Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all of Greece performed the Great Blessing of the Waters service in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens in the morning, on the Feast of the Epiphany.
On this very day, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Bishop Filotheos of Oreoi, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, celebrated the Holy communion earlier on the same day.
The Church observed all the precautionary measures to stem the spread the coronavirus and the faithful kept social distancing from each other in accordance with the Encyclical of the Holy Synod.
Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop wished all the best and blessed the faithful: “Let us celebrate together in health the Feast of the Epiphany next year when we will be free to feel the greatness of our faith, orthodoxy, tradition.”
Once he left the Cathedral, the Archbishop of Athens responded to reporters and said that he had discussed the matter with the Greek Prime Minister. He also referred to “what had happened” and what they “were waiting for”.
He also pointed out: “This day is very important for us! We must raise our historical awareness. History tells us that life runs in circles. We also experience the circles of life. Anyone who knows history always expects strange things to happen. The Church is ready for everything.” He also expressed his optimism for the future.
At the same time, when he was asked by a reporter whether the sanitary measures were observed, the Archbishop of Athens replied: “Look around you and you will see all the measures the Church has taken. Then, you can go to the beach or to a square.”
