Unfortunately it is true that some of the Orthodox churches, especially here in the disapora, have watered down the traditional prohibition on artificial birth control. In this country the OCA and even Fr. Patrick’s own Antiochian Archdiocese have certainly done so. I am not sure what the official position in the Greek Archdiocese is but from purely anecdotal evidence the practice appears to be one of leaving it to the conscience of the individuals in question.
I am comforted however by the more clear and traditional stand of the churches in the old country where, with few exceptions, artificial birth control is condemned. Exceptions are sometimes admitted for grave risks to the health of the mother or child in the even of pregnancy. But even then it is only tolerated within marriage, and the use of abortificient birth control is flatly prohibited without exception.
“I am comforted however by the more clear and traditional stand of the churches in the old country where, with few exceptions, artificial birth control is condemned.”
I’m not so sure that’s the case. I think most Orthodox prelates stay away from the issue just as much as most Catholic prelates do these days.
By the way, Greece, a decade ago - before the economic crisis - had one of the highest abortion rate in Europe. Now it’s gone up 50% since then: http://www.ekathimerini.com/203320/article/ekathimerini/community/abortions-up-50-percent-in-greece-since-start-of-the-crisis