Identity Conflict in Modern Greece: Revisiting the Concept of Helleno-Christian Synthesis?

Abstract

The relevance of addressing the topic of national identity is determined by the high dynamism of changes in the societal space of the modern world, which complicates and at the same time requires constant study of the peculiarities of self-identification of certain social communities. From this point of view, the identity conflict in modern Greece provides extensive material that, despite the breadth and depth of the available research literature, has not yet been thoroughly analysed. The purpose of this study is to examine the dynamics of change in the religious component of Greek identity influenced by the processes of European integration and to explore how so-called European values are adapted to at the national level. To this end, the following objectives are achieved: firstly, the main value-based and religious attitudes of the Greek society in the process of national identity formation are identified; secondly, the available data on the current religious situation in the country are systematized; finally, the cases of identity conflict in modern Greece are analysed. The research materials include legal documents, data from official websites, as well as media materials. The research methodology relies upon axiological and hermeneutical approaches; the method of narrative analysis and discourse analysis are also used. The results of the study show that Helleno-Christian formula is an attempt to bring together Greek identity with its antique background and the Church claims to have a significant role in the process. The historic overview as well as modern statistics and data indicate patterns in the identification of the people of Greece, including cases of identity conflicts. The research substantiates the conclusion about the significant impact of the erosion of the religious component on the process of transformation of Greek identity. European legislation, as well as the ‘European values’ promoted by Brussels, have led to the deterioration of the key formula of the ‘Helleno-Christian synthesis’, which defined the design of Greek identity during the time of gaining independence and has retained its influence until recently. While, on the one hand, there is an expansion of rights and freedoms, including religious freedoms, on the other hand, a model of society imposed from above and often not supported from below, which was not typical for Greece before its accession to the EU, is being established. The identity conflict associated with this process polarises society and leads not only political parties but also religious institutions to revise their value-based and ideological platforms.

Keywords

• greece
• national identity
• european values
• modern greek state
• orthodox church