Metropolitan Ierotheos of Nafpaktos, spokesman of the Church of Greece on coronavirus pandemic issues, answered journalists’ questions yesterday.
Metropolitan Ierotheos stressed: “We are in a state of war in which we must behave with discernment and seriousness.”
In its decision, the Holy Synod “does not refer to the issue of the administration of the Holy Communion, it is more interested in the mass gathering.”
He also said that the local Metropolitans would be responsible for implementing the decision, answering questions and addressing problems.
The decision of the Holy Synod to “temporarily” hold the services during the Holy Week and Easter “behind closed doors” was made “in accordance with ecclesiastical economy.” “It is not good, nor is it perfect”, but, at least, the service will be held in the churches and will be live-streamed on all media and online.
In another question, the Metropolitan stated: “There will be no problems,” as it has already been demonstrated during the 20-day period within which the churches remain closed.
“According to the ministerial decision, we are responsible for what will happen inside the church. If anything happens outside the church, we are not responsible. The Holy Synod requests that violations should be avoided and issues should be addressed with prayer, faith and repentance,” he said. “The Holy Synod fulfilled its obligation and still addresses the problem.”
He stressed that the Church was having trouble conducting the religious services taking into consideration that the Holy Week was “the heart of the liturgical year.” He also clarified that the government’s decisions are not against the Church since they were preventive measures for public health.
