Met Seraphim of Kythera: Pandemic cannot be overcome by closing churches
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira. Photo: pentapostagma.gr
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera and Antikythera of the Greek Orthodox Church said that the coronavirus pandemic cannot be overcome by closing churches, reports the Greek resource “Romfea”.
During a sermon at the Church of the Mother of God in Myrtidiotissa, Metropolitan Seraphim noted that “just as we do not close hospitals and sanatoriums, we must not close churches. Indeed, who has calculated the spiritual damage that believers endure when they live outside the Divine Eucharist? Who can rate this?"
“This ordeal cannot be overcome if we go in this unorthodox way, closing the churches and waiting for things to change. That is why we appeal to all those in charge and the Holy Synod to speed up the procedures so that the Temples of God to operate with certain measures that can be taken."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Seraphim, the COVID epidemic has intensified due to the closure of churches.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.