Met. Luke on coronavirus: During epidemics people head to temples
The ruling bishop of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy, Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko). Photo: vv.com.ua
The outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic generated among the inhabitants of Ukraine a lot of rumours, fears and questions, including how to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, a doctor by training, talked to a UOJ correspondent and commented on the current situation.
“Let's look at the whole history of the Church. When epidemics break out, tragedies and cataclysms occur, where do people rush to? At such moments, people turn to God, go on religious processions, and gather in the temple for general prayer. They seek protection and help from God,” said Metropolitan Luke.
The UOC hierarch recalled that the life of each of us is in the hands of God, and that is why Orthodox Christians around the world first headed to temples during pandemics (spreading of the disease across a large region – Ed.). They did not fear to get infected, but on the contrary, they sought healing there and found it, Lord Bishop emphasized.
“In the cross procession and during the service, everyone breathes in one breath. Because the believer is not afraid of anything, he is with Christ,” the bishop added.
He said that he is now in another country. There, during a visit to the church shop, he noticed some people, due to artificially heated panic and a false fear of infection, even acquire individual spoons for the Holy Communion.
“Separate spoons for the Communion – what is this? Fear to get infected from the Holy Body and Blood of Christ?! Madness! Do you fear Christ? Why are you going to Him then?” said Metropolitan Luke.
The UOC hierarch urged the flock not to panic, not to sin, to trust God, to observe personal hygiene rules and lead a healthy lifestyle. And in conclusion, he reminded that in due time people managed to survive the “swine flu", the “bird flu", and even the “Spanish flu” epidemic, which is considered one of the most massive flu pandemics in the history of mankind.
Earlier, Metropolitan Luke noted: it will make a difference to the world if everyone understands that the Gospel is the Word of God.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.