In today's world, Eastern Orthodoxy in Saudi Arabia plays a fundamental role in society, whether as a point of reference in history, as the protagonist of a topic of general interest or as a relevant character today. Its influence extends to multiple aspects of daily life and its relevance cannot be ignored. In this article, we will deeply explore the importance of Eastern Orthodoxy in Saudi Arabia and its impact in various fields, from culture to politics, technology and economics. Through a comprehensive analysis, we will seek to discover the reasons behind its notable influence and the place it occupies in modern society.
Part of a series on the |
Eastern Orthodox Church |
---|
Overview |
Eastern Orthodoxy in Saudi Arabia is a Christian minority consisting of people of various nationalities that are adherents of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The percentage of Saudi Arabian citizens who are Christians is officially zero. The Saudi Arabian Mutaween (Arabic: مطوعين), or Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (i.e., the religious police) prohibits the practice of any religion other than Islam. The Greek Orthodox have some numerical strength. Major nationalities in Saudi Arabia include Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese.
In 2018, it was reported that the religious police had stopped enforcing the ban on Christians religious services. It was also reported that a Coptic Mass was openly conducted for the first time in Riyadh during the visit of Ava Morkos, Coptic Bishop of Shobra Al-Kheima in Egypt. Morkos was originally invited to Saudi Arabia by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in March 2018.