Greek authorities explain mandatory tests in temples are GOC’s initiation

The Synod of the GOC proposed compulsory PCR tests at the entrance to the temples. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

The Synod of the GOC proposed compulsory PCR tests at the entrance to the temples. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

On November 19, 2021, the government spokesperson Yiannis Economou said that the country's authorities had decided on mandatory PCR tests for visiting churches after the proposal of the Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, reports the Greek resource "Romfea".

"People of old ages who are vulnerable to the coronavirus go to the Churches, whether they have been vaccinated and have passed the period of immunity or are unvaccinated. From the first moment in cooperation with the Holy Synod we said that the people who enter must be as shielded as possible. So, we said that the test will be required after the suggestion of the Holy Synod and the commissioners of the church will be in charge of controlling this process and the state organs will make samples there as well. "Believers need to understand that they need to be disciplined," Yiannis Economou said.

As reported, the Greek authorities banned unvaccinated people from visiting temples without a negative PCR test.

OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk

Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.

Archimandrite Ioustinos, longtime keeper of Jacob's Well, dies in Jordan

Archimandrite Ioustinos (Mamallos), the keeper of Jacob's Well in Nablus, has died after a prolonged illness.

Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos

KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.

UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil

The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.

MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church

Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.

Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia

In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.