“Following on from the initial stage of relaxation of restrictive measures, the churches will be open to the public for individual worship while the places of worship will be opened to the congregation with specific protection rules and measures at a later stage,” said Greek Government Spokesman Stelios Petsas during the briefing of the journalists.
Asked to give further explanations for the opening of the churches, Petsas replied:
“It is clear that all this time the Church has a responsible attitude and has taken responsibility by making tough decisions. The faithful followed the advice of both the church and the state and, fortunately, we have done extremely well so far in this as well.
Upon the lifting of restrictive measures, the faithful will be allowed to go to the church of individual worship, but the issue of the presence of the congregation during the religious services will be possible at a later stage, hopefully not too far away.
This is an issue that will be discussed with the Church of Greece. I would like to say that Archbishop Ieronymos himself in his letter to the prime minister put foreword some proposals within a specific framework within which it the presence of the congregation at the religious services will be possible with specific rules and conditions.
I must reiterate that this will be implemented, always with the aim of protecting public health and as long as personal hygiene and distance measures are observed.”
