Dimitrios Holevas, Greek priest and philologist (d. 2001)

Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas: A Priest, Scholar, and Resistance Hero

Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas (Greek: Δημήτριος Χολέβας; January 26, 1907 – July 16, 2001), more commonly known by his evocative nom de guerre Papa-Holevas (Παπαχολέβας, meaning "Father Holevas"), was a profoundly significant Greek Orthodox priest. His life journey uniquely intertwined his spiritual calling with a fervent commitment to national liberation, making him a notable figure in the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS), which was the military wing established by the National Liberation Front (EAM). This leftist resistance movement played a pivotal role in opposing the brutal Axis occupation of Greece during World War II (1941-1944) by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Bulgaria.

Early Life, Education, and Ordination

Dimitrios Holevas was born on January 26, 1907, in the tranquil village of Tsouka, nestled within the region of Phthiotis in Central Greece. He spent his formative years growing up in Makrakomi. His intellectual curiosity led him to pursue higher education, where he distinguished himself by studying Literature and Archaeology at two of Greece's most esteemed academic institutions: the University of Athens and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This academic grounding as a philologist would later complement his spiritual and patriotic endeavors. In 1938, a significant year in his life, he was ordained a priest, embarking on his dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox Church.

A Spiritual Leader in the Heart of the Greek Resistance

When Greece fell under the oppressive yoke of the Axis powers in 1941, many citizens, including members of the clergy, rose to resist. Protopresbyter Holevas joined ELAS in 1942, adopting the powerful nom de guerre "Papaflessas." This choice was deeply symbolic, referencing Grigorios Dikaios (Papaflessas), a revered cleric and hero of the Greek War of Independence (1821), thus linking the contemporary struggle against occupation to Greece's enduring fight for freedom and independence. His dedication and leadership qualities quickly became apparent within the resistance movement. He was appointed as the military priest of ELAS' 13th Division, a crucial role that involved not only attending to the spiritual needs of the fighters but also acting as a vital morale booster and a symbol of national unity amidst the armed resistance.

Holevas's involvement in the resistance extended far beyond the battlefield. His influence and commitment led him to become a deputy in the EAM-sponsored Political Committee of National Liberation (PEEA), which served as a provisional government operating in the liberated areas of Greece from 1943 onwards. This demonstrated the significant breadth of his impact within the broader resistance movement. In 1943, he undertook a crucial organizational initiative by establishing a council of priests in Spercheiada, bringing together fellow clergy who shared his commitment to the national cause. Furthermore, he founded the Pan-clerical Orthodox Clergy Union, an unprecedented organization that garnered remarkable support, eventually reaching approximately 4,000 members. His election as its General Secretary underscored the widespread participation of Orthodox clergy in the EAM/ELAS resistance movement under his inspired leadership.

Post-War Persecution and Enduring Recognition

The post-World War II period in Greece was marked by intense political turmoil, culminating in the Greek Civil War (1946-1949). Due to the left-leaning nature and communist influence within EAM/ELAS, individuals associated with these organizations faced severe persecution from the subsequent conservative Greek state and establishment. Protopresbyter Holevas was no exception. For his active participation and fervent support of ELAS, the Synodal Court of the Church of Greece controversially suspended him from his clerical duties for a period of three years. Adding to his tribulations, in 1947, he was subjected to internal exile on the island of Ikaria, a common punitive measure for political dissidents during that tumultuous era, effectively isolating him from public life and his community.

Despite these significant hardships and political ostracism, his unwavering dedication to education and spiritual guidance persisted. As both a philologist and a priest, he continued to serve his community by teaching in various schools across Greece, including those in Lamia, Lavrion, Leros, Archangelos in Rhodes, and Nikaia. His perseverance and extraordinary contributions during the Resistance era were finally acknowledged decades later. In 2001, just months before his passing, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece bestowed upon him the prestigious Gold Cross of St Paul. This high ecclesiastical honor recognized his courageous and patriotic activity during the Resistance, implicitly acknowledging the vital role played by many clergy during that tumultuous historical period.

Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas passed away on July 16, 2001, at the venerable age of 94, leaving behind a profound legacy as a scholar, a devoted priest, and an indomitable national resistance fighter. He was married and had five children, a common and accepted practice for protopresbyters and other parish clergy within the Greek Orthodox tradition, distinguishing them from monastic clergy who take vows of celibacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas

Who was Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas?

Protopresbyter Dimitrios Holevas, also widely known as Papa-Holevas, was a Greek Orthodox priest, a respected scholar (philologist and archaeologist), and a prominent figure within the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS), the principal resistance organization during the Axis occupation of Greece in World War II.

What was his primary role in the Greek Resistance?

He served as the military priest for ELAS' 13th Division, providing spiritual and moral support to the fighters. He was also a deputy in the EAM-sponsored PEEA parliament, organized a significant council of priests in Spercheiada, and founded and led the Pan-clerical Orthodox Clergy Union, which grew to include approximately 4,000 members. He adopted the nom de guerre "Papaflessas."

Why was he persecuted after World War II?

Following World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War (1946-1949), individuals associated with the leftist-leaning ELAS and EAM movements faced severe political persecution. Holevas was suspended from his clerical duties by the Synodal Court and sent to internal exile on the island of Ikaria due to his prominent involvement with ELAS.

What significant honor did he receive later in life?

In 2001, shortly before his passing, he was awarded the prestigious Gold Cross of St Paul by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. This high ecclesiastical honor recognized his courageous activities and significant contributions during the Greek Resistance.

Is it common for Greek Orthodox priests to be married?

Yes, in the Greek Orthodox Church, it is common and permissible for parish priests, such as Protopresbyter Holevas, to be married and have families before their ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. This distinguishes them from monastic clergy who commit to vows of celibacy.