Syros: the island of religious unity

At the heart of the Aegean Sea, the island of Syros is a symbol of religious unity. Here, two dogmas do not just coexist: they move forward together in harmony. Catholics and Orthodox share their daily lives, their traditions, but also their religious festivals throughout the year. From Christmas to Easter, including the local saints' festivals, the bells resonate in unison, and the faithful from both churches gather in the streets and in the churches, without religious distinction.

For Nikos Solaris, a professor of traditional dances for 53 years, it is mixed marriages that have played a key role in the acceptance of the other. These unions, beyond their personal significance, are also concrete examples of coexistence between the two traditions.

Marriages of Unity

“Fifty years ago, there were some problems on the island. For example, a Catholic would not go into an Orthodox shop. That has disappeared now; it has been overcome and facilitated by mixed marriages. Now, Catholicism and Orthodoxy are harmoniously linked in Syros, as if there were no difference.”

Born and raised in Syros, Nikos Solaris is Catholic while his wife is Orthodox. He explains that it is rare to find a couple where both members belong to the same faith. “It is very beautiful to see Orthodox at Catholic celebrations and vice versa. Moreover, during the feast of the patron saint of Catholics in Áno Syros (located on the east of the island, it is the historical medieval seat of Syros and the administrative center of the unified municipality of Syros), the representative of the Orthodox Church is often present, and sometimes even the archbishop. There is a very good coexistence between Catholics and Orthodox, and everyone respects the faith of the other.”

Growing Up in Respect and Acceptance

On this island of 20,000 inhabitants, of which 40% are Catholic, living together is learned from a young age. Children grow up knowing that religious diversity is part of their daily lives.

Nikos Roussos, a primary school music teacher for thirty years and a founding member of the Cyclades Orchestra, has been observing this for decades. Children understand from a young age that there is more than just their religion. “We see students from Catholic and Orthodox families playing together, attending each other's celebrations, and participating in events, regardless of dogma. Diversity is part of their daily lives, and they approach it naturally,” he notes. “On the day of the blessing in schools, representatives from both churches are present,” he adds.

A Celebration of Unity

This mutual respect is not limited to daily life or school lessons. Every year, as the pinnacle moment of Christianity, Easter approaches, this unity manifests in a unique way. For several decades, Orthodox and Catholics have celebrated Easter together, despite differences in religious calendars.

“By decision of the Holy Synod of the Catholic Hierarchy of Greece, Orthodox and Catholics celebrate Easter together in Syros, proving that what unites us is more important than what divides us,” emphasizes Nikos Roussos.

Nikos Solaris also insists on the importance of this joint celebration. During Holy Week, mixed couples visit both the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, participating in the ceremonies of both confessions.

“The common day of Easter celebration has united us even more. For example, on Holy Thursday, the Catholic man with the Orthodox woman will go to the Orthodox church, while the next day, they will meet together at the Catholic Church. This change is something completely normal in Syros. Mutual respect and acceptance of the other are the foundation of our community. Everyone respects each other's beliefs, and this harmony is reflected in every celebration.”

Nikos Roussos expresses the hope that the example of Syros will become an inspiration for other societies. “I would like what we live here for many years to become a reality for others.” Perhaps this is the lesson of a small Greek island to the world.