THE IRREGULAR PROCLAMATION OF AUTOCEPHALY OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF GREECE (1833): POLITICAL INTERVENTIONS BY OTTO’S REGENCY AND THE DIPLOMACY OF THE GREAT POWERS

Abstract

The proclamation of the Autocephaly of the Church of Greece in 1833 was a predominantly political act that created serious problems in the structure and functioning of the Church. Carried out unilaterally, without the consent or canonical recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, it violated ecclesiastical order and led to the spiritual and administrative subordination of the Church to the state and the King.

The Bavarian Regency, guided by Maurer and in cooperation with Theoklitos Pharmakidis, introduced an administrative model influenced by Protestant principles and the Russian system of Peter the Great, aiming to place the Church under political authority. The policies of the Great Powers, the influence of the English, French, and Russian parties, and the ambitions of political figures such as Trikoupis decisively shaped the process.

Opposing voices, especially Konstantinos Oikonomos ex Oikonomon, argued that the Church should remain above politics and that canonical procedure had to precede any legitimization of autocephaly. The conflict revealed the tension between political independence and canonical order, dividing Greek society between defenders of ecclesiastical tradition and supporters of state-imposed independence influenced by the Enlightenment.

The events of 1833 show that ecclesiastical autonomy cannot be imposed by the state or foreign powers, but requires cooperation with the Mother Church and respect for the canons. They remain important for understanding Church–state relations in Greece and the continuing significance of ecclesiastical order and spiritual independence.