The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece sent a message to the Greek people just days before the church services with the participation of the faithful starting from Sunday, May 17.
In the message, the Holy Synod states, among other things, that “this period has been hard and bitter for all of us. Your absence from the churches pricked our hearts. But if for you your absence from our worship gatherings was painful, for us your physical absence was the greatest temptation and the greatest pain we have ever experienced in our ministry. How happy can a father be at a home where his children are away? How much can he rejoice in a celebration alone?”.
It is also noted that since Sunday, “the Lord deemed us worthy to meet you again in our Father’s House, to glorify Him together, and to partake in the Cup of Life by receiving ‘the Body and Blood of Christ to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.’
It is reminded, however, that the faithful will enter the churches under certain conditions set by the health authorities to ensure public health protection.
“We have to comply with the recommendations as the directive now has it. We have already collaborated with the scientific community and we will continue to do the same to address the pandemic. That is why we urge you to faithfully follow all the recommendations issued by the special scientific committee.”
The Holy Synod warmly thanked all the doctors, the researchers, and the employees in the hospitals.