Greek Priest and Metal Guitarist Dionysios Tabakis Responds to Neo-Nazi and Homophobia Allegations
Greek Orthodox priest and drone metal guitarist Dionysios Tabakis (Father Dionysios Tabakis), whose debut album Paradise Metal went viral online last month to critical acclaim, has responded to allegations of homophobia and neo-Nazi association. Fans surfaced a series of blog posts using anti-gay language and a 2013 video showing him performing a blessing ceremony outside the offices of neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn. Tabakis has addressed the allegations via a YouTube video and a written statement, and has withdrawn from his scheduled appearance at Philadelphia's Making Time festival. The written statement was reported by Far Out Magazine, quoting Pitchfork.
What surfaced
Fans located two 2024 posts on a blog called "The Doors The Doors" that referred to gay people using the term "Σοδομιτῶν" (Sodomites) and described same-sex marriage as a "σοδομικὸ τερατούργημα" (a Sodom-like monstrous creation).
A separate 2013 YouTube video shows Tabakis conducting a blessing ceremony in front of Golden Dawn's office building. Golden Dawn held seats in the Greek parliament from 2015 to 2019 and was ruled a criminal organization by Greek courts in 2020.
Tabakis's response
In his YouTube video, Tabakis said the blessing was part of his assigned duties as the priest responsible for Nafplio, calling it work he was directed to do. He said he "hates nationalism and hates borders," and mentioned that he removed the frets from his guitar so he could play freely.
In his written statement, Tabakis said he is not used to hiding his beliefs, even when speaking out publicly makes him unpopular. Addressing his association with Golden Dawn, he wrote that his grandparents from Crete fought against Hitler and Nazism, and that he is continuing their spirit.
On the homophobia allegations, he said his views on homosexuality are "the same as the Orthodox Church's position for two thousand years, no more and no less," and said the Church owes gay people love and acceptance, since many have faced strong rejection from their environment, especially their families. However, in the same statement he still referred to homosexual desire as "sin," writing "sin freely, and repent freely," and said he would rather err in freedom than maintain virtue under oppression. He concluded by saying he hopes to return to a quiet, monastic life and continue uploading music on his channel.
Withdrawal from Making Time festival
Tabakis had been confirmed to perform at Philadelphia's Making Time festival but has since withdrawn. Neither organizers nor the artist have said whether the withdrawal is directly related to this controversy.