LAST UPDATE: 17:14
The Standing Holy Synod of the Church of Greece discussed the coronavirus outbreak issue at today’s meeting, for which an encyclical has already been sent to the Holy Metropolises of the Church of Greece, in cooperation with the competent state authorities, with the aim of contributing to its efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
In response to the fear that has been cultivated lately and the voices calling for the Communion of believers to be stopped, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, in its announcement, makes it clear that the faithful will continue to receive the Holy Communion as usual.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, following its first announcement on the issue of the coronavirus on February 28, is returning today giving a clear answer to the debate that has begun in recent days about whether and how the new virus can be transmitted through of the Common Glass and how to address the issue.
With a very cautious and clear reason, the Holy Synod does not condemn those who are afraid of participating in the Holy Communion, but it clearly states its faith and calls on “the public debate participants” to respect this faith and the free choice of the people to continue participating in the Mysteries of the Church.
The Holy Synod decided to continue offering and receiving the Holy Communion. The Synod stated that the Holy Communion could never become a cause of disease transmission because receiving the Holy Communion, even in the midst of a pandemic, is a manifestation of the love that overcomes everybody and perhaps its justified fear. It also decided to take all necessary measures, as recommended by the competent state authorities, to prevent the coronavirus spread.
All of the above do not, of course, negate the importance of all the precautionary measures announced by the competent state authorities, which are described in detail in today’s communication of the Holy Synod. The Church will, in fact, inform its flock by issuing a special explanatory brochure on all the preventive measures that will be distributed to the faithful at all the churches.
Therefore, it calls the flock to a prayer against the disease on Sunday, recommends compliance with hygiene rules and stresses that vulnerable groups should better “avoid crowded areas, as well as kissing and embracing, to protect both their own health and their brethren’s. “
