ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to chart the various ways in which the ‘Greek genius’ as a national characteristic and as a cause of (usually unexpected) success has been evaluated by Christian Orthodox actors, both on official and unofficial level. Orthodox discourse usually emphasises the ambivalent character of this characteristic. The emphasis lies not so much on Greek ingeniousness itself and its capacity to find unexpectedly viable solutions, but on the ethical side of success from the perspective of Orthodox morals. Hence, the Orthodox evaluation of the ‘Greek genius’ follows traditional Christian patterns, to the effect that earthly success of all kinds is not a means in itself. For example, economic prosperity has to be diverted to philanthropic activities or the support of the Orthodox Church, the nation, and the country. Aside from this, certain Orthodox circles have reinterpreted this characteristic on another basis (e.g. their lingering anti-Westernism), which often led to the ideological construction of the Greek Orthodox as an elect, even superior people, destined to accomplish great feats on a global scale.
