Edessa 2023: Macedonian Archimandrite Nikodim Tsarknias attacked again

Brief Description:

On August 28, 2023, a hate-motivated attack occurred at the home of Archimandrite Reverend Nikodim Tsarknias, a representative of the Macedonian minority in Greece. Greek nationalists targeted his residence by throwing eggs at his car, writing "HELLAS" on the concrete floor, and throwing stones at the windows. This incident is part of a broader pattern of intimidation; Reverend Tsarknias has filed approximately 15 complaints over the past five years. Despite these reports, the local police department initially claimed they could do nothing more than record the incidents in the daily log.

Following the August 2023 attack, Reverend Tsarknias engaged a lawyer who formally filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office in Edessa. The complaint held the Greek state accountable for any further harm to him, his family, or his property. Subsequently, under the Prosecutor’s instruction, the police identified the perpetrators. The assailants expressed remorse. Reverend Tsarknias chose not to press charges, and the attacks have ceased.

The victim directly addressed the Prosecutor, formally requesting protection.

The police, acting under the Prosecutor’s order, identified the perpetrators, which ended the incidents.

Father Nikodim has been a victim of hate speech for more than 20 years. His last appearance on public media was in 2002, when he was invited to participate in a Greek national television channel broadcast. After this show, Father Nikodim never again appeared on Greek television himself, but this recording is still used to slander and insult him. 

More information on the case can be obtained from

* Greek national television channel broadcast 2002, https://youtu.be/AuGPZM6jVpk?si=zx4zND-3DVeYEt23

* NPO "Krste Misirkov" Macedonian Movement to Promote Mother Language, https://npokrstemisirkov.blogspot.com/ 

Photo: NPO "Krste Misirkov"