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Greek Orthodox Church conducts secret liturgies to circumvent anti-COVID rules

Greek Orthodox Church conducts secret liturgies to circumvent anti-COVID rules

Greek media have reported that some Churches in the city of Thessaloniki have made secret lists of believers who allow them to enter through the back door to perform the usual religious rituals in this period before Easter.

The news has also received the attention of health authorities, who warn against the danger that kissing icons may have on the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ioannis Kumis, said: "Churches are calling on believers to go to liturgy. This is something that worries me immensely and does not have to happen. It's another infectious hotbed that doesn't have to be. "

Earlier this month, the Orthodox Church of Cyprus also stated that despite the rules the government may set, it will conduct liturgies normally and that anyone who attends them can attend: “Participation is voluntary. No one is forcing you to come to Church. "If some people feel scared and do not want to come, they are free to do so." - was written in the official statement of the Holy Cypriot Synod.

The coronavirus has caused many problems for Christians around the world, as it has forced past Easter and Christmas to not take place under normal conditions, a situation that looks set to be repeated this year.

Tiranapost.al