“The pandemic of the coronavirus revealed the smallness of man and overthrew his apparent omnipotence.” This was emphasized in an interview given to neakriti.gr by Archbishop Eirinaios of Crete.
“I would like to see the positives from all the trials, the need to reconsider the value of the human face, to truly seek communion with others, to thirst heartily for what we have been deprived of and are being deprived of at this time, and to extend our hands in prayer to heaven, with a heartfelt prayer.”
He also added that the coronavirus does not affect, as it is said, the Church, but human arrogance. “I would say that the virus is not a blow to the Church, but a blow to the selfishness and arrogance of man.”
Archbishop Eirinaios emphasized too that the Christian faith has always been facing persecution and danger, but its responsibility is to remain committed to its mission, which is none other than the salvation of man.
“In all times, the Christian faith faces persecution and danger. This has to do with the eras, the circumstances, the leaderships of the powerful on Earth and the goals of those who think they determine the situation of this world. Of course, the Orthodox Church, because it knows that its glory is identified with its Cross, is not afraid of those who crusify and persecute. The responsibility of the Orthodox Church is, despite the challenges and various temptations, to remain committed to its mission, which is none other than the salvation of man.”
Finally, he calls on young people to turn a deaf ear to the various “sirens” of our times, to discuss and challenge, as long as this challenge is aimed at the truth.