Wiseman Harry, a disciple of the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB Joshua, has changed his church’s name from SCOAN Thessalonica to the Christian Church of All Nations, Thessalonica.
Harry, born Charalampos Tsakonidis, announced this in a video posted on the church’s Facebook page on February 15. The church is based in Thessalonica, northern Greece.
In the video, Harry said: “The Synagogue Church of All Nations Thessalonica has been renamed. Our ministry will now go by the name Christian Church of All Nations, Thessalonica as per God’s divine instruction.”
He said the church’s logo would be seen on all social media platforms and that it would be a “symbol of unshakeable proof that God’s work cannot be banished or stopped by human adversity and opposition.”
Explaining the meaning of the logo, Harry said the cross at the centre shows it is the focal point and that the image of the world shows the church is global. The dove symbolises the Holy Spirit while fire represents revival.
The change comes a month after the BBC in partnership with openDemocracy published a documentary showing some former disciples of Joshua who made various allegations against the late preacher including rape, forced abortion, staged miracles and torture.
There are concerns that the likes of Harry and other disciples of Joshua may face a crackdown if they continue associating themselves with Joshua and following his legacy.
However, one Facebook user named Elisabeth Celaj debunked claims in the comment section of Harry’s post that the cleric had fallen out with Joshua’s wife, Evelyn, leader of SCOAN.
“…They are not allowed to use the title synagogue because they are not a Jewish synagogue. And in Thessaloniki, there is a big Jewish community that doesn’t want a Christian church to be called a synagogue,” Celaj wrote.
Harry started the church after spending 10 years at SCOAN in Lagos.
In August 2022, the Greek government arrested the 39-year-old for allegedly operating the church without a license. He was later released.