After the strong reaction of Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus, the Cypriot government changed the decision regarding church attendance.
Therefore, for the period from April 26, 2021, to May 2, 2021, up to 50 faithful are allowed to attend the service inside the churches.
Believers will present their COVID-19 vaccination certificate, proving that they have received at least one dose, at least three weeks before, in compliance with the social distancing measures, as well as the health protocols.
Faithful are also allowed to attend the service in the courtyard of the churches, in accordance with the measure of social distancing and the health protocols.
It is reminded that Archbishop Chrysostomos II expressed a strong reaction to the new decisions announced by the Minister of Health regarding the church attendance.
In statements on public TV channel, he said they were quite strict from the beginning. “I said from the beginning we would accept no one in the church unless one wears a face mask.”
He called on the government to answer whether the faithful could transmit the virus should they wear face masks and keep social distancing. “We will not obey and we will invite the faithful to come to the churches, keeping distance and wearing face masks.”
He went on to say that the government should leave the Church alone. “From the first moment, we were strict and please change the decision.”