LAST UPDATE: 13: 45
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus met today, Tuesday, December 15, 2020, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus. The Holy Synod dealt with the problem raised by the government’s announcements regarding the new restrictive measures on the attendance of the faithful in the churches during the Divine Liturgy and other services.
The Holy Synod stated that is shared the anguish of those responsible and their efforts to protect the health of the people. At the same time, however, it considered the new measures to be excessive and unfair to the Church.
The Holy Synod stated that it expected a different response to the issue of church attendance from the government, especially during the forthcoming period of Christian.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus called on the government to reconsider its position regarding the presence of the faithful in the churches and on the great feasts and every Sunday. The Holy Synod proposed the following: “We also have the sensitivity to safeguard the health of the people. We are convinced, however, that the presence of faithful in the churches, depending on the surface of the church and the observance of all other relevant health regulations, does not contribute to the spread of the virus. This has not happened so far, as the experts assured us. Both the priests and the church commission have received strict instructions to follow all the relevant instructions of the health services.”
In the parishes of the cities and in large communities, where there are more than one priest, two and three Divine Liturgies will be held to serve more faithful, always observing the health measures.
In addition, the Holy Synod called on the faithful to show patience in the current difficult situation, expressing confidence that the government will listen to the legitimate demands and reconsider its position will give the religious people of Cyprus the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.
