Snubbing tradition

Serious countries maintain and honor their traditions and their institutions, irrespective of personalities and changing circumstances. In Greece, we tend to disregard everything.

The use of the singular in public exchanges between state officials and an atmosphere that is casual and lighthearted do not signal a shift toward a more modern style of politics.

In the same vein, it is not justifiable that everyone, including Greek state television, snubbed a decades-long tradition on the Epiphany public holiday, because they may disagree with the – admittedly provocative – stance of a local bishop on some social issue.

There is a need for greater seriousness and caution when dealing with matters that might appear simply ceremonial but are actually of real substance as they relate to traditions, and institutions that cannot be adapted to the differing preferences of the various governments that come and go.