An encyclical was sent by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece to the Holy Archdiocese of Athens and the Metropolises of the Church of Greece in view of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, holidays in which a large number of believers partake in the religious services.
On the occasion of the increase of the cases of the new coronavirus, especially in the Attiki region, the Holy Synod reminds the relevant decisions of the Standing Holy Synod regarding the strict and consistent compliance with the intended precautionary measures for the protection of public health by calling on the clergy, the monks, the nuns, and the members of the church councils and the Diocesan Councils, to comply strictly with the measures.
“The Church of Greece, as it has done since the beginning of the health crisis, continues to hold a responsible position towards the clergy and its faithful, as it is interested both in the people’s health and in ensuring the uninterrupted performance of religious services,” as noted in the encyclical.
Meanwhile, the Greek government is stepping up protection measures against the COVID-19
“Very important steps have been taken in places of worship and we are informed that the vast majority of churches comply with all relevant rules,” said Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Nikos Chardalias during today’s press briefing on COVID-19 situation.
Nikos Chardalias stated that no additional measures were being considered for the churches at that moment, despite the fact that the government spokesman stated yesterday that “after the experts’ recommendation, the further mandatory use of face mask in various enclosed spaces is being considered,” including “the churches where we see there is mass gathering again.”
“We take a step-by-step approach,” said today the deputy minister of civil protection, “should any additional measure be taken, this will be done “in consultation with the Church of Greece” and “after a specific proposal of the experts’ committee.”
