In a post on Facebook, the MP described the perpetrators as enemies of democracy.
On October 29, 2021, he posted the following on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, responding to comments made from his post on October 26th, the feast of Saint Demetrios, where he mentioned that he attended the Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Great Martyr at the Church of Saint Demetrios in Vyrona, where an icon of the Panagia has been weeping for a year:
"The icon of the Panagia in the Sacred Church of Saint Demetrios in Vyrona has been weeping continuously for 1 year. Every day, 24 hours a day. So it is not right for all of you who claim to be atheists to ridicule this fact. Visit the church, see it and then write whatever you want."*
He made this post on both Twitter and Facebook, with his words going viral and provoking discussions, with supporters and critics of the MP going back and forth on social media.
A day later, Giannis Kallianos returned with a new post, in which he states that "he did not bother anyone" and that the issue of faith is different from that of science. The post is below:
"I cannot understand what some of you are saying. So, someone who has graduated in Mathematics and has done Postgraduate studies in Applied Mathematics is 'forbidden' to be a Christian and to feel moved by drawing strength after personal prayer?
I cannot understand the fact that because I am deeply immersed in the science of Mathematics, everything must have some scientific explanation. In my 'eyes' there are some facts that may not be scientifically explained.
However, I never mocked or ridiculed anyone's religion. I never demanded from anyone to believe in Christ. Each of us has the right to believe what they want and to act in their life as they wish.
I respect Christians, just as I respect all those who consciously reject any Religion.
It is my personal choice to be deeply religious and I have never tried to impose my opinion on anyone on these issues.
But let me draw strength from where I want and in whatever way I want. I did not bother anyone."*
We can only respect the courage of the man's confession.
On October 16, 2021, the MP became the target of an arson attack on his political office in Argyroupoli. The explosion of the incendiary device caused material damage to the entrance of the apartment building. In a post on Facebook, the MP described the perpetrators as enemies of democracy.
On October 29, 2021, he posted the following on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, responding to comments made from his post on October 26th, the feast of Saint Demetrios, where he mentioned that he attended the Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Great Martyr at the Church of Saint Demetrios in Vyrona, where an icon of the Panagia has been weeping for a year:
"The icon of the Panagia in the Sacred Church of Saint Demetrios in Vyrona has been weeping continuously for 1 year. Every day, 24 hours a day. So it is not right for all of you who claim to be atheists to ridicule this fact. Visit the church, see it and then write whatever you want."*
He made this post on both Twitter and Facebook, with his words going viral and provoking discussions, with supporters and critics of the MP going back and forth on social media.
A day later, Giannis Kallianos returned with a new post, in which he states that "he did not bother anyone" and that the issue of faith is different from that of science. The post is below:
"I cannot understand what some of you are saying. So, someone who has graduated in Mathematics and has done Postgraduate studies in Applied Mathematics is 'forbidden' to be a Christian and to feel moved by drawing strength after personal prayer?
I cannot understand the fact that because I am deeply immersed in the science of Mathematics, everything must have some scientific explanation. In my 'eyes' there are some facts that may not be scientifically explained.
However, I never mocked or ridiculed anyone's religion. I never demanded from anyone to believe in Christ. Each of us has the right to believe what they want and to act in their life as they wish.
I respect Christians, just as I respect all those who consciously reject any Religion.
It is my personal choice to be deeply religious and I have never tried to impose my opinion on anyone on these issues.
But let me draw strength from where I want and in whatever way I want. I did not bother anyone."*
We can only respect the courage of the man's confession.
* Original Greek text translated by John Sanidopoulos.
