ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the conflict between the Church of Greece and the Orthodox founders and consecutive administrators of Evangelistria who wished to create new forms of participation in its governance. It refers to information provided by a key Tinian informant: born in 1938, he was a member of the Evangelistria Commission for 15 years and also mayor of Tinos between 1999 and 2002. The chapter examines from a socio-anthropological perspective the various interpretations of the Evangelistria governance model, as well as the relevant ideological positions of the Church of Greece, the Greek State and the local community. It highlights the ideological ambiguity of innovation: the changes in the mode of governance of the sanctuary in Tinos have been justified by resorting to both progressive and conservative arguments. It also examines the recent initiative of the local bishopric to offer the possibility for devotees to send a prayer to the Evangelistria icon via the Internet.
