Church of Greece unwilling to comply with “suspension of processions”

The Church of Greece does not seem willing to comply with the rules of the state and it plans to perform religious processions in the month of August despite their suspension by the Civil Protection.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece recalled a recent circular ( August 4) by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos, that “religious procession will  be performed with great care, without crowding of the faithful participants.”

The relevant circular to Metropolises and monasteries across the country, recommended also that “processions are to be performed in short time, if possible” and that this decision relies on the local church leader.

The Holy Synod says also that the Church of Greece continues its “responsible position,” even though it did not clarify it.

Greece’s Civil Protection announced on Friday evening additional restrictive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus that has resurged. Among the measures is also the current “suspension of processions.” In its statement, the Civil Protection said that the decision was taken in cooperation with the Holy Synod.

On August 15, Greeks celebrate the Dorminion of Virgin Mary, next to Christmas and Easter, one of the biggest celebrations in Greek Orthodoxy.

At the same time, epidemiologist warn of additional restrictive measures, should the coronavirus cases not decrease by the second week of the month.