Religious Beliefs In Greece

Greece is a religiously plural society that is accommodative of many religions. The Ministry of Education and Religion is responsible for the licensing of different groups. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion which is highly influential in several aspects of the society. There is increasing diversity as the responsible authorities have made the process of licensing religious activities relatively easy.

Religious Beliefs In Greece

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Eastern Orthodox is the dominant religion constituting 92% of the Greece population. It had its origins from the schism that occurred between the Pope of Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople. Their disagreement was on issues related to the celibacy of the priests, Holy Communion, and the wording of the Creed. The control of the Pope of the Eastern Patriarchs was also part of the dispute. The division left the Eastern Church outside the control of the Pope. It is the dominant religion that is officially recognized in the constitution. 

Irreligion

The country has a growing number of atheists who constitute 3% of the population. They have a registered association by the name The Atheist Union of Greece. A considerable number of the irreligious Greeks have not subscribed to it for fear of personal identification on issues of personal faith.

Islam

Islam is followed by 3% of the population. The Muslim community in Greece is mainly of Turkish origin. 

Other Beliefs In Greece

There are other religious groups in Greek society, and they constitute 2% of the population. The indigenous Catholics are found all over Greece but especially in the Cyclades and Ionian Islands. Massive migration into the country in the recent past has increased their number to about 200,000. Greek Catholicism is the other minority religious group in the country.