The Glyfada Archdiocese released a statement that maintains that martial arts sports based on Eastern philosophy are a spiritual threat to Christians. The message came following the introduction of jiu-jitsu lessons at a number of primary schools of Greece.

“Following information we received concerning the approval of martial arts (lessons) licensed entry – specifically Jujutsu – at a number of primary schools around Greece through a specific document by the Ministry of Education, we would like to express our objection,” begins the statement that claims that jiu-jitsu, karate and all martial arts go against Christianity as they are based on the Eastern philosophies of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, hence they come in “direct conflict with the Orthodox Christian message of love.”

Glyfada’s Bishop Pavlos is worried that the young schoolchildren will be directly influenced by these practices and hence would be lead to the occult. The criticism of martial arts comes following a similar condemnation of yoga over summer.