Orthodox Priest Musician Defends Views Amid Backlash Over Homophobic Posts and Neo-Nazi Ties
Father Dionysios Tabakis, a Greek Orthodox priest known for drone metal, issued a statement addressing homophobic blog posts and his past performance at a Golden Dawn event. He maintains his views align with Orthodox Church teachings and calls for love and acceptance of homosexual people, though he refers to gay attraction as a sin. He has also withdrawn from an upcoming festival appearance.
Tabakis’s statement, released August 25, defends his writings as consistent with two millennia of Orthodox doctrine while acknowledging that homosexual individuals deserve love and acceptance. He does not directly address the specific blog posts, instead framing his views as a matter of personal conviction, and notes that his beliefs may conflict with the cultural values of experimental music festivals. He has since withdrawn from the Making Time festival in Philadelphia.
The priest’s 2013 performance of a sanctification ceremony at a Golden Dawn office opening was flagged by an anti-fascist group in 2019. His label, Heat Crimes, clarified that Greek Orthodox priests routinely bless all manner of premises, including political offices, and that such acts do not constitute political endorsement. Tabakis also addressed the incident in a YouTube video, stating he detests nationalism and borders.
This controversy may deepen tensions between religious tradition and progressive cultural spaces, particularly as experimental music scenes increasingly prioritize inclusivity. Tabakis’s withdrawal from the festival suggests institutions may face pressure to sever ties with artists whose personal beliefs conflict with community values. The case could also influence how Orthodox clergy navigate public roles, and how audiences weigh artistic output against an artist’s stated convictions.