A deep current surfaces

Undetected by our political radar, the meteorite "Democratic Patriotic Movement Victory" crashed onto Parliament's doorstep in Sunday's elections. And even then, it was as if no one could believe what the charts were showing in TV panel discussions. There was hardly any mention of the newly established party. And yet, despite the May 21 surprise, self-proclaimed "Victory" ("Nike/Niki" in Greek) has deep roots in our society. From before the formation of the Greek state, from the apocalyptic "prophecies" which heralded the freedom of the enslaved Greeks and the restoration of the Byzantine Empire with the help of the Russians.

From the time of our first king, Otto, a powerful subterranean current of messianism has flowed through society, feeding off condemnation of the enemies of Orthodoxy and of the nation (other religions, the Enlightenment, Turks, "Franks," and others). At...