The Orthodox Church of Greece has called on clergy to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media, urging them to verify information before publishing it, avoid personal self-promotion and uphold Christian principles in online communication. Church leaders also proposed expanding support for people experiencing loneliness and psychological exhaustion.

The issues were discussed on October 7 at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, chaired by Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece, according to the Church’s official website.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkis, speaking about the online presence of clergy, said the Church should neither reject modern technologies nor uncritically adopt the rules of the digital environment.

According to the metropolitan, priests should verify information before sharing it, refrain from insults and the public humiliation of others, and protect the confidentiality of pastoral conversations. They should also avoid turning their social media accounts into tools for building a personal image.

The report emphasized that priests should not present themselves online as independent ecclesiastical authorities. Their public statements must reflect their relationship with their bishop and the local Church.

Clergy were also advised against commenting on every public event and encouraged to understand how digital platforms operate, including mechanisms that can foster addictive behavior and social polarization.

“We need priests who know how to use modern tools without allowing them to control them,” Metropolitan Chrysostomos said.

The goal, he stressed, is not simply to expand the Church’s online presence but to preserve Christian principles of communication.

Another major topic at the Synod meeting was the growing problem of loneliness and psychological exhaustion in modern society.

Metropolitan Dorotheos of Syros noted that these challenges affect people of all ages, from young people to the elderly. They can also occur within families whose members live under the same roof but lack meaningful emotional connections.

To address the problem, he proposed establishing parish groups dedicated to visiting and supporting people who are lonely, ill or elderly. He also called for expanding youth programs and providing training for priests and church volunteers on mental health, domestic violence, school bullying and suicide prevention.

Additional proposals included strengthening cooperation with universities and mental health professionals, establishing church-based counseling centers and developing referral services to connect people with qualified specialists.

The metropolitan also advocated greater support for families, unemployed people, those grieving the loss of loved ones and individuals experiencing social isolation.

According to Metropolitan Dorotheos, combating loneliness requires more than advice or formal assistance. It demands personal involvement, trust and the restoration of meaningful social connections.

The discussions reflect the Church of Greece’s efforts to define its role in an increasingly digital society while strengthening its pastoral and social response to the psychological and social challenges facing contemporary communities.