Although the Church of Greece strictly observes the measures against the spread of the coronavirus, the church staff, who should take care of the faithful inside and outside the churches, have started sounding alarms due to the rise of the coronavirus cases.
It is known that on the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, on the 15th of August, disposable masks were being distributed to those who were outside the churches and the police were making recommendations constantly. At present, the Church of Greece and the Greek government are not concerned with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy or the offering of Holy Communion, but with the weddings and baptisms where many problems have arisen.
The use of masks in churches is mandatory until the 31st of August. The new measures in force from today have nothing to do with the places of worship. The measures issued by a Joint Ministerial Decision on the 8th of August are still in force on places of worship.
The same obligations are applicable to the performance of services, worship services, rituals, sacraments, funerals (and related religious services and other rituals and burial events) and to any kind of religious ceremonies or events outside places of worship.
Religious ministers are exempted from the obligations of the previous paragraphs during the performance of services, worship services, rituals, sacraments, funerals (and related religious services and other rituals and burial events) and of any kind of religious ceremonies. The same obligations apply to the church staff participating in the services, such as chanters.
