UOC Chancellor: Principle of voluntariness is most important in vaccination

To vaccinate or not: everyone must decide for themselves. Photo: sfedu.ru

Compliance with the principle of voluntariness is the most important moment in vaccination against coronavirus, said Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, the Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, everyone must decide on their own without any coercion to get vaccinated or not. At the same time, those who refuse vaccination against COVID-19 should not be infringed on their rights. “Participation or non-participation in this process should be the result of an independent decision of each of us. At the same time, the main thing in this whole matter is the observance of the principle of voluntariness and the absence of restrictions on the rights of those who, due to objective reasons, refused to be vaccinated,” said the UOC hierarch.

He also spoke about the consequences of the epidemic for believers and the Church. In particular, due to medical indications, the problem of conducting services with the participation of parishioners arose. In this regard, the UOC allowed believers who feel at least a little unwell not to attend Sunday services so as not to cause infection to others. At the same time, the emergence of a new serious illness and the imposed social restrictions that hit the well-being of a large number of families caused an increase in despondency among people.

On the other hand, as Metropolitan Anthony noted, the epidemic made people appreciate open churches and the opportunity to participate in the sacraments of the Church. “I hope that this epidemic will shake us up and make us appreciate every moment spent in the church,” resumed the bishop of the UOC.

As reported, a petition to the President against compulsory vaccination has collected 25,000 signatures.

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