In the annals of history, there have been many tales of sects and religious groups that grabbed attention and followers before fading into obscurity. However, there are few stories as mysterious as that of the group known only as “The Disappearing Sect.” They arrived in a small town in the middle of nowhere, imparted their teachings, and disappeared as quickly as they came, leaving behind only unanswered questions and a few enigmatic clues to their existence. This group’s brief sojourn perplexed the local populace and sparked the curiosity of scholars and journalists alike. In this article, we will delve into the story of this ephemeral sect, piecing together what we know and attempting to unravel the perplexing web of speculation and rumors that surround them.
A group of Danish citizens settled in a village outside Thessaloniki, northern Greece in January 2019. The villagers of Melissohori welcomed them with open arms. The Danish group, who belonged to a secretive Christian sect called “Father’s House,” had bought two dilapidated houses which they worked hard to restore. The children in the group were homeschooled, and their reason for doing so was rooted in the fact that some of them had faced bullying in Denmark.
The Danish citizens had come to Greece with the intention of settling permanently and learning the language. However, soon after their arrival, their strange behavior caught the attention of the villagers. The Danes told different backstories to different people about their previous lives; they covered themselves rigorously, even when swimming in their pool, and refused to be photographed. The children did not watch TV or use the internet, and it was rumored that their future marriages had been prearranged.
Despite these odd behaviors, the Danish group co-existed peacefully with the villagers for almost two years. In October 2020, the group sold their properties and left suddenly, even though they had been advised by a Greek lawyer to wait until the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic had passed. Some members of the group showed up again a few months later, but they did not stay.
Recently, a woman who wished to remain anonymous came forward and told Jyllands-Posten, a Danish newspaper, that her children had been emotionally and physically abused. The woman claimed that the sect had promised her, upon their arrival in Greece, that another family would raise her children. She further alleged that both children and adults were subjected to corporal punishment if they “did not follow the way of Christ.”
Now, the Greek authorities are investigating “Father’s House” and the accusations of mistreatment made against them. Though the group had only been in Greece for a short time, they had managed to establish themselves well in the community. However, their sudden departure and the allegations of mistreatment against them have left the villagers of Melissohori in shock.
The behavior of the “Father’s House” sect raises questions about the dangers posed by secretive religious groups who operate on the periphery of society. These groups often attract people who are searching for a sense of belonging, but all too often, they can end up becoming victims of emotional and physical abuse. Therefore, it is crucial that authorities investigate allegations of mistreatment and take swift action when necessary to protect individuals from harm. The case of the Danish group in Greece serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly accepting a group or community without proper investigation.
