Archbishop Christodoulos hit out yesterday at sections of the media that he said are trying to exaggerate the Church of Greece’s objection to worshipers watching the “Da Vinci Code” film.

Speaking at a meeting of the Holy Synod, the head of the Church accused some journalists of intentionally misinforming the public about the Orthodox Church’s views on the film.

Christodoulos said some reports had suggested that he was “scared” of the film and that the Church hierarchy had been in a “rage” over its showing in Greece. The archbishop denied that this was the case.

The film is based on a best-selling Dan Brown novel which explores the idea that Jesus Christ has living descendants.

Last week, the bishop of Thessaloniki, Anthimos, advised Greeks to avoid watching the film, which stars Tom Hanks, because it was inaccurate. But Christo-

doulos warned his bishops and other clerics not to express their view on the film to reporters as they did not have the authority to present the Church’s official position.