Members of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece’s permanent Holy Synod convened on Tuesday, amid a peaceful protest outside the Petraki Monastery, in central Athens, by some 30 demonstrators, who demanded the immediate reopening of cathedrals throughout the country for the holding of services with the presence of worshipers.
The Church of Greece has finalized its proposals for public health precautions inside churches and chapels, which are due to open to worshipers during holy services and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
In a bid to prevent exposure to the Covid-19 virus, social distancing will be enforced inside cathedrals, while seats and pews will either be covered or removed.
Additionally, a ceiling will be placed on the number of people who may be present within a church at any one time, based on the floor size of each place of worship.
As previously reported, disinfectant liquids will be available at entry points, which church interiors will be duly ventilated and disinfected constantly.
Regarding the issue of partaking in the sacrament of Holy Communion, the Church of Greece is steadfast in its position – similar to other Orthodox Churches the world over – stressing that the Holy Eucharist entails no risks of transmission of diseases — as this sacrament comprises the very Body and Blood of the Lord and Savior.
